U.S. Territories: A Comprehensive Guide

Kim Anderson

-Nov 1, 2025

Introduction

The United States encompasses not only the 50 states and the District of Columbia but also several territories located around the globe. These territories, while not states, are under U.S. sovereignty and have varying degrees of self-governance. Understanding the territories of the United States is crucial for grasping the full scope of American influence and history. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the different types of U.S. territories, their unique characteristics, and their relationships with the federal government.

What are U.S. Territories?

U.S. territories are regions under the sovereignty of the United States but are not one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia. These areas have a unique status and relationship with the U.S. government, often with their own distinct political systems and levels of autonomy. The term "territory" in this context refers to any area under U.S. jurisdiction that has not been admitted as a state.

Types of U.S. Territories

U.S. territories are generally classified into two main categories: incorporated and unincorporated. The distinction lies in whether the U.S. Constitution applies fully to the territory.

Incorporated Territories

Incorporated territories are those to which the full U.S. Constitution applies. This means that residents of these territories have the same constitutional rights as U.S. citizens residing in the states. Currently, there are no incorporated territories. Historically, areas like Hawaii and Alaska were incorporated territories before becoming states.

Unincorporated Territories

Unincorporated territories are regions where only certain parts of the U.S. Constitution apply. Congress determines which constitutional provisions are applicable. These territories are further divided into organized and unorganized territories.

Organized Territories: These have an organized government established by an act of Congress. The organized unincorporated territories include:
- Puerto Rico
- Guam
- Northern Mariana Islands
- U.S. Virgin Islands
Unorganized Territories: These do not have an organic act passed by Congress and are administered directly by the federal government. The unorganized unincorporated territories include:
- American Samoa

Key Differences Between Territories and States

Understanding the differences between U.S. territories and states is essential for comprehending their respective roles and rights within the nation. Here’s a breakdown of the key distinctions:

Constitutional Rights: Residents of states have the full protection of the U.S. Constitution. In contrast, residents of unincorporated territories have only selected constitutional rights, as determined by Congress.
Representation in Congress: States have voting representation in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Territories have non-voting delegates in the House and no representation in the Senate.
Presidential Elections: Residents of states can vote in presidential elections. Territorial residents generally cannot vote for the President unless they are residing in a state.
Federal Taxes: Residents of states pay full federal income taxes. Residents of territories have varying levels of federal tax obligations, with some exemptions or special provisions.
Sovereignty: States have a level of sovereignty within the federal system, while territories are under the ultimate authority of Congress.

Organized Unincorporated Territories

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is an archipelago located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. It is a self-governing unincorporated territory of the United States. The island has a rich history, having been a Spanish colony before becoming a U.S. territory in 1898 following the Spanish-American War.

Government and Politics: Puerto Rico has its own constitution and elected governor. The local government handles most internal affairs, while the U.S. federal government oversees areas such as defense, foreign relations, and customs. Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens but cannot vote in U.S. presidential elections unless they reside in a state. They do, however, vote in primary elections.
Economy: Puerto Rico's economy is closely tied to the United States. Key sectors include manufacturing, tourism, and services. The island has faced economic challenges, including high unemployment and debt. Efforts are ongoing to revitalize the economy and attract investment. According to a 2020 report by the Puerto Rico Statistics Institute, the unemployment rate was 8.0%, significantly higher than the U.S. national average.
Culture and Society: Puerto Rico boasts a vibrant culture that blends Spanish, African, and indigenous influences. The island is known for its music, dance, cuisine, and festivals. Spanish and English are the official languages. The population is predominantly of Hispanic descent.
U.S. Relations: The relationship between Puerto Rico and the United States has been a topic of ongoing debate. There have been several referendums on the island’s status, with options including statehood, independence, and maintaining the current territorial status. The most recent referendum in 2020 showed a majority favoring statehood, but the final decision rests with the U.S. Congress.

Guam

Guam is an island territory of the United States in the Western Pacific Ocean. It is the largest and southernmost of the Mariana Islands and has been a U.S. territory since 1898.

