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{{Short description|Territory that does not possess full political independence as a sovereign state}} {{Short description|Territory that does not possess full political independence as a sovereign state}}
{{About|external territories which have a greater degree of autonomy from their parent state and function as ''de facto'' independent political entities|subnational administrative divisions which have some degree of autonomy under the national government|Autonomous administrative division}}

{{Original research|date=November 2020}}


{{Forms of government|expanded=Client state}} {{Forms of government|expanded=Client state}}


A '''dependent territory''', '''dependent area''', or '''dependency''' is a ] that does not possess full political ] or ] as a ], yet remains politically outside the controlling state's integral area.{{cn|date=October 2020}} A '''dependent territory''', '''dependent area''', or '''dependency''' (sometimes referred as an '''external territory''') is a ] that does not possess full political ] or ] as a ] and remains politically outside the controlling state's integral area. As such, a dependent territory includes a range of non-integrated not fully to non-independent territory types, from ]s to ] (e.g. a ]).

A dependent territory is commonly distinguished from a ] by being considered not to be a constituent part of a sovereign state. An administrative subdivision, instead, is understood to be a division of a state proper. A dependent territory, conversely, often maintains a great degree of autonomy from its controlling state. Historically, most colonies were considered to be dependent territories. The dependent territories that currently remain in the world today generally maintain a very high degree of political autonomy. Not all autonomous entities, though, are considered to be dependent territories,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/dppa/decolonization/en/history/international-trusteeship-system-and-trust-territories|title=United Nations Trusteeship Council|publisher=}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=October 2020}} and not all dependent territories are autonomous. Most inhabited dependent territories have their own ] country codes.


A dependent territory is commonly distinguished from a ] by being considered not to be a constituent part of a sovereign state. An administrative subdivision, instead, is understood to be a division of a state proper. A dependent territory, conversely, often maintains a great degree of autonomy from its controlling state. Historically, most colonies were considered to be dependent territories. Not all autonomous entities are considered to be dependent territories.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.un.org/dppa/decolonization/en/history/international-trusteeship-system-and-trust-territories|title=International Trusteeship System and Trust Territories &#124; The United Nations and Decolonization|website=United Nations }}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=October 2020}} Most inhabited, dependent territories have their own ] country codes.
Some political entities inhabit a special position guaranteed by an international treaty or another agreement, thereby creating a certain level of autonomy (e.g., a difference in immigration rules). Those entities are sometimes considered to be, or are at least grouped with, dependent territories,<ref name="The Trusteeship System and Non-Self-Governing Territories"> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320074502/http://unyearbook.un.org/1960YUN/1960_P1_SEC3_CH4.pdf |date=March 20, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> but are officially considered by their governing states to be an integral part of those states.<ref name="The Trusteeship System and Non-Self-Governing Territories"/> Examples are ] (a part of ]) and ] (a part of ]).<ref>. Cia.gov. Retrieved on 2013-07-12.</ref>


Some political entities inhabit a special position guaranteed by an international treaty or another agreement, thereby creating a certain level of autonomy (e.g. a difference in immigration rules). Those entities are sometimes considered to be, or are at least grouped with, dependent territories,<ref name="The Trusteeship System and Non-Self-Governing Territories">{{Cite web|url=http://unyearbook.un.org/1960YUN/1960_P1_SEC3_CH4.pdf|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320074502/http://unyearbook.un.org/1960YUN/1960_P1_SEC3_CH4.pdf|url-status=dead|title=United Nations General Assembly 15th Session – The Trusteeship System and Non-Self-Governing Territories (pages:509–510)|archivedate=March 20, 2012}}</ref> but are officially considered by their governing states to be an integral part of those states.<ref name="The Trusteeship System and Non-Self-Governing Territories"/> Such an example is ], an ].
]{{refn|group=note|Each territory in the ] is labeled '''UM-''' followed by the first letter of its name and another unique letter if needed.}} or with numbers.{{refn|group=note|The following territories do not have ] codes:<br>'''1''': ]<br>'''2''': ]<br>'''3''': ]}} Colored areas without labels are integral parts of their respective countries. ] is shown as a ] instead of ].]]
], an autonomous country in the ], included within the ]]]


==Summary== ==Summary==
The lists below include the following'':'' The lists below include the following:


===Dependent territories=== ===Dependent territories===
]
* Two states in free association, one territory and one Antarctic claim in the ];

* One uninhabited territory and two Antarctic claims in the ];
* 13 overseas territories (10 autonomous, two used primarily as military bases, and one uninhabited), three Crown dependencies, and one Antarctic claim in the ]; * Two states in free association, one dependent territory, and one Antarctic claim in the ]
* 13 unincorporated territories (five inhabited, eight uninhabited) and two claimed but uncontrolled territories in the ]. * One uninhabited territory and two Antarctic claims in the ]
* 13 overseas territories (ten autonomous, two used primarily as military bases, and one uninhabited), three Crown dependencies, and one Antarctic claim in the ]
] in ] is an autonomous territory within the ]]]
* 13 unincorporated territories (five inhabited and eight uninhabited) and two claimed but uncontrolled territories in the ]


===Similar entities=== ===Similar entities===
* Six external territories (three inhabited, three uninhabited) and one Antarctic claim in the ]; * Six external territories (three inhabited and three uninhabited) and one Antarctic claim in the ]
* Two special administrative regions in the ]; * Two special administrative regions in the ]
* Two self-governing territories with autonomy in internal affairs in the ]; * Two self-governing territories with autonomy in internal affairs in the ]
* One autonomous territory governed according to an act and international treaties in the ]; * One autonomous region governed according to an act and international treaties in the ]
* Six autonomous collectivities and two uninhabited territories (one of which includes an Antarctic claim) in the ]; * Five autonomous overseas collectivities, one ''sui generis'' collectivity, and two uninhabited overseas territories (one of which includes an Antarctic claim) in the ]
* Three constituent countries with autonomy in internal affairs in the ]; * Three constituent countries with autonomy in internal affairs in the ]
* Two internal territories, one of which has limited sovereignty, in the ]. * One internal territory with limited sovereignty in the ]


], a Dependent territory of the Netherlands in ]]]
]{{refn|group=note|Each territory in the ] is labeled '''UM-''' followed by the first letter of its name and another unique letter if needed.}} or with numbers.{{refn|group=note|The following territories do not have ] codes:<br>'''1''': ]<br>'''2''': ]<br>'''3''': ]}} Coloured areas without labels are integral parts of their respective countries. ] is shown as a ] instead of ].]]


==Lists of dependent territories==

This list includes all territories that have not been legally incorporated into their governing state, including several territories that are not on the ] of the ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Trust and Non-Self-Governing Territories (1945-1999) |url=https://www.un.org/en/decolonization/nonselfgov.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170112191222/https://www.un.org/en/decolonization/nonselfgov.shtml |archive-date=12 Jan 2017 |access-date=20 Jan 2023 |website=United Nations}}</ref> All claims in ] are listed in ''italics''.













==List of dependent territories==
This list includes all territories that have not been legally incorporated into their governing state, including several territories that are not on the ] of the General Assembly of the ].<ref>For the list, see {{cite web
| author = Special Committee on Decolonization
| title = Trust and Non-Self-Governing Territories
| publisher = United Nations, Special Committee on Decolonization
| year = 2002
| url = https://www.un.org/en/decolonization/nonselfgov.shtml
| accessdate = 2010-09-23}}</ref> All claims in ] are listed in ''italics''.


