Explore map showing Territories of the United States, The Territories of the United States comprise various regions that fall under American jurisdiction while not being part of any state. These include Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Combined, these territories have a population of over three million people, with Puerto Rico being the most populous, housing approximately 3.2 million residents. Each territory operates with its own unique local government but is subject to the overall sovereignty of the United States. Despite their distinct cultures and histories, residents of these territories contribute significantly to the diversity and richness of the American nation.
Explore US Territories Map to locate all the external territories of the United States of America.
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Territories of the United States
The United States of America is not only composed of its 50 states but also includes several territories. These territories are regions that are under the jurisdiction of the U.S. federal government, but they are not part of any state. The territories are distinct in a number of ways, including their geographical locations, demographic compositions, and political structures. There are five permanently inhabited territories: Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Each territory has its own unique characteristics and relationship with the United States.
Puerto Rico
Located in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico is the most populous U.S. territory with over 3 million residents as of the latest estimates. Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, but they do not have voting representation in Congress and cannot vote in presidential elections. The island operates under a local constitution and has significant autonomy in internal matters. Spanish and English are the official languages, with Spanish being predominantly spoken.
Guam
Guam is situated in the western Pacific Ocean and has a population of approximately 170,000 people. Similar to Puerto Rico, residents of Guam are U.S. citizens without congressional voting rights or a vote in presidential elections. The island plays a crucial strategic role for the U.S. military, hosting important naval and air force bases. The indigenous Chamorro culture is still prevalent, alongside influences from Spanish, Japanese, and American governance throughout its history.
American Samoa
American Samoa is located in the South Pacific Ocean and has about 55,000 inhabitants. Unlike the other territories, people born in American Samoa are considered U.S. nationals, not U.S. citizens, which means they can live and work in the U.S. but cannot vote in federal elections. The territory has a high degree of local autonomy and maintains a traditional Polynesian culture. The local economy is primarily based on tuna fishing and processing.
U.S. Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands, also in the Caribbean, comprise three main islands: St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, with a combined population of around 100,000 people. Residents are U.S. citizens but lack voting representation in Congress and the ability to vote in presidential elections. Tourism is the backbone of the economy, capitalizing on the islands' natural beauty and warm climate.
Northern Mariana Islands
The Northern Mariana Islands are located in the western Pacific and have a population of about 50,000. Residents are U.S. citizens with similar limitations regarding congressional representation and voting in presidential elections. The economy relies heavily on tourism, garment manufacturing, and some agriculture. The islands' political relationship with the U.S. is defined by a covenant that grants them a degree of self-governance.
List of Territories of the United States of America
The Minor Outlying Islands of the United States comprise a group of nine islands scattered across the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. These islands are Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Atoll, Palmyra Atoll, Wake Island, and Navassa Island. They are unincorporated territories of the United States and are mainly uninhabited.
Baker Island, located about halfway between Hawaii and Australia, is a coral island with a land area of approximately 1.64 square kilometers. The island is a National Wildlife Refuge, known for its seabird and shorebird habitat.
Howland Island is another coral island in the central Pacific Ocean, roughly 3.6 square kilometers in size. Notably, it was the intended stop for Amelia Earhart before her disappearance in 1937. Like Baker Island, Howland is managed as a National Wildlife Refuge.
Jarvis Island, at about 4.5 square kilometers, sits close to the equator and is also a part of the Central Pacific National Wildlife Refuge Complex. It has a tropical climate and supports various seabird species.
Johnston Atoll covers around 2.8 square kilometers and consists of four islands. It served as a military base for several decades and has undergone successful environmental restoration to become a wildlife refuge.
Kingman Reef is a largely submerged coral atoll with a land area of less than 0.02 square kilometers. The reef itself is about 60 kilometers long and sits near the equator, providing important tropical marine habitat.
Midway Atoll, famous for the Battle of Midway during World War II, includes two main islands with a total land area of 6.2 square kilometers. This atoll is a refuge for a large number of seabirds and marine life.
Palmyra Atoll is unique in that it is both unincorporated territory and an incorporated, privately owned part of the United States. The atoll comprises about 14 square kilometers in land area and has a rich, biodiverse environment, including vast coral reefs.
Wake Island, at about 7.4 square kilometers, holds historical significance due to its military use during World War II. Today, it remains a strategic military base and an unorganized, unincorporated territory.
Navassa Island, situated in the Caribbean Sea and spanning about 5.2 square kilometers, is a disputed territory claimed by both the United States and Haiti. The island is designated as a National Wildlife Refuge, known for its unique biodiversity and geological features.
These islands, although largely uninhabited and remote, play vital roles in the ecosystems of the Pacific and Caribbean. They serve as refuges for wildlife, particularly seabirds and marine life, and hold historical and strategic significance for the United States. Their status and management reflect the U.S. commitment to preserving unique environmental and historical resources.
List of Uninhabited Territories
Territories of the U.S. of America with no indigenous population
S.N.
