The United States has several territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Each territory has its own unique culture and history. While residents of these territories are U.S. citizens or nationals, they have different rights compared to state residents. For example, they cannot vote in presidential elections unless they live in a U.S. state. These territories offer a mix of beautiful landscapes, from tropical beaches to historic sites, reflecting a diverse range of American life and culture beyond the mainland.
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 of America
The United States has several territories, regions that are not states but are under U.S. jurisdiction. These territories include Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Each territory has its unique culture, history, and relationship with the mainland.
Puerto Rico is the most populous U.S. territory, located in the Caribbean. It's known for its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and historic sites like Old San Juan. Although Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, they cannot vote in presidential elections unless they reside in a state.
Guam, located in the Pacific Ocean, is a strategic U.S. military base. Its stunning beaches, Chamorro culture, and War in the Pacific National Historical Park are significant attractions.
The U.S. Virgin Islands, also in the Caribbean, comprise three main islands: St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. Each island offers unique experiences from relaxing beaches to snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.
American Samoa, situated in the South Pacific, is known for its Samoan culture, national parks, and untouched beaches. It's the only U.S. territory located in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Northern Mariana Islands, a chain of 14 islands in the Pacific, offer beautiful beaches, scuba diving, and the historical site of Saipan, significant for its role in World War II.
These territories provide a glimpse into the diverse cultures and landscapes that make up the broader United States, each with its own identity but still part of the American family.
Inhabited Territories of the USA
The United States includes several inhabited territories, each with its own distinct culture, history, and relationship to the mainland. These territories are important parts of the American family, offering unique contributions to the nation's diversity.
Puerto Rico
This Caribbean island is the most populous U.S. territory. Its rich culture, tropical climate, and historic sites make it a vibrant place to live and visit. Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, participating fully in American life, although they cannot vote in presidential elections unless they reside in the mainland.
Guam
Located in the Western Pacific, Guam is known for its strategic military importance, stunning beaches, and the Chamorro culture. Its residents are U.S. citizens and play a unique role in Pacific geopolitics while enjoying a lifestyle influenced by both American and indigenous traditions.
U.S. Virgin Islands
Comprising three main islands—St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix—this territory is a tropical paradise with a rich history. U.S. Virgin Islanders are U.S. citizens, enjoying the benefits and responsibilities that come with citizenship, despite not having a vote in presidential elections.
American Samoa
Situated in the South Pacific, American Samoa is notable for its strong Samoan culture and stunning natural beauty. Residents are U.S. nationals, meaning they can work and reside anywhere in the United States but cannot vote in federal elections.
Northern Mariana Islands
These islands offer beautiful beaches and a blend of cultures, including indigenous Chamorro and Carolinian traditions. People from the Northern Mariana Islands are U.S. citizens and contribute to the rich tapestry of America's cultural heritage.
These inhabited territories showcase the United States' geographical and cultural diversity, with each territory bringing its own unique identity to the American narrative.
The United States also has several uninhabited territories, areas under U.S. jurisdiction but without permanent populations. These territories are often important for environmental, scientific, or strategic reasons. Here are some notable examples:
Baker Island and Howland Island
Located in the Pacific Ocean, these islands are important as wildlife refuges, especially for seabirds. They played roles in aviation history and are now managed for conservation.
Jarvis Island
Also in the Pacific, Jarvis Island is a coral island that serves as a haven for wildlife, including seabirds and marine life. It's part of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument, emphasizing its ecological significance.
Johnston Atoll
Near Hawaii, this atoll has been used for military purposes and as a bird sanctuary. Its clear waters and coral reefs are of interest for scientific study and conservation efforts.
Kingman Reef and Palmyra Atoll
These Pacific territories are largely underwater but are vital for marine biodiversity. They are part of larger conservation areas, protecting unique ecosystems.
Wake Island
Strategically located in the Pacific, Wake Island has been used for military and aviation purposes. It is also a critical habitat for birds and marine wildlife.
These uninhabited territories of the USA play crucial roles in biodiversity conservation, scientific research, and national defense. While they may not support human communities, their protection contributes to the global ecological balance and scientific knowledge.
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 territories are regions where two or more countries claim ownership or control, leading to disagreements and sometimes conflict. These disputes can arise from historical claims, strategic importance, or valuable resources found in the area. Here are a few examples to illustrate the concept without specifying current disputes:
Historical Claims: Sometimes, countries base their claim on historical presence or governance over a territory, arguing that it has been part of their nation for centuries.
Strategic Importance: A region might hold strategic military value, like access to important sea routes or a commanding position, making it a point of contention among nations.
Natural Resources: Territories rich in natural resources such as oil, minerals, or fertile land often become the focus of disputes, as countries wish to control these wealth-generating assets.
Cultural and Ethnic Connections: Areas where a significant population identifies culturally or ethnically with a neighboring country can also lead to territorial disputes.
Resolving disputed territories often involves diplomatic negotiations, international arbitration, and sometimes, intervention by international organizations. The goal is to reach a peaceful solution that respects the rights and sovereignty of the nations involved while considering the welfare of the people living in those territories.
Territories claimed but not administered by the U.S.