===New Zealand=== ===New Zealand===
{{Main|Realm of New Zealand}} {{Main|Realm of New Zealand}}


''Summary:'' ] has two ], one dependent territory (]), and a territorial claim in Antarctica. ] has two ], one dependent territory, and a territorial claim in Antarctica.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Salesa |first1=Damon Ieremia |title=Island time : New Zealand's Pacific futures |date=2017 |publisher=Bridget Williams Books |location=Wellington, New Zealand |isbn=9781988533506 |pages=6–7 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AtdBDwAAQBAJ}}</ref>{{better|date=April 2024}}


{| class="wikitable sortable" {| class="wikitable sortable"
|- |-
! States in free association !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country codes ! Associated state !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country code
|- |-
| {{flag|Cook Islands}} || Self-governing state in free association with New Zealand since 1965. Cook Islands' status is considered to be equivalent to independence for international law purposes, and the country exercises full sovereignty over its internal and external affairs.<ref name="justice.govt.nz">http://www.justice.govt.nz/publications/publications-archived/2000/pacific-peoples-constitution-report-september-2000/documents/Bibliography.doc</ref> Under the terms of the free association agreement, however, New Zealand retains some responsibility for the foreign relations and defence of the Cook Islands. These responsibilities confer no rights of control and are exercised only at the request of the Cook Islands Government. The government of New Zealand does not consider it appropriate for the Cook Islands to have a separate seat at the United Nations, due to its continued use of the right of Cook Islanders to have ].<ref name="Cook Islands UN">{{cite web|url=http://hpr2.org/post/pacific-news-minute-cook-islands-bid-un-membership-hold|title=Pacific News Minute: Cook Islands Bid for UN Membership On Hold|first=Neal|last=Conan|publisher=Hawai'i Public Radio|date=11 August 2015|accessdate=6 April 2019}}</ref>|| ] | {{flag|Cook Islands}} || Self-governing state in free association with New Zealand since 1965. Cook Islands' status is considered to be equivalent to independence for international law purposes, and the country exercises full sovereignty over its internal and external affairs.<ref name="justice.govt.nz">{{cite web|url=http://www.justice.govt.nz/publications/publications-archived/2000/pacific-peoples-constitution-report-september-2000/documents/Bibliography.doc|title=Find a publication &#124; New Zealand Ministry of Justice|access-date=2013-11-14|archive-date=2016-04-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429042126/http://www.justice.govt.nz/publications/publications-archived/2000/pacific-peoples-constitution-report-september-2000/documents/Bibliography.doc|url-status=dead}}</ref> Under the terms of the free association agreement, however, New Zealand retains some responsibility for the foreign relations and defence of the Cook Islands. These responsibilities confer no rights of control and are exercised only at the request of the Cook Islands Government. The government of New Zealand does not consider it appropriate for the Cook Islands to have a separate seat at the United Nations, due to its continued use of the right of Cook Islanders to have ].<ref name="Cook Islands UN">{{cite web|url=http://hpr2.org/post/pacific-news-minute-cook-islands-bid-un-membership-hold|title=Pacific News Minute: Cook Islands Bid for UN Membership On Hold|first=Neal|last=Conan|publisher=Hawai'i Public Radio|date=11 August 2015|access-date=6 April 2019|archive-date=9 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209114008/http://www.hpr2.org/post/pacific-news-minute-cook-islands-bid-un-membership-hold|url-status=dead}}</ref>|| ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Niue}} || Self-governing state in free association with New Zealand since 1974. Niue's status is considered to be equivalent to independence for international law purposes, and the country exercises full sovereignty over its internal and external affairs.<ref name="justice.govt.nz"/> Under the terms of the free association agreement, however, New Zealand retains some responsibility for the foreign relations and defence of Niue. These responsibilities confer no rights of control and are exercised only at the request of the Government of Niue. The government of New Zealand does not consider Niue to be sovereign due to its continued use of ].<ref name="Cook Islands UN"/> || ] | {{flag|Niue}} || Self-governing state in free association with New Zealand since 1974. Niue's status is considered to be equivalent to independence for international law purposes, and the country exercises full sovereignty over its internal and external affairs.<ref name="justice.govt.nz"/> Under the terms of the free association agreement, however, New Zealand retains some responsibility for the foreign relations and defence of Niue. These responsibilities confer no rights of control and are exercised only at the request of the Government of Niue. The government of New Zealand does not consider it appropriate for the Niue to have a separate seat at the United Nations, due to its continued use of the right of Niueans to have ].<ref name="Cook Islands UN"/> || ]
|- |-
! Dependent territory !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country codes ! Dependent territory !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country code
|- |-
| {{flag|Tokelau}} || Territory of New Zealand. A UN-sponsored referendum on self-governance in ] did not produce the two-thirds ] necessary for changing the current political status. Another one was in ], which failed to reach the two-thirds margin. || ] | {{flag|Tokelau}} || Territory of New Zealand. A UN-sponsored referendum on self-governance in ] did not produce the two-thirds ] necessary for changing the current political status. Another one was in ], which failed to reach the two-thirds margin.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Connell |first1=John |editor1-last=Baldacchino |editor1-first=Godfrey |editor2-last=Milne |editor2-first=David |title=The case for non-sovereignty : lessons from sub-national island jurisdictions |date=2009 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=9780415455503 |pages=157–168 |url=https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/21071 |chapter=‘We are not ready’ : colonialism or autonomy in Tokelau}}</ref> Appears on the ]. || ]
|- |-
! Dependent territory<br/>(uninhabited, claimed) !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country codes ! Dependent territory<br />(uninhabited, claimed) !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country code
|- |-
| ''{{flag|Ross Dependency}}'' || This is New Zealand's ] claim. Unlike Tokelau and the associated states (Cook Islands and Niue), the Ross Dependency is, according to the New Zealand government, constitutionally part of New Zealand.<ref>. NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. 2010</ref> || | ''{{flag|Ross Dependency}}'' || This is New Zealand's ]. Unlike Tokelau and the associated states (Cook Islands and Niue), the Ross Dependency is, according to the New Zealand government, constitutionally part of New Zealand.<ref>. NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. 2010</ref> || No unique ISO 3166 country codes
|} |}


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{{Main|Dependencies of Norway}} {{Main|Dependencies of Norway}}


''Summary:'' ] has one dependent territory and two Antarctic claims. Norway also possesses the inhabited islands of ], where Norwegian sovereignty is limited, and the inhabited island of Jan Mayen (]). ] has one dependent territory and two Antarctic claims. Norway also possesses the inhabited islands of ] where Norwegian sovereignty is limited (]).


{| class="wikitable sortable" {| class="wikitable sortable"
|- |-
! Dependent territory<br/>(uninhabited) !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country codes ! Dependent territory<br />(uninhabited) !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country code
|- |-
| {{flag|Bouvet Island}} || Dependency administered from ] by the Polar Affairs Department of the ]. || ] | {{flag|Bouvet Island}} || Dependency administered from ] by the Polar Affairs Department of the ]. || ]
|- |-
! Dependent territories<br/>(uninhabited, claimed) !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country codes ! Dependent territory<br />(uninhabited, claimed) !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country code
|- |-
| ''{{flag|Peter I Island}}'' || rowspan=2 | Dependencies (subject to the ]) administered from ] by the Polar Affairs Department of the ]. || rowspan="2" | | ''{{flag|Peter I Island}}'' || rowspan=2 | Dependencies (subject to the ]) administered from ] by the Polar Affairs Department of the ]. || rowspan="2" | No unique ISO 3166 country codes
|- |-
| ''{{flag|Queen Maud Land}}'' | ''{{flag|Queen Maud Land}}''
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===United Kingdom=== ===United Kingdom===
{{Main|British Overseas Territories|Crown dependencies}} {{Main|British Overseas Territories|Crown Dependencies}}


''Summary:'' The ] has three ], 13 ] (10 autonomous, two used primarily as military bases, and one uninhabited), and one Antarctic claim. The ] has three "]", thirteen "Overseas Territories" (ten autonomous, two used primarily as military bases, and one uninhabited), and one Antarctic claim.


