Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Covenant

The Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) is an agreement between the United States and the Northern Mariana Islands, a group of islands in the Pacific. Established in 1976, it grants the Northern Mariana Islands some self-governing powers while still being under U.S. sovereignty. This means the islands can make their own laws in many areas, but U.S. federal laws apply as well. The Covenant reflects the islands' unique history, culture, and desire for self-determination, and it aims to balance local governance with the benefits of being associated with the United States.