Fourteen islands in the western Pacific Ocean make up the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Settled thousands of years ago and first visited by European explorer Magellan in the 1500s, the islands have been held by the Spanish, German, Japanese, and U.S. governments. They were bases for both Japan and the United States during World War II. This territory's beautiful beaches now draw many tourists to the area. The islands are also known for diverse wildlife, active volcanoes, and regular typhoons. This informative guide will transport readers to these captivating islands through full-color photographs, primary sources, and a timeline.