{| class="wikitable sortable" {| class="wikitable sortable"
|- |-
! Crown dependencies !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country codes ! Crown Dependency !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country code
|- |-
| {{flag|Bailiwick of Guernsey}} || rowspan="3"| Responsibility for defence, international representation, and ] rests with the United Kingdom. The ] can legislate on their behalf, if it deems it necessary to do so.<ref>{{cite web|title=Guernsey at the CIA's page|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/gk.html|publisher=CIA|accessdate=2010-07-15|author=CIA|date=2010-07-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Jersey at the CIA's page|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/je.html|publisher=CIA|accessdate=2010-07-15|author=CIA|date=2010-07-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The Isle of Man at the CIA's page|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/im.html|publisher=CIA|accessdate=2010-07-15|author=CIA|date=2010-07-15}}</ref> | {{flag|Bailiwick of Guernsey|name=Guernsey}} || rowspan="3"| Responsibility for defence, international representation, and ] rests with the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web|title=Guernsey at the CIA's page|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/guernsey/|publisher=CIA|access-date=2010-07-15|author=CIA|date=2010-07-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Jersey at the CIA's page|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/jersey/|publisher=CIA|access-date=2010-07-15|author=CIA|date=2010-07-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The Isle of Man at the CIA's page|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/isle-of-man/|publisher=CIA|access-date=2010-07-15|author=CIA|date=2010-07-15}}</ref>
|| ] || ]
|-
| {{flag|Bailiwick of Jersey}} || ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Isle of Man}} || ] | {{flag|Isle of Man}} || ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Jersey}} || ]
! Overseas territories !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country codes
|- |-
! Overseas Territory !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country code
| {{flag|Anguilla}} || ] handles domestic affairs. Appears on the ]. || ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Bermuda}} || ] handles domestic affairs and the territory is defined by the UK as self-governing. Appears on the ]. || ] | {{flag|Anguilla}} || ] handles domestic affairs. Appears on the ]. || ]
|- |-
| {{flag|British Virgin Islands}} || ] handles domestic affairs. Appears on the ] || ] | {{flag|Bermuda}} || ] handles domestic affairs and the territory is defined by the U.K. as self-governing. Appears on the ]. || ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Cayman Islands}} || ] handles domestic affairs. Appears on the ]. || ] | {{flag|British Virgin Islands}} || ] handles domestic affairs. Appears on the ] || ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Falkland Islands}} || ] handles domestic affairs. Appears on the ]. Also claimed by ]. || ] | {{flag|Cayman Islands}} || ] handles domestic affairs. Almost complete internal self-government. Appears on the ]. || ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Gibraltar}} || ] handles domestic affairs. Almost complete internal self-government. Appears on the ]. || ] | {{flag|Falkland Islands}} || ] handles domestic affairs. Appears on the ]. || ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Montserrat}} || ] handles domestic affairs. Appears on the ]. || ] | {{flag|Gibraltar}} || ] handles domestic affairs. Almost complete internal self-government. Appears on the ]. || ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Pitcairn Islands}} || ] handles some domestic affairs, however decisions are subject to approval by the ], reporting to the ]. Appears on the ]. || ] | {{flag|Montserrat}} || ] handles domestic affairs. Appears on the ]. || ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha}} || ], ] and ] handle domestic affairs. Appears on the ]. || ] | {{flag|Pitcairn Islands}} || ] handles some domestic affairs, however decisions are subject to approval by the ], reporting to the ]. Appears on the ]. || ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Turks and Caicos Islands}} || ] handles some domestic affairs. Appears on the ]. || ] | {{flag|Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha}} || ], ] and ] handle domestic affairs. Appears on the ]. || ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Turks and Caicos Islands}} || ] handles some domestic affairs. Appears on the ]. || ]
! Overseas territory<br>(sovereign base areas) !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country codes
|- |-
! Overseas Territory<br />(Sovereign Base Areas) !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country code
| {{flag|Akrotiri and Dhekelia}} || Two sovereign base areas administered as a single British overseas territory by the Commander of ], reporting to the ]. Permanent Cypriot population, as well as British military personnel and their families. ||
|- |-
| {{flag|Akrotiri and Dhekelia}} || Two sovereign base areas administered as a single British overseas territory by the Commander of ], reporting to the ]. Permanent Cypriot population, as well as British military personnel and their families. || No unique ISO 3166 country codes
! Overseas territories<br/>(uninhabited) !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country codes
|- |-
! Overseas Territory<br />(uninhabited) !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country code
| {{flag|British Indian Ocean Territory}} || Administered by the ], reporting to the ]. ] removed between 1967 and 1973. Presently the territory is restricted to military personnel, principally at the joint U.K.-U.S. naval base on the atoll of ]. Also claimed by ]. || ]
|- |-
| {{flag|South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands}} || Administered by the ] (who is also the ]), reporting to the ]. Also claimed by ]. || ] | {{flag|British Indian Ocean Territory}} || Administered by the ], reporting to the ]. The ] was removed between 1967 and 1973. Presently the territory is restricted to military personnel, principally at the joint U.K.-U.S. naval base on the atoll of ]. || ]
|- |-
| {{flag|South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands}} || Administered by the ] (who is also the ]), reporting to the ]. || ]
! Overseas territory<br/>(uninhabited, claimed) !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country codes
|- |-
! Overseas Territory<br />(uninhabited, claimed) !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country code
| ''{{flag|British Antarctic Territory}}'' || Administered by the ], reporting to the ]. The UK's ] claim. ||
|-
| ''{{flag|British Antarctic Territory}}'' || Administered by the ], reporting to the ]. The UK's ]. || No unique ISO 3166 country codes
|} |}


===United States{{Anchor|United States}}=== ==={{Anchor|United States}} United States===
{{Main|Territories of the United States|Insular area}} {{Main|Territories of the United States}}
{{Further|Insular area|United States Minor Outlying Islands}}


