Christianity is the predominant religion in the Northern Mariana Islands, with over 80-85% of the population identifying as Christian. Roman Catholicism is the largest denomination (approx. 64-79%), deeply rooted in the culture due to Spanish colonization. The islands also have significant Protestant (approx. 16%) and growing Evangelical, Independent, and Latter-day Saint populations.
- Roman Catholic Dominance: The Roman Catholic Church is the largest denomination, with many adherents, and the region is served by the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa.
- Cultural Blend: While officially Catholic, many indigenous Chamorros blend Christian beliefs with traditional customs, such as ancestral veneration (taotaomo’na).
- Protestant and Other Christian Groups: A significant minority are Protestant, and other Christian, including evangelicals, account for about 12-20% of the population.
- History: The islands were heavily influenced by Spanish missionaries starting in the 17th century, establishing Catholicism as the primary faith.
- Demographics: The religious landscape is also influenced by the diverse, multi-ethnic population, which includes Filipino, Chamorro, and other Pacific Islander groups.
The religious landscape has remained predominantly Christian for decades, with high adherence rates.
Links for further overview of Northern Mariana Islands:
Stichting HEALING THE NATIONS 