Tinian

Tinian, island, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, western Pacific Ocean, formerly administered by the United States (1947-1986) as part of the United Nations Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, and by Japan (1919-1944) under a mandate of the League of Nations. Tinian is a coral island about 16 km (10 mi) long and a little more than 6 km (4 mi) wide. It is notable for its herds of wild cattle and its ancient ruins, consisting of two rows of truncated pyramids built of masonry. Following World War I the island, formerly a German possession, became one of the most heavily fortified Japanese bases in the Pacific. During World War II, US forces invaded Tinian on July 23, 1944, and brought the island under American control within a week. Tinian then became an important base for air operations against Japan. Population (1990) 2,118.