''Summary:'' the ] has 13 "]" dependent territories under its control and two claimed territories outside its control. The uninhabited ] is administered similarly to some of these territories, and is usually included on lists of U.S. overseas territories, but it is excluded from this list because it is classified in U.S. law as an ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.doi.gov/oia/islands/politicatypes |title=Definitions of Insular Area Political Organizations |publisher=U.S. Department of the Interior |accessdate=6 April 2019}}</ref> The ] has 13 "]" dependent territories under its administration and two claimed territories outside its control.<ref name="GAO">{{cite web |url=https://www.gao.gov/archive/1998/og98005.pdf |title=U.S. Insular Areas Application of the U.S. Constitution |publisher=United States General Accounting Office |date=November 1997 |access-date=24 November 2020 |archive-date=29 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229153648/https://www.gao.gov/archive/1998/og98005.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> The uninhabited ] is administered similarly to some of these territories, and is usually included on lists of U.S. overseas territories, but it is excluded from this list because it is classified in U.S. law as an incorporated territory.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.doi.gov/oia/islands/politicatypes |title=Definitions of Insular Area Political Organizations |date=12 June 2015 |publisher=U.S. Department of the Interior |access-date=6 April 2019}}</ref> The ] does not apply in full to the insular areas.<ref name="GAO hrd 91-18">{{cite web |url=https://www.gao.gov/assets/hrd-91-18.pdf |title=U.S. Insular Areas Applicability of Relevant Provisions of the U.S. Constitution |publisher=United States General Accounting Office |location=Washington, D.C. |page=4|date=June 20, 1991 |access-date=August 14, 2021}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable sortable" {| class="wikitable sortable"
! Unincorporated organized territories !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country codes
|- |-
! Unincorporated organized territory !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country code
| {{flag|Guam}} || ] organized territory of the U.S.; policy relations conducted through ], ]. Appears on the ]. || ] ''or''
|-
| {{flag|Guam}} || ] ] of the U.S.; policy relations conducted through the ] of the ]. Appears on the United Nations list of non-self-governing territories || ] ''or''
] ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Northern Mariana Islands}} || ] in political union with the U.S.; federal funding administered by the Office of Insular Affairs, Department of the Interior. || ] ''or'' | {{flag|Northern Mariana Islands}} || Unincorporated organized territory of the U.S. with ] status; federal funding administered by the Office of Insular Affairs of the Department of the Interior || ] ''or''
] ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Puerto Rico}} || Unincorporated organized territory of the U.S. with commonwealth status; policy relations conducted through the ]. || ] ''or'' | {{flag|Puerto Rico}} || Unincorporated organized territory of the U.S. with Commonwealth status; policy relations conducted through the ] || ] ''or''
] ]
|- |-
| {{flag|United States Virgin Islands}} || Unincorporated organized territory of the U.S.; policy relations conducted by the Office of Insular Affairs, Department of the Interior. Appears on the United Nations list of Non-Self-Governing Territories. || ] ''or'' | {{flag|U.S. Virgin Islands}} || Unincorporated organized territory of the U.S. Policy relations conducted by the Office of Insular Affairs of the Department of the Interior. Appears on the United Nations list of non-self-governing territories || ] ''or''
] ]
|- |-
! Unincorporated unorganized territories !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country codes ! Unincorporated unorganized territory !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country code
|- |-
| {{flag|American Samoa}} || Unincorporated unorganized territory administered by the Office of Insular Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior. Appears on the United Nations list of Non-Self-Governing Territories. || ] ''or'' | {{flag|American Samoa}} || Unincorporated unorganized territory administered by the Office of Insular Affairs of the Department of the Interior. Appears on the United Nations list of non-self-governing territories || ] ''or''
] ]
|- | |- |
! Unincorporated unorganized territories<br/>(uninhabited){{refn|group=note|Midway Atoll and Wake Island have a few people, but these territories are not permanently inhabited.}} !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country codes ! Unincorporated unorganized territory<br />(uninhabited){{refn|group=note|] and ] have a few people, but these territories are not permanently inhabited.}} !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country code
|- |-
| {{flag|Baker Island}} || rowspan="6" | Unincorporated unorganized territories of the U.S. administered by the ] of the Department of the Interior. || ] | {{flag|Baker Island}} || rowspan="6" | Unincorporated unorganized territories of the U.S. administered by the ] of the Department of the Interior || ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Howland Island}} | {{flag|Howland Island}}
Line 194: Line 175:
| ] | ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Navassa Island}} || Unincorporated unorganized territory of the U.S. administered by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Interior from the ] in ], ]. Claimed by ] and privately via the '']''. | {{flag|Navassa Island}} || Unincorporated unorganized territory of the U.S. administered by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Interior from the ] in ], ]
| ] | ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Wake Island|name=Wake Atoll}} || Unincorporated unorganized territory of the U.S. administered by the ] under an agreement with the Department of the Interior. Claimed by the ]. | {{flag|Wake Island|local}} || Unincorporated unorganized territory of the U.S. administered by the ] under an agreement with the Department of the Interior
| ] | ]
|- |-
! Unincorporated unorganized territories<br/>(uninhabited, claimed) !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country codes ! Unincorporated unorganized territory<br />(uninhabited, claimed) !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country code
|- |-
| ''{{noflag|]}}'' | ''{{noflag|]}}''
|Administered by ]. Claimed by the U.S. (under the ''Guano Islands Act'') and Jamaica. A claim by Nicaragua was resolved in 2012 in favor of Colombia by the ] (U.S. not a party nor recognizes the court's jurisdiction). | Administered by ]. Claimed by the U.S. (under the ''Guano Islands Act'') and ]. A claim by ] was resolved in 2012 in favor of Colombia by the ] (the U.S. is not a party nor recognises the court's jurisdiction).
| rowspan="2" | | rowspan="2" | No unique ISO 3166 country codes
|- |-
| ''{{noflag|]}}'' | ''{{noflag|]}}''
|Administered by ]. Site of a naval garrison. Claimed by the U.S. (since 1879 under the ''Guano Islands Act''), Honduras, and Jamaica. A claim by Nicaragua was resolved in 2012 in favor of Colombia by the ] (U.S. not a party nor recognizes the court's jurisdiction). | Administered by Colombia. Site of a naval garrison. Claimed by the U.S. (since 1879 under the ''Guano Islands Act''), ], and Jamaica. A claim by Nicaragua was resolved in 2012 in favor of Colombia by the International Court of Justice (the U.S. is not a party nor recognises the court's jurisdiction).
|} |}


==List of similar entities== ==Lists of similar entities==
The following entities are, according to the law of their state, integral parts of the state but exhibit many characteristics of dependent territories. This list is generally limited to entities that are either subject to an international treaty on their status, uninhabited, or have a unique level of autonomy and are largely self-governing in matters other than international affairs. As a result, it does not include entities with no unique autonomy, such as the ] of ], the ] of the ], and ] and ] of the ]. Entities with only limited unique autonomy, such as the ], the ], and ] within ] are also not included. All claims in ] are listed in ''italics''. The following entities are, according to the law of their state, integral parts of the state but exhibit many characteristics of dependent territories. This list is generally limited to entities that are either subject to an international treaty on their status, uninhabited, or have a unique level of autonomy and are largely self-governing in matters other than international affairs. It generally does not include entities with no unique autonomy, such as the ] (], ], ], ], and ]) of France; the ] (], ], and ]) of the Netherlands; ] of Norway; and ] of the United States.

Entities with only limited unique autonomy, such as ] of Antigua and Barbuda; ] and ] of Malaysia; the ] (the ] and ]) of Portugal; ] of Saint Kitts and Nevis; the ] and the ] (] and ]) of Spain; ] of the United Kingdom; and entities with non-recognized unique autonomy, such as ] of Iraq; ] of Myanmar; ] of Palestine; ] of Somalia; ] of Syria; and ] of Tanzania are also not included. All claims in Antarctica are listed in ''italics''.


===Australia=== ===Australia===
{{Main|States and territories of Australia}} {{Main|States and territories of Australia#External territories {{!}}States and territories of Australia § External territories}}


''Summary:'' ] has six external territories in its administration and one Antarctic claim. ] has six external territories in its administration and one Antarctic claim.


Although all territories of ] are considered to be fully integrated in its ], and the official status of an external territory does not differ largely from that of a mainland territory (except in regards to immigration law), debate remains as to whether the external territories are integral parts of Australia, due to their not being part of Australia in 1901, when its constituent states ] (with the exception of ], which was a part of ]).<ref>{{cite book Debate remains as to whether the external territories are integral parts of Australia,{{cn|date=November 2024}} due to their not being part of Australia in 1901, when its constituent states federated (with the exception of the ], which was a part of ]).<ref>{{cite book
| last = Carney | last = Carney
| first = Gerard | first = Gerard
Line 225: Line 208:
| year = 2006 | year = 2006
| location = Canberra | location = Canberra
| pages =
| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=6Pd8F1mFp1oC | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=6Pd8F1mFp1oC
| isbn = 978-0-521-86305-6 }}</ref> Norfolk Island was self-governing from 1979 to 2016.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/rearvision/the-end-of-self-government-on-norfolk-island/7530806 |title=The end of Norfolk Island's self-government |work=ABC |last=Phillips |first=Keri |date=23 June 2016 |accessdate=11 November 2020}}</ref> The external territories are often grouped separately from Australia proper for statistical purposes. | isbn = 978-0-521-86305-6 }}</ref> Norfolk Island was self-governing from 1979 to 2016.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/rearvision/the-end-of-self-government-on-norfolk-island/7530806 |title=The end of Norfolk Island's self-government |work=ABC |last=Phillips |first=Keri |date=23 June 2016 |access-date=11 November 2020}}</ref> The external territories are often grouped separately from Australia proper for statistical purposes.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}


