Mariana Islands Compact of Free Association

The Mariana Islands Compact of Free Association is an agreement between the United States and the governments of the Northern Mariana Islands, allowing the islands to manage their own affairs while the U.S. provides defense, economic assistance, and access to certain federal programs. In exchange, the U.S. has strategic rights and can operate military bases there. The compact grants residents U.S. citizenship, and it defines the relationship for financial support and security, promoting self-governance for the islands while maintaining close ties with the United States.