Name
Acquired
Territorial Status
Land Area (mi²)
Land Area (km²)
1
Baker Island
1856
Unincorporated; unorganized
0.9
2.2
2
Howland Island
1858
Unincorporated, unorganized
0.6
1.6
3
Jarvis Island
1856
Unincorporated, unorganized
2.2
5.7
4
Johnston Atoll
1859
Unincorporated, unorganized
1
2.6
5
Kingman Reef
1860
Unincorporated, unorganized
0.005
0.01
6
Midway Atoll
1867
Unincorporated, unorganized
3
7.8
7
Navassa Island
1858
Unincorporated, unorganized
3
7.8
8
Palmyra Atoll
1898
Incorporated, unorganized
1.5
3.9
9
Wake Island
1899
Unincorporated, unorganized
2.5
6.5
Disputed Territories / Disputed Minor Outlying Islands
The United States has sovereignty over several minor outlying islands, but some of these territories are subject to international disputes. Two notable examples are Navassa Island and Wake Island.
Navassa Island
Located in the Caribbean, Navassa Island has been a point of contention between Haiti and the United States. The island is situated about 56 kilometers west of Haiti and is currently administered as an unincorporated territory by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Navassa Island is uninhabited and primarily known for its rich biodiversity and coral reefs. However, Haiti has historically claimed the island, arguing that it falls within its territorial boundaries.
Wake Island
Wake Island, located in the Pacific Ocean, is another minor outlying island under U.S. administration. This coral atoll comprises three islets and serves a strategic military role for the United States. While primarily functioning as a military base, Wake Island has a complex history of territorial claims. Japan has shown interest in the island, especially during World War II when it temporarily occupied Wake Island. The island remains under U.S. control, but its geopolitical significance makes it a subject of interest.
Territories claimed but not administered by the U.S.
Organized territories of the United States are regions that have been granted self-government by Congress, allowing for local governance similar to that of states within a structured political framework. These territories have their own legislative bodies and elected officials who manage local affairs. A key example is Puerto Rico, which, although not a state, has a representative in Congress and operates under a system of local self-governance. Puerto Rico's population of approximately 3.2 million citizens can vote in presidential primaries, though they do not vote in the general presidential election.
In contrast, unorganized territories lack these structured governmental frameworks and often fall under direct federal jurisdiction. This means that many decisions regarding governance and local infrastructure are made by federal agencies rather than locally elected officials. An example of an unorganized territory is Baker Island, a minor outlying island in the Pacific Ocean. This territory is largely uninhabited and remains under the administration of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
When comparing the two, one notable distinction is the degree of political representation and autonomy. Residents of organized territories generally have greater legal and political recognition compared to those in unorganized territories. For instance, citizens of Guam, an organized territory with a population of approximately 170,000, send a non-voting delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives and have local elections for their governor and legislative assembly. This provides a level of participation in federal and local governance unseen in unorganized territories, which do not have such representation or electoral processes.
The practical implications of these differences are significant. Organized territories, with their local governments, are better positioned to address the specific needs and preferences of their residents. They can enact laws, develop local economies, and provide essential services tailored to their populations. Unorganized territories, however, must rely heavily on federal oversight, which can lead to slower responses to local issues and less tailored governance.
Federal Administration
The federal administration in the territories of the United States operates under a unique set of administrative structures and legal frameworks, distinct from the 50 states. These territories include Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Each territory has its own local government, which operates under the jurisdiction of the U.S. federal government, yet they do not possess the same level of autonomy or representation as states.
Puerto Rico, the most populous territory, is structured as a Commonwealth and its residents are U.S. citizens, although they cannot vote in presidential elections and have non-voting representation in Congress. The economic and political relationship between Puerto Rico and the federal government has been a topic of debate, particularly in light of the island's financial struggles and recovery efforts following natural disasters.
Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands are organized territories with their own elected governors and legislatures. Residents of these territories are also U.S. citizens and have similar limitations on voting rights in federal elections. Both territories receive federal funding for various programs but face unique challenges due to their geographic isolation and reliance on tourism and military installations.
American Samoa differs as an unincorporated territory, where residents are U.S. nationals but not citizens at birth. This distinction means they can live and work in the U.S., but they have limited representation in the federal government and cannot vote in presidential elections. The local government in American Samoa operates under a constitution approved by the U.S. Congress, which grants a degree of self-governance while maintaining federal oversight.
The Northern Mariana Islands, a commonwealth, operates under a covenant establishing a political union with the United States. Residents are U.S. citizens and have a non-voting delegate in Congress. The commonwealth enjoys a degree of autonomy, particularly in immigration and labor laws, but is closely tied to federal regulations and assistance.
Federal oversight in these territories includes a range of responsibilities, from defense and foreign affairs to certain regulatory and social services. The complexities of their status often lead to legal and political challenges, as these territories strive for greater self-determination while navigating their relationship with the federal government.