{| class="wikitable sortable" {| class="wikitable sortable"
|- |-
! External territories !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country codes ! External territory !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country code
|- |-
| {{flag|Christmas Island}} || rowspan=3 | Administered from ] by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications.<ref name="DITRDC">{{cite web |author=The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications |title=Territories of Australia |url = https://www.regional.gov.au/territories/ |publisher=The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications |date=2020-02-28 |accessdate=2020-04-25 |quote=The Australian Government, through the department, administers the Indian Ocean Territories of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Norfolk Island, the Jervis Bay Territory, the Ashmore and Cartier Islands, and the Coral Sea Islands. The department also manages the Government's interests in the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.}}</ref> || ] | {{flag|Christmas Island}} || rowspan=3 | Administered from ] by the ]<ref name="DITRDC">{{cite web |title=Territories of Australia |url = https://www.regional.gov.au/territories/ |publisher=The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications |date=2020-02-28 |access-date=2020-04-25 |quote=The Australian Government, through the department, administers the Indian Ocean Territories of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Norfolk Island, the Jervis Bay Territory, the Ashmore and Cartier Islands, and the Coral Sea Islands. The department also manages the Government's interests in the Australian Capital Territory, and the Northern Territory.}}</ref> || ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Cocos (Keeling) Islands}} || ] | {{flag|Cocos (Keeling) Islands}} || ]
Line 239: Line 221:
| {{flag|Norfolk Island}} || ] | {{flag|Norfolk Island}} || ]
|- |-
! External territories<br/>(uninhabited) !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country codes ! External territory<br />(uninhabited) !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country code
|- |-
| {{flag|Ashmore and Cartier Islands}} || rowspan=2 | Administered from ] by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications.<ref name="DITRDC" /> || rowspan="2" | | {{flag|Ashmore and Cartier Islands}} || rowspan=2 | Administered from Canberra by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts<ref name="DITRDC" /> || rowspan="2" | No unique ISO 3166 country codes
|- |-
| {{flag|Coral Sea Islands}}{{NoteTag|] is permanently manned by a small team of meteorologists.}} | {{flag|Coral Sea Islands}}{{NoteTag|] is permanently staffed and occupied by a small team of meteorologists.}}
|- |-
| {{flag|Heard Island and McDonald Islands|Heard Island <br/>and McDonald Islands}} || Administered from Canberra by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.<ref name="DITRDC" /> || ] | {{flag|Heard Island and McDonald Islands|Heard Island <br/>and McDonald Islands}} || Administered from Canberra by the ]<ref name="DITRDC" /> || ]
|- |-
! External territory<br/>(uninhabited, claimed) !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country codes ! External territory<br />(uninhabited, claimed) !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country code
|- |-
| ''{{flag|Australian Antarctic Territory}}'' || Administered from Canberra by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.<ref name="DITRDC" /> || | ''{{flag|Australian Antarctic Territory}}'' || Administered from Canberra by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment<ref name="DITRDC" /> || No unique ISO 3166 country codes
|} |}


Line 255: Line 237:
{{Main|Special administrative regions of China}} {{Main|Special administrative regions of China}}


''Summary:'' ] has two special administrative regions (SARs) that are governed according to the ] and respective basic laws. The SARs greatly differ from mainland China in administrative, economic, legislative and judicial terms, including by currency, ], official languages and immigration control. The ] (PRC) has two special administrative regions (SARs) that are governed according to the ] and respective basic laws. The SARs greatly differ from ] in administrative, economic, legislative, and judicial terms including by currency, ], official languages, and immigration control. Although the PRC does claim sovereignty over ] (governed by the ]), it is not listed here as the PRC government does not have ''de facto'' control of the territory.


{| class="wikitable sortable" {| class="wikitable sortable"
|- |-
! Special administrative regions !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country codes ! Special administrative region !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country code
|- |-
| {{flag|Hong Kong}}|| Former ]. Special Administrative Region of the ] since 1997 according to the ], an international ] registered with the ]. The '']'' provides for the territory to enjoy a high degree of autonomy per the "]" model under the ]. Although the territory is not part of mainland ], it is officially considered an integral part of the People's Republic of China.<ref>. Gov.cn (2006-12-30). Retrieved on 2013-07-12.</ref><ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120618152810/http://www.stats.gov.cn/tjgb/rkpcgb/qgrkpcgb/t20110428_402722232.htm |date=2012-06-18 }}. Stats.gov.cn. Retrieved on 2013-07-12.</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617170730/http://big5.huaxia.com/sw/cjzx/jjdt/00265648.html |date=2013-06-17 }}. Big5.huaxia.com. Retrieved on 2013-07-12.</ref>|| ] ''or'' | {{flag|Hong Kong}}|| Former ]. Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China since 1997 according to the ], an international ] registered with the ]. The '']'' purports to provide for the territory to enjoy a "high degree" of autonomy per the "]" model under the ]. Although the territory is not part of mainland China, it is officially considered an integral part of the People's Republic of China.<ref>. Gov.cn (2006-12-30). Retrieved on 2013-07-12.</ref><ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120618152810/http://www.stats.gov.cn/tjgb/rkpcgb/qgrkpcgb/t20110428_402722232.htm |date=2012-06-18 }}. Stats.gov.cn. Retrieved on 2013-07-12.</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617170730/http://big5.huaxia.com/sw/cjzx/jjdt/00265648.html |date=2013-06-17 }}. Big5.huaxia.com. Retrieved on 2013-07-12.</ref>|| ] ''or''
] ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Macau}}|| Former ]. Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China since 1999 according to the ], an international treaty registered with the United Nations. The '']'' provides for the territory to enjoy a high degree of autonomy per the "]" model under the central government of China. Although the territory is not part of mainland ], it is officially considered an integral part of the People's Republic of China.|| ] ''or'' | {{flag|Macao}}|| Former ]. Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China since 1999 according to the ], an international treaty registered with the United Nations. The '']'' provides for the territory to enjoy a high degree of autonomy per the "one country, two systems" model under the central government of China. Although the territory is not part of mainland China, it is officially considered an integral part of the People's Republic of China.|| ] ''or''
] ]
|} |}
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{{Main|Danish Realm}} {{Main|Danish Realm}}


The ] contains two autonomous territories with their own governments and legislatures, and input into foreign affairs.<ref name="Rakitskaya">{{cite journal |last1=Rakitskaya |first1=Inna A. |last2=Molchakov |first2=Nikita Y. |title=Democratization of territorial constitution : current trends and the constitutional experience of Denmark |journal=International Journal of Economics and Business Administration |date=2019 |volume=7 |issue=1 |pages=166-172 |url=https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/45623 |accessdate=11 November 2020 |publisher=Eleftherios Thalassinos |issn=22414754}}</ref> The ] contains two autonomous territories with their own governments and legislatures, and input into foreign affairs.<ref name="Rakitskaya">{{cite journal |last1=Rakitskaya |first1=Inna A. |last2=Molchakov |first2=Nikita Y. |title=Democratization of territorial constitution : current trends and the constitutional experience of Denmark |journal=International Journal of Economics and Business Administration |date=2019 |volume=7 |issue=1 |pages=166–172 |url=https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/45623 |access-date=11 November 2020 |publisher=Eleftherios Thalassinos |issn=2241-4754}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable sortable" {| class="wikitable sortable"
|- |-
! Self-governing territories !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country codes ! Autonomous territory !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country code
|- |-
| {{flag|Faroe Islands}}|| Autonomous since 1948.<ref name="Rakitskaya"/> A constituent part of the Kingdom of Denmark, but not of the ]. || ] | {{flag|Faroe Islands}}|| Autonomous since 1948.<ref name="Rakitskaya"/> A constituent part of the Kingdom of Denmark, but not of the ]. Although it is not part of metropolitan ], it is officially considered an integral part of the ].|| ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Greenland}}|| Autonomous since 1979.<ref name="Rakitskaya"/> A constituent part of the Kingdom of Denmark, but withdrew from the ] in 1985. || ] | {{flag|Greenland}}|| Autonomous since 1979.<ref name="Rakitskaya"/> A constituent part of the Kingdom of Denmark, but withdrew from the ] in 1985. Although it is not part of metropolitan ], it is officially considered an integral part of the ].|| ]
|} |}


===Finland=== ===Finland===
{{Main|Administrative divisions of Finland}} {{Main|Regions of Finland}}
{{Further|Administrative divisions of Finland|Åland Islands dispute}}
{{See also|Åland Islands dispute|Special member state territories and the European Union#Åland Islands}}
{{Seealso||Special territories of members of the European Economic Area#Åland}}


''Summary:'' ] has one ] that is also subject to international treaties. ] has one ] that is also subject to international treaties.


