The United States Territories are regions under the jurisdiction of the United States that are not part of any of the 50 states. These territories vary in political status, population, and geographic location, but they all play an important role in America’s identity and global presence.
Inhabited U.S. Territories
There are five major inhabited territories:
- Guam – Capital: Hagåtña
- Puerto Rico – Capital: San Juan
- U.S. Virgin Islands – Capital: Charlotte Amalie
- American Samoa – Capital: Pago Pago
- Northern Mariana Islands – Capital: Saipan
Residents of these territories are U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals. However, they typically do not have full representation in Congress and cannot vote in presidential elections unless residing in a U.S. state.
Uninhabited and Minor Territories
The U.S. Minor Outlying Islands are a collection of nine remote island territories, most of which are uninhabited and used for military or environmental purposes. These include:
- Midway Atoll
- Palmyra Atoll
- Howland Island
- Navassa Island (disputed)
- And others
Legal and Political Status
U.S. territories fall into different legal categories:
- Incorporated territories (e.g., Palmyra Atoll) are considered part of the U.S. in full.
- Unincorporated territories (e.g., Guam, American Samoa) are controlled by the U.S. but not fully subject to the Constitution.