commonwealth; self-governing with locally elected governor, lieutenant governor, and legislature
Legal System
based on US system, except for customs, wages, immigration laws, and taxation
Currency
US dollar (USD)
Economic Overview
The economy benefits substantially from financial assistance from the US. The rate of funding has declined as locally generated government revenues have grown. The key tourist industry employs about 50% of the work force and accounts for roughly one-fourth of GDP. Japanese tourists predominate. Annual tourist entries have exceeded one-half million in recent years, but financial difficulties in Japan have caused a temporary slowdown. The agricultural sector is made up of cattle ranches and small farms producing coconuts, breadfruit, tomatoes, and melons. Garment production is by far the most important industry with employment of 17,500 mostly Chinese workers and sizable shipments to the US under duty and quota exemptions.
Natural Resources
arable land, fish
Primary Industries
tourism, construction, garments, handicrafts
Agricultural Products
coconuts, fruits, vegetables; cattle
Import Commodities
food, construction equipment and materials, petroleum products