Government and Politics: Guam has its own elected governor and legislature. The U.S. federal government retains authority over defense and foreign affairs. Residents of Guam are U.S. citizens but cannot vote in U.S. presidential elections. They do, however, elect a non-voting delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives.
Economy: Guam’s economy is heavily reliant on the U.S. military presence and tourism. The island is a strategic U.S. military outpost in the Pacific. Tourism, primarily from Japan, South Korea, and other Asian countries, is a significant economic driver. The Guam Bureau of Statistics and Plans reported that tourism accounted for approximately 20% of Guam's GDP in 2019.
Culture and Society: Guam’s culture is a blend of indigenous Chamorro, Spanish, and American influences. The Chamorro people are the island’s original inhabitants. English and Chamorro are the official languages. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and historical sites.
U.S. Relations: Guam plays a crucial role in U.S. defense strategy in the Pacific. The U.S. military maintains a significant presence on the island. There have been discussions about Guam’s political status, but it remains an unincorporated territory.

Northern Mariana Islands

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) is a U.S. territory consisting of 14 islands located in the Western Pacific Ocean. It became a U.S. territory in 1976.

Government and Politics: The CNMI has its own constitution, elected governor, and legislature. The U.S. federal government oversees defense and foreign affairs. Residents of the CNMI are U.S. citizens, with some exceptions for those born before 1986. They cannot vote in U.S. presidential elections but elect a non-voting delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives.
Economy: The CNMI’s economy is largely dependent on tourism and U.S. financial assistance. Garment manufacturing was a significant industry in the past but has declined due to changes in trade regulations. Tourism, primarily from Asia, is a major economic driver. The CNMI Department of Commerce has been working to diversify the economy and attract new industries.
Culture and Society: The CNMI has a diverse population with Chamorro, Carolinian, and other ethnic groups. English and Chamorro are the official languages, with Carolinian also widely spoken. The islands offer a mix of cultural attractions, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities.
U.S. Relations: The CNMI has a unique political status as a commonwealth in political union with the United States. This status was established through a negotiated agreement. The CNMI receives significant federal funding and assistance.

U.S. Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) is a group of islands located in the Caribbean Sea. It includes the main islands of St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John, as well as numerous smaller islands. The USVI became a U.S. territory in 1917.

Government and Politics: The USVI has its own elected governor and legislature. The U.S. federal government retains authority over defense and foreign affairs. Residents of the USVI are U.S. citizens but cannot vote in U.S. presidential elections. They elect a non-voting delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives.
Economy: Tourism is the primary economic driver in the USVI. The islands are a popular destination for cruise ships and tourists seeking tropical vacations. The USVI also has a rum industry, with Cruzan Rum being a notable product. The Bureau of Economic Research of the USVI reports that tourism accounts for over 60% of the islands' GDP.
Culture and Society: The USVI has a rich cultural heritage influenced by African, European, and Caribbean traditions. English is the official language. The islands are known for their beautiful beaches, historic sites, and vibrant cultural festivals.
U.S. Relations: The USVI is an unincorporated territory of the United States. There have been discussions about the islands’ political status, but no consensus has been reached on whether to pursue statehood, independence, or maintain the current status.

Unorganized Unincorporated Territories

American Samoa

American Samoa is a U.S. territory located in the South Pacific Ocean. It is the southernmost territory of the United States and consists of several islands and atolls.

Government and Politics: American Samoa is an unorganized, unincorporated territory. It has its own elected governor and legislature, but the U.S. Department of the Interior has oversight authority. People born in American Samoa are U.S. nationals, not U.S. citizens, unless one parent is a U.S. citizen. They cannot vote in U.S. presidential elections but can serve in the U.S. military.
Economy: The economy of American Samoa is heavily reliant on the tuna fishing and processing industry, as well as financial assistance from the U.S. government. The canneries provide significant employment opportunities. According to the American Samoa Department of Commerce, the tuna industry accounts for a substantial portion of the territory's exports.
Culture and Society: American Samoa has a strong Polynesian culture, with traditional Samoan customs and values playing a central role in daily life. Samoan and English are the official languages. The islands are known for their natural beauty, including rainforests, beaches, and coral reefs.
U.S. Relations: American Samoa's relationship with the United States is unique due to its unorganized, unincorporated status and the U.S. national status of its residents. The territory receives significant federal funding and support.

