The economy of the Northern Marianas grew by 5.2 percent in 2012.
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis says as anticipated, tourism spending was a key driver.
The administration of Governor Eloy Inos is pleased with the 5.2-percent increase, calling it a significant figure especially when reports indicate that the US as a whole recorded a 2.8-percent increase in GDP.
In 2011, the CNMI posted a 6.8-percent decline in its local economy.