{| class="wikitable sortable" {| class="wikitable sortable"
|- |-
! Autonomous region !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country codes ! Autonomous region !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country code
|- |-
| {{flag|Åland}}|| Åland is governed according to the ''Act on the Autonomy of Åland'' and international treaties. These laws guarantee the islands' autonomy in Finland, which has ultimate sovereignty over them, as well as a demilitarized status. || ] ''or'' | {{flag|Åland}}|| Åland is governed according to the '']'' and international treaties. These laws guarantee the islands' autonomy in Finland, which has ultimate sovereignty over them, as well as a demilitarised status. || ] ''or''
] ]
|} |}
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===France=== ===France===
{{Main|Overseas France}} {{Main|Overseas France}}
{{Further|Overseas collectivity|Overseas territory (France)}}
{{Seealso|Overseas country of France}}


''Summary:'' ] has overseas six autonomous collectivities and two uninhabited territories (one of which includes an Antarctic claim). This does not include its "standard" ] (which are also ]) of ], ], ], ], and ]. Although also located overseas, they have the same status as the regions of ]. Nonetheless, all of France's overseas territory is considered an integral part of the ]. ] has overseas six autonomous collectivities and two uninhabited territories (one of which includes an Antarctic claim). This does not include its "standard" ] (which are also overseas ]) of ], ], ], ], and ]. Although also located overseas, they have the same status as the regions of ]. Nonetheless, all of France's overseas territory is considered an integral part of the ].


{| class="wikitable sortable" {| class="wikitable sortable"
|- |-
! Overseas collectivities !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country codes ! Overseas collectivity !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country code
|- |-
| {{flag|French Polynesia}} || ] since 2003; ] since 2004. Appears on the ]. || ] ''or'' | {{flag|French Polynesia}} || ] since 2003; ] since 2004. Appears on the United Nations list of non-self-governing territories || ] ''or''
] ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Saint Barthélemy}} || Seceded from ] to become an overseas collectivity in 2007. || ] ''or'' | {{flag|Saint Barthélemy|local}} || Seceded from ] to become an overseas collectivity in 2007 || ] ''or''
] ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Saint Martin}} || Seceded from ] to become an overseas collectivity in 2007. It is the only overseas collectivity that is fully part of the ]. || ] ''or'' | {{flag|Saint Martin|local}} || Seceded from Guadeloupe to become an overseas collectivity in 2007. It is the only overseas collectivity that is fully part of the European Union. || ] ''or''
] ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Saint Pierre and Miquelon}} || ] since 1985; overseas collectivity since 2003. || ] ''or'' | {{flag|Saint Pierre and Miquelon|local}} || ] since 1985. Overseas collectivity since 2003 || ] ''or''
] ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Wallis and Futuna}} || Overseas territory since 1961; overseas collectivity since 2003. || ] ''or'' | {{flag|Wallis and Futuna|local}} || Overseas territory since 1961. Overseas collectivity since 2003 || ] ''or''
] ]
|- |-
! ''Sui generis'' collectivity !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country codes ! ''Sui generis'' collectivity !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country code
|- |-
| {{flag|New Caledonia|local}} || "'']''" collectivity<ref name="Outre-mer">{{cite web|url=http://www.outre-mer.gouv.fr/?presentation-nouvelle-caledonie.html&artpage=3-3|title=Nouvelle-Calédonie Présentation|website=Outre-Mer.gouv.fr|publisher=]|language=fr|trans-title=New Caledonia Presentation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521094530/http://www.outre-mer.gouv.fr/?presentation-nouvelle-caledonie.html&artpage=3-3|archive-date=21 May 2013|access-date=24 November 2020|df=dmy-all}}</ref> since 1998.<ref name="Dependency Status">{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/dependency-status/|title=Field Listing :: Dependency Status|website=]|publisher=]|access-date=7 April 2019|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Appears on the United Nations list of non-self-governing territories || ] ''or''
| {{flag|New Caledonia}} || "'']''" collectivity since 1999. Appears on the ]. || ] ''or''
] ]
|- |-
! State private property<br/>(uninhabited) !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country codes ! Overseas state private property<br />(uninhabited) !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country code
|- |-
| {{flag|Clipperton Island}} || The island is administered under the direct authority of the French government<ref name="LegiF">{{cite web|url=https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/loda/id/JORFTEXT000000879815/2020-11-24/|title=Loi n° 55-1052 du 6 août 1955 portant statut des Terres australes et antarctiques françaises et de l'île de Clipperton|website=LegiFrance.gouv.fr|publisher=]|language=fr|trans-title=Law n° 55-1052 of 6 August 1955 relating to the statute of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands and of the island of Clipperton|date=6 August 1955|access-date=24 November 2020|df=dmy-all}}</ref> by the French ]. || ]
| {{flag|Clipperton Island}} || Island administered by the Minister for Overseas Territories. || ]
|- |-
! Overseas territory<br/>(uninhabited) !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country codes ! Overseas territory<br />(uninhabited) !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country code
|- |-
| {{flag|French Southern and Antarctic Lands}} || TAAF ('']'') is an Overseas territory since 1955, administered from ] by an ''Administrateur Supérieur''.<br/>The territory includes the Antarctic claim of '']''.<ref name="FactbookFS">{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/fs.html|title=Antarctica :: French Southern and Antarctic Lands|website=]|publisher=]|date=20 May 2020|access-date=3 June 2020|df=dmy-all}}</ref> || ] ''or'' | {{flag|French Southern and Antarctic Lands}} || TAAF ('']'') is an ] since 1955, administered from ] by an ''Administrateur Supérieur''. The territory includes the Antarctic claim of '']''<ref name="FactbookFS">{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/french-southern-and-antarctic-lands/|title=Antarctica :: French Southern and Antarctic Lands|website=]|publisher=]|date=20 May 2020|access-date=3 June 2020|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and several islands in the ], including ], ], ] and ] || ] ''or''
]{{refn|group=note|The Antarctic claim of '']'' (a district of the ])<ref name="FactbookFS"/> is not included within the ISO 3166 designation. The ISO designates the remainder of the TAAF the "French Southern Territories".<ref name="ISOTF">{{cite web|url=https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:code:3166:TF|title=French Southern Territories|website=]|publisher=]|date=26 November 2018|access-date=3 June 2020|df=dmy-all}}</ref>}} ]{{refn|group=note|The Antarctic claim of '']'' (a district of the ])<ref name="FactbookFS"/> is not included within the ISO 3166 designation. The ISO designates the remainder of the TAAF the "French Southern Territories".<ref name="ISOTF">{{cite web|url=https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:code:3166:TF|title=French Southern Territories|website=]|publisher=]|date=26 November 2018|access-date=3 June 2020|df=dmy-all}}</ref>}}
|} |}


===Netherlands=== ===Netherlands===
{{Main|Kingdom of the Netherlands|Dutch Caribbean}} {{Main|Kingdom of the Netherlands}}
{{Further|Dutch Caribbean}}


''Summary:'' The Kingdom of the Netherlands comprises three autonomous "constituent countries" in the Caribbean (listed below) and one constituent country, the ], with most of its area in Europe but also encompassing three ]—], ], and ]. (Those three Caribbean municipalities are excluded here because they are directly administered by the ].<ref>, U.S. Department of State. "Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius now fall under the direct administration of the Netherlands". Retrieved 17 June 2016.</ref>) All Kingdom citizens share the same nationality and are thus ], but only the European portion of the Netherlands is part of the territory of the Union, the Customs Union and the Eurozone (] status). The Kingdom of the Netherlands comprises three autonomous "constituent countries" in the Caribbean (listed below) and one constituent country, the ], with most of its area in Europe but also encompassing three ]—], ], and ] (these three ] are excluded here because they are directly administered by the ]<ref>, U.S. Department of State. "Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius now fall under the direct administration of the Netherlands". Retrieved 17 June 2016.</ref>). All citizens of the Dutch Kingdom share the same nationality and are thus ], but only the European portion of the Kingdom is a part of the territory of the Union, the ], and the ] while other areas have ] status.