Incorporated vs. Unincorporated Territories
The United States holds jurisdiction over a variety of territories, categorized chiefly into incorporated and unincorporated territories. This distinction carries significant legal, political, and social implications.
Incorporated Territories
Incorporated territories are considered integral parts of the United States, meaning that the U.S. Constitution applies fully to these areas. As of now, there are no incorporated territories, as the last remaining incorporated territory, Palmyra Atoll, is now classified as an unorganized territory. Historically, examples included Alaska and Hawaii before they attained statehood.
Unincorporated Territories
Unincorporated territories, conversely, are areas where the U.S. Constitution applies only partially. This means that certain protections and rights available in the mainland do not automatically extend to these regions. Current unincorporated territories include Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Key Differences and Implications
Citizenship and Rights
Residents of incorporated territories are typically U.S. citizens with the full spectrum of constitutional rights. In unincorporated territories, residents might be U.S. citizens or nationals, but their rights can be limited. For instance, people born in Puerto Rico are U.S. citizens, whereas American Samoans are considered U.S. nationals and do not acquire citizenship by birthright.
Representation and Voting
Citizens in unincorporated territories have limited political representation. They can elect a delegate to the House of Representatives, but these delegates cannot vote on final passage of legislation. Furthermore, residents of unincorporated territories generally cannot vote in U.S. presidential elections.
Application of U.S. Laws
While federal laws typically apply to both incorporated and unincorporated territories, the latter may be exempt from specific statutes. This means that inhabitants of unincorporated territories may experience different regulatory environments and levels of federal oversight.
Economic Impact
The status of incorporated versus unincorporated can influence economic conditions. Unincorporated territories often face challenges like higher costs for goods and services due to their remoteness and lack of full constitutional protections. This distinction affects federal assistance and economic support programs.
Case Studies
Puerto Rico
An unincorporated territory with a unique relationship with the United States. Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens but cannot vote in presidential elections. Puerto Rico also has a non-voting representative in Congress. Economic challenges, exacerbated by natural disasters like Hurricane Maria, highlight the complexities of its unincorporated status.
Guam
Another unincorporated territory with a strategic military significance. Residents are U.S. citizens, but like Puerto Rico, they face limitations in political participation and economic disparities.
Historical Context
The distinction between incorporated and unincorporated territories stems from the Insular Cases, a series of early 20th-century Supreme Court decisions. These cases determined that full constitutional rights do not automatically extend to all U.S. territories. This legal framework continues to influence the governance and rights of territories today.
Former Territories and Administered Areas
The history of the United States is deeply intertwined with its territorial expansion and governance of various regions. Former territories and areas administered by the United States form a significant part of this history, encompassing a wide range of geographic locations and historical contexts. Below is a detailed exploration of some of these former territories and administered areas, showcasing their significance and transitions over time.
Louisiana Purchase
The Louisiana Purchase of 1803 was a monumental event that doubled the size of the United States. Acquired from France for approximately $15 million, this expansive territory included parts of 15 current U.S. states. Key facts include:
Area: Approximately 828,000 square miles.
States formed: Louisiana, Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Minnesota, New Mexico, and Texas.
Historical significance: The acquisition facilitated westward expansion and played a critical role in the nation's economic growth.
The Philippines
The Philippines was an unincorporated territory of the United States from 1898 until its independence in 1946. Acquired from Spain following the Spanish-American War, the Philippines underwent significant political and social changes under American administration.
Governance period: 1898-1946.
Path to independence: The Tydings-McDuffie Act of 1934 initiated a ten-year transition period, leading to full independence on July 4, 1946.
Impact: American rule introduced public education, infrastructure development, and a new legal system, though it also faced resistance and calls for independence.
Alaska and Hawaii
Both Alaska and Hawaii transitioned from U.S. territories to full statehood in the mid-20th century.
Alaska: Purchased from Russia in 1867, it became a state on January 3, 1959. The purchase, known as "Seward's Folly" at the time, proved valuable due to Alaska's natural resources.
Hawaii: Annexed in 1898 amid significant political turmoil and becoming a state on August 21, 1959. The strategic importance of Hawaii, particularly during World War II, underscored its value to the United States.
Panama Canal Zone
The Panama Canal Zone was a territory in Central America under U.S. control from 1903 to 1979, created through the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty with Panama.
Period of control: 1903-1979.
Significance: The zone was crucial in the construction and operation of the Panama Canal, a strategic maritime route later relinquished to Panama through the Torrijos-Carter Treaties.
The Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands
Post-World War II, the United Nations entrusted the United States with the administration of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, comprising various island groups in Micronesia.
Timeline: Administered from 1947 to 1986.
Components: Included the Marshall Islands, Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Outcome: Each entity eventually achieved self-governing status through compacts of free association with the United States.
The US Virgin Islands
Acquired from Denmark in 1917, the United States Virgin Islands remain an unincorporated territory.
Islands: Saint Thomas, Saint John, and Saint Croix.
Governance: The islands operate with a degree of self-government but remain under U.S. sovereignty.
