The Marianas population decline: 17th century estimates.

Abstract

This article discusses the population decline among the Mariana population. The Marianas are unique among the Pacific Islands because there are consistent census records of the population since it was first discovered in 1668 by a mission team. The article explores a variety of reasons the population declined included population concentration and the introduction of an epidemic. The reason for the decline is disputed among researchers although there is unanimous agreement that the decline did occur and it occurred within a brief period after initial contact with the Europeans. There are also brief accounts of persecution territorial exchanges and uprisings but there are no population estimates associated with the stories and thus the reason for the decline is still unknown.