{| class="wikitable sortable" {| class="wikitable sortable"
|- |-
! Constituent countries !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country codes ! Constituent country !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country code
|- |-
|{{flag|Aruba}}|| Defined as a "country" ("''land''") within the ] by the ], Aruba obtained full autonomy in internal affairs upon separation from the ] in 1986. Part of the ] but not in ], its ] nonetheless includes status as ]. (The Kingdom government coincides almost exactly with the ], and is responsible for defense, foreign affairs, and nationality law.)|| ] ''or'' |{{flag|Aruba}}|| Defined as a "country" ("''land''") within the Kingdom by the ], Aruba obtained full autonomy in internal affairs upon separation from the ] in 1986. Part of the Kingdom but not in Europe, its ] nonetheless includes status as citizens of the European Union (the Kingdom government coincides almost exactly with the ], and is responsible for defence, foreign affairs, and nationality law).|| ] ''or''
] ]
|- |-
|{{flag|Curaçao}} |{{flag|Curaçao}}
| rowspan="2" |Defined as a "country" ("''land''") within the ] by the ], Curaçao and Sint Maarten were part of the ] until it was dissolved in October 2010. Part of the ] but not in ], their ] nonetheless includes status as ]. (The Kingdom government coincides almost exactly with the ], and is responsible for defense, foreign affairs, and nationality law.)|| ] ''or'' | rowspan="2" |Defined as a "country" ("''land''") within the Kingdom by the Statute of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Curaçao and Sint Maarten were part of the Netherlands Antilles until it was dissolved in October 2010. Part of the Kingdom but not in Europe, their citizenship nonetheless includes status as citizens of the European Union (the Kingdom government coincides almost exactly with the Government of the Netherlands, and is responsible for defence, foreign affairs, and nationality law).|| ] ''or''
] ]
|- |-
Line 356: Line 342:


===Norway=== ===Norway===
{{Main|List of possessions of Norway}}
''Summary:'' ] has, in the Arctic, one inhabited archipelago where Norwegian sovereignty is limited — ] and one inhabited island — ]. Unlike the country's dependent territory (]) and Antarctic claims (]), Svalbard and Jan Mayen are both integral parts of the Kingdom of Norway.
{{Further|Svalbard and Jan Mayen}}


] has, in the Arctic, one inhabited archipelago with restrictions placed on Norwegian sovereignty — ].<ref name="SpitsTreaty">{{cite web|url=https://en.wikisource.org/Spitsbergen_Treaty#Article_3.|title=Spitsbergen Treaty|publisher=]|date=9 February 1920|access-date=16 November 2020|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="GovSval">{{cite web|url=http://www.sysselmannen.no/hovedEnkel.aspx?m=45301|title=The Svalbard Treaty|publisher=]|date=9 April 2008|access-date=24 March 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723003932/http://www.sysselmannen.no/hovedEnkel.aspx?m=45301|archive-date=23 July 2011|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Unlike the country's dependent territory (]) and Antarctic claims (]), Svalbard is a part of the Kingdom of Norway.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Skagestad |first1=Odd Gunnar |editor1-last=Skreslet |editor1-first=Stig |title=Jan Mayen Island in Scientific Focus |date=2004 |publisher=Springer Netherlands |isbn=978-1-4020-2955-4 |page=272 |url=http://www.ogskagestad.info/attachments/File/JanMayenSciFocus04.pdf |access-date=15 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104210815/http://www.ogskagestad.info/attachments/File/JanMayenSciFocus04.pdf |archive-date=4 January 2014 |chapter=The Scope for Norwegian Commitments Related to International Research on Jan Mayen Island}}</ref> Norway also has one uninhabited remote archipelago located in the Arctic, ], but it is excluded in this list as the island is directly administred by the ] and none of the considerations established for Svalbard Treaty are attributed to it.
{| class="wikitable sortable" {| class="wikitable sortable"
! Territory !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country codes
|- |-
! Territory !! Administration !! ISO 3166 country code
|{{flag|Jan Mayen}} || Jan Mayen, like Svalbard, has not been incorporated into any county, but since 1995, it has been administered by the governor of Nordland County with some authority given to the station commander of the Norwegian Defense Logistics Organization, which is a branch of the Norwegian Armed Forces. The only settlement on the island is Olonkinbyen. || ]
|- |-
|{{flag|Svalbard}} || This Arctic archipelago is the northernmost permanent civilian settlement in the world. Not incorporated into any county, it is administered by a ] appointed by the Norwegian government. Since 2002, its main settlement of ] has ]. Other settlements include the Russian mining community of ], the research station of ], and the mining outpost of ]. The ] of 1920 recognizes Norwegian ] (administered since 1925 as a sovereign part of the Kingdom of Norway) but established Svalbard as a ] and a ]. || valign="center" | ] | {{flag|Svalbard}}|| This Arctic archipelago is the northernmost permanent civilian settlement in the world. Not incorporated into any county, it is administered by a ] appointed by the Norwegian government. Since 2002, its main settlement of ] has ]. Other settlements include the Russian mining community of ], the research station of ], and the mining outpost of ]. The ] of 1920 recognises Norwegian sovereignty (administered since 1925 as a sovereign part of the Kingdom of Norway) but established Svalbard as a ]<ref name="SpitsTreaty"/> and a ]. ||| ] ''or''<br>]
|} |}



==Description== ==Description==
] Island, ]]] ] Island, ]]]
]]]


Three ] are in a form of association with the ]. They are independently administrated jurisdictions, although the British Government is solely responsible for defense and international representation and has ultimate responsibility for ensuring good government. They do not have diplomatic recognition as independent states, but neither are they integrated into the U.K. (nor the ]). The U.K. Parliament retains the ability to legislate for the crown dependencies even without the agreement of their legislatures. No crown dependency has representation in the U.K. Parliament. Three ] are in a form of association with the United Kingdom. They are independently administrated jurisdictions, although the ] is solely responsible for defence and international representation and has ultimate responsibility for ensuring good government. They do not have diplomatic recognition as independent states, but neither are they integrated into the UK. The ] retains the ability to legislate for the crown dependencies even without the agreement of their legislatures. No crown dependency has representation in the UK Parliament.


Although they are ], ] and ] have similar relationships to the U.K. as do the Crown dependencies. While Britain is officially responsible for their defense and international representation, these jurisdictions maintain their own militaries and have been granted limited diplomatic powers, in addition to having internal self-government. Although they are ], ] and ] have similar relationships to the UK as do the Crown Dependencies. While the United Kingdom is officially responsible for their defence and international representation, these jurisdictions maintain their own militaries and have been granted limited diplomatic powers, in addition to having internal self-government.


New Zealand and its dependencies share the same ] and constitute one monarchic ]. The ] and ] are officially termed ]s. New Zealand and its dependencies share the same ] and constitute one monarchic ]. The ] and ] are officially termed ]s.


