Negotiations for territorial status began in 1972. A covenant to establish a commonwealth in political union with the US was approved in 1975. A new government and constitution went into effect in 1978. The rate of funding has declined as locally generated government revenues have grown. Since 1992, funding has been extended one year at a time.
Japanese tourists predominate.
The agricultural sector is of minor importance and is made up of cattle ranches and small farms producing coconuts, breadfruit, tomatoes, and melons.