Rota (island)

Rota, also known as the "peaceful island", is the southernmost island of the United States Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). It lies slightly northwest of the United States territory of Guam. Songsong village is the largest and most populated followed by Sinapalo village. Rota stands out as a pristine and untarnished island boasting white sandy beaches, a diverse flora and fauna, and breathtaking panoramas. This image has been attributed to the lack of overt development which has been seen in the two larger islands of Saipan and Tinian. The current mayor is Benjamin Manglona, also a former lieutenant governor, senator and congressman of the CNMI.