] (since 1952) and the ] (since 1986) are non-independent states freely associated with the ]. The mutually negotiated Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) in Political Union with the United States was approved in 1976. The covenant was fully implemented on November 3, 1986, under Presidential Proclamation no. 5564, which conferred United States citizenship on legally qualified CNMI residents.<ref>{{cite web|title=Northern Mariana Islands at the CIA's page|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cq.html|publisher=CIA|accessdate=2010-07-15|author=CIA|date=2010-07-15}}</ref> Under the ], Puerto Rico is described as a Commonwealth and Puerto Ricans have a degree of ] similar to that of a citizen of a ]. Puerto Ricans "were collectively made ]" in 1917, as a result of the ].<ref>The Louisiana Purchase and American Expansion: 1803–1898. By Sanford Levinson and Bartholomew H. Sparrow. New York: Rowman and Littlefield Publishers. 2005. Page 166, 178. "U.S. citizenship was extended to residents of Puerto Rico under the Jones Act, chap. 190, 39 Stat. 951 (1971) (codified at 48 U.S.C. § 731 (1987)")</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Puerto Rico at the CIA's page|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/rq.html|publisher=CIA|accessdate=2010-07-15|author=CIA|date=2010-07-15}}</ref> The commonly used name in Spanish of the ] of ], ''Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico'', literally "Associated Free State of Puerto Rico", which sounds similar to "free association" particularly when loosely used in Spanish, is sometimes erroneously interpreted to mean that Puerto Rico's relationship with United States is based on a ] and at other times is erroneously held to mean that Puerto Rico's relationship with United States is based on an ]. This is a constant source of ambiguity and confusion when trying to define, understand, and explain Puerto Rico's political relationship with the United States. For various reasons ] differs from that of the Pacific Islands that entered into Compacts of Free Association with the United States. As sovereign states, these islands have the full right to conduct their foreign relations, while the ] of ] has territorial status subject to United States congressional authority under the Constitution's Territory Clause, "to dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory… belonging to the United States."<ref name="FinalReport"> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326093201/http://www.prfaa.com/eng/PuertoRicoBookletFinal.pdf |date=2009-03-26 }}</ref> Puerto Rico does not have the right to unilaterally declare independence, and at the last referendum (1998), the narrow majority voted for "none of the above", which was a formally undefined alternative used by commonwealth supporters to express their desire for an "enhanced commonwealth" option.<ref name="FinalReport"/> ] (since 1952) and the ] (since 1986) are non-independent states freely associated with the United States. The mutually negotiated Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) in Political Union with the United States was approved in 1976. The covenant was fully implemented on November 3, 1986, under Presidential Proclamation no. 5564, which conferred ] on legally qualified CNMI residents.<ref>{{cite web|title=Northern Mariana Islands at the CIA's page|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/northern-mariana-islands/|publisher=CIA|access-date=2010-07-15|author=CIA|date=2010-07-15}}</ref> Under the ], Puerto Rico is described as a Commonwealth and Puerto Ricans have a degree of ] similar to that of a citizen of a ]. Puerto Ricans "were collectively made ]" in 1917, as a result of the ].<ref>The Louisiana Purchase and American Expansion: 1803–1898. By Sanford Levinson and Bartholomew H. Sparrow. New York: Rowman and Littlefield Publishers. 2005. Page 166, 178. "U.S. citizenship was extended to residents of Puerto Rico under the Jones Act, chap. 190, 39 Stat. 951 (1971) (codified at 48 U.S.C. § 731 (1987)")</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Puerto Rico at the CIA's page|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/puerto-rico/|publisher=CIA|access-date=2010-07-15|author=CIA|date=2010-07-15}}</ref> The commonly used name in Spanish of the ] of Puerto Rico, ''Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico'', literally "Associated Free State of Puerto Rico", which sounds similar to "free association" particularly when loosely used in Spanish, is sometimes erroneously interpreted to mean that Puerto Rico's relationship with the United States is based on a ] and at other times is erroneously held to mean that Puerto Rico's relationship with the U.S. is based on an ]. This is a constant source of ambiguity and confusion when trying to define, understand, and explain Puerto Rico's political relationship with the United States. For various reasons ] differs from that of the Pacific Islands that entered into Compacts of Free Association with the United States. As sovereign states, these islands have the full right to conduct their foreign relations, while the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico has territorial status subject to U.S. congressional authority under the Constitution's Territory Clause, "to dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory… belonging to the United States."<ref name="FinalReport">{{Cite web|url=http://www.prfaa.com/eng/PuertoRicoBookletFinal.pdf|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326093201/http://www.prfaa.com/eng/PuertoRicoBookletFinal.pdf|url-status=dead|title=December 2005 report of the President's Task Force on Puerto Rico's Status|archivedate=March 26, 2009}}</ref> Puerto Rico does not have the right to unilaterally declare independence, and at the last referendum (1998), the narrow majority voted for "none of the above", which was a formally undefined alternative used by commonwealth supporters to express their desire for an "enhanced commonwealth" option.<ref name="FinalReport"/>


This kind of relationship can also be found in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which is termed a ]. The European ] is organised like a unitary state. However, the status of its "constituent countries" in the Caribbean (], ], and ]) can be considered akin to dependencies<ref name="FactbookNL">{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/netherlands/|title=Europe :: Netherlands|website=]|publisher=]|date=10 June 2020|access-date=13 July 2020|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="StaveGov">{{cite web|url=https://www.state.gov/dependencies-and-areas-of-special-sovereignty/|title=Dependencies and Areas of Special Sovereignty|website=]|publisher=]|date=7 March 2017|access-date=13 July 2020|df=dmy-all}}</ref> or "associated non-independent states."
]]]
This kind of relationship can also be found in the ], which is termed a ]. The European ] is organized like a unitary state. However, the status of its "constituent countries" in the Caribbean (], ], and ]) can be considered akin to dependencies<ref name="FactbookNL">{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/resources/the-world-factbook/geos/nl.html|title=Europe :: Netherlands|website=]|publisher=]|date=10 June 2020|access-date=13 July 2020|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="StaveGov">{{cite web|url=https://www.state.gov/dependencies-and-areas-of-special-sovereignty/|title=Dependencies and Areas of Special Sovereignty|website=]|publisher=]|date=7 March 2017|access-date=13 July 2020|df=dmy-all}}</ref> or "associated non-independent states."


The ] also operates similarly, akin to another ]. The ] and ] are two self-governing territories or regions within the Kingdom. The relationship between Denmark proper and these two territories is semi-officially termed the '']'' ("Unity of the Realm"). The Kingdom of Denmark also operates similarly, akin to another federacy. The ] and ] are two self-governing territories or regions within the Kingdom. The relationship between Denmark proper and these two territories is semi-officially termed the '']'' ("Unity of the Realm").


==Overview of inhabited dependent territories==







==Overview of inhabited dependent territories and outlying parts of sovereign states==
{| class="wikitable sortable" {| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Name ! Name
! Population <small>(2016)</small><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2119rank.html |title=Country Comparison :: Population |publisher=CIA|date=July 2016}}</ref> ! Population <small>(2016)</small><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/population/country-comparison/|title=Country Comparison :: Population |publisher=CIA|date=July 2016}}</ref>
! Area (km²)<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2147.html |title=Field Listing :: Area |publisher=CIA}}</ref> ! Area (km<sup>2</sup>)<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/area/|title=Field Listing :: Area |publisher=CIA}}</ref>
!Area (mi²)<ref name=":0" /> ! Area (mi<sup>2</sup>)<ref name=":0" />
! width=80| ]
! Continent
! width=100| ]
! Sovereign state
! ]
! Legal status<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2006.html |title=Field Listing :: Dependency Status |publisher=CIA}}</ref>
! Legal status<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/dependency-status/|title=Field Listing :: Dependency Status |publisher=CIA}}</ref>
|- |-
| {{flag|Akrotiri and Dhekelia}} | {{flag|Akrotiri and Dhekelia}}
Line 404: Line 385:
| 254 | 254
| 98 | 98
| ] | ]
| ]
| {{flagcountry|United Kingdom}} | {{flagcountry|United Kingdom}}
| ] | ]<br />(])
|- |-
| {{flag|Åland}} | {{flag|Åland}}
Line 413: Line 395:
| 610 | 610
| ] | ]
| ]
| {{flagcountry|Finland}} | {{flagcountry|Finland}}
| ] | ]
|- |-
| {{flag|American Samoa}} | {{flag|American Samoa}}
Line 421: Line 404:
| 77 | 77
| ] | ]
| ]
| {{flagcountry|United States}} | {{flagcountry|United States}}
| ] | ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Anguilla}} | {{flag|Anguilla}}
Line 428: Line 412:
| 91 | 91
| 35 | 35
| ] | ]
| ]
| {{flagcountry|United Kingdom}} | {{flagcountry|United Kingdom}}
| ] | Overseas territory
|- |-
| {{flag|Aruba}} | {{flag|Aruba}}
Line 436: Line 421:
| 178.91 | 178.91
| 69.08 | 69.08
| Americas
| ]
| Caribbean
| {{flagcountry|Netherlands}}
| ] | {{flagcountry|Kingdom of the Netherlands}}
| ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Bermuda}} | {{flag|Bermuda}}
Line 444: Line 430:
| 53.2 | 53.2
| 20.5 | 20.5
| Americas
| ]
| ]
| {{flagcountry|United Kingdom}} | {{flagcountry|United Kingdom}}
| ] | Overseas territory
|- |-
| {{flag|British Virgin Islands}} | {{flag|British Virgin Islands}}
Line 452: Line 439:
| 153 | 153
| 59 | 59
| Americas
| ]
| Caribbean
| {{flagcountry|United Kingdom}} | {{flagcountry|United Kingdom}}
| ] | Overseas territory
|- |-
| {{flag|Cayman Islands}} | {{flag|Cayman Islands}}
Line 460: Line 448:
| 264 | 264
| 101.9 | 101.9
| Americas
| ]
| Caribbean
| {{flagