North Mariana Islands Country Summary

North Mariana Islands is a commonwealth in political union with the United States. Information for the United States may be included below:

FATF Status

The U.S.A. is not on the FATF List of Countries that have been identified as having strategic AML deficiencies

Compliance with FATF Recommendations

The latest follow-up Mutual Evaluation Report relating to the implementation of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards in the USA was undertaken by in 2024. According to that Evaluation, the USA was deemed Compliant for 9 and Largely Compliant for 23 of the FATF 40 Recommendations. It remains Highly Effective for 4 and Substantially Effective for 4 with regard to the 11 areas of Effectiveness of its AML/CFT Regime.

The North Mariana Islands, as a commonwealth in political union with the United States, reflects the broader issues of organized crime faced by the US, including human trafficking, arms trafficking, drug trade, and cyber crimes. Vulnerable populations are often targeted, with criminal networks exerting significant influence, particularly along the US-Mexico border. Despite these challenges, the US has a robust legal framework and international cooperation efforts aimed at combating organized crime, although issues like political polarization and public trust in law enforcement remain concerns.

The economy of the Northern Mariana Islands is primarily driven by tourism, especially from Japan, and has historically included garment manufacturing, which has faced significant challenges. Agriculture contributes minimally to the GDP at 1.7%, yet remains essential for local food supply, while federal funding and a unique labor market have influenced economic dynamics. Recent efforts are being made to diversify the economy and attract foreign investment, particularly in the tourism sector, to recover from the impacts of the pandemic.

The investment climate in the Northern Mariana Islands is shaped by its status as a U.S. territory, providing stability and access to U.S. markets. However, the economy's heavy reliance on tourism and garment manufacturing makes it susceptible to external shocks, which can affect investor confidence. Efforts are being made to diversify the economy and attract foreign investment, particularly by improving infrastructure and enhancing the tourism experience.