Other U.S. Possessions and Areas of Control

Besides the major territories, the United States also has control over several other islands, atolls, and areas around the world. These include:

Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba: A U.S. naval base and detention facility located in Cuba. The base was established in 1903 under a lease agreement with Cuba.
Wake Island: An uninhabited atoll in the Pacific Ocean. It is administered by the U.S. Air Force.
Johnston Atoll: An uninhabited atoll in the Pacific Ocean. It was formerly used for nuclear weapons testing and is now a National Wildlife Refuge.
Midway Atoll: An atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, known for its role in World War II. It is now a National Wildlife Refuge.
Palmyra Atoll: An uninhabited atoll in the Pacific Ocean managed by The Nature Conservancy and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Howland Island and Baker Island: Uninhabited islands in the Pacific Ocean, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as National Wildlife Refuges.
Jarvis Island: An uninhabited island in the Pacific Ocean, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a National Wildlife Refuge.
Kingman Reef: An uninhabited reef in the Pacific Ocean, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a National Wildlife Refuge.

The Future of U.S. Territories

The future of U.S. territories remains a topic of ongoing discussion and debate. Several factors influence the trajectory of these territories, including:

Political Status Debates: The political status of territories like Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands is frequently debated. Referendums and discussions about statehood, independence, or maintaining the current status continue.
Economic Development: Efforts to diversify and strengthen the economies of U.S. territories are crucial for their long-term sustainability. Economic challenges such as high unemployment and debt need to be addressed.
Federal Policies and Funding: Federal policies and funding decisions significantly impact U.S. territories. Issues such as disaster relief, healthcare, and infrastructure development are critical.
Cultural Preservation: Maintaining and promoting the unique cultures and identities of territorial residents is essential. Cultural preservation efforts help to preserve the heritage and traditions of these communities.

FAQ Section

What is the difference between a U.S. state and a territory?

A U.S. state has full constitutional rights and representation in Congress, including voting representation in both the House and Senate. A U.S. territory is under U.S. sovereignty but does not have the same level of constitutional rights or representation. Territorial residents cannot vote in U.S. presidential elections and have non-voting delegates in the House.

How do people born in U.S. territories become citizens?

People born in most U.S. territories, such as Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, are U.S. citizens. However, individuals born in American Samoa are U.S. nationals unless one of their parents is a U.S. citizen. — Greenfield, MA Jobs: Your Ultimate Guide

Can residents of U.S. territories vote for the President?

Generally, residents of U.S. territories cannot vote in U.S. presidential elections unless they are residing in a state. However, they can participate in primary elections. — Kim Kardashian's Health: Brain Aneurysm Insights

What is the largest U.S. territory by population?

Puerto Rico is the largest U.S. territory by population, with over 3 million residents.

What are the main economic activities in U.S. territories?

The main economic activities vary by territory. In Puerto Rico, key sectors include manufacturing, tourism, and services. Guam’s economy is heavily reliant on the U.S. military presence and tourism. The Northern Mariana Islands depend on tourism and U.S. financial assistance. The U.S. Virgin Islands’ primary economic driver is tourism, while American Samoa’s economy is largely based on the tuna fishing and processing industry. — Current Temperature In New Port Richey, FL

How does the U.S. government administer unorganized territories?

Unorganized territories, like American Samoa, are administered directly by the U.S. federal government, often through the Department of the Interior. These territories do not have an organic act passed by Congress that establishes a local government with broad powers.

Conclusion

The territories of the United States represent a diverse collection of regions with unique histories, cultures, and relationships with the federal government. From the vibrant culture of Puerto Rico to the strategic importance of Guam and the traditional Samoan customs of American Samoa, each territory contributes to the rich tapestry of the American nation. Understanding the distinctions between these territories and the states, their political status, and the challenges and opportunities they face is crucial for a comprehensive view of the United States. As discussions about political status and economic development continue, the future of U.S. territories remains an important aspect of American governance and policy.

If you're interested in learning more about the territories of the United States, consider visiting these official resources for up-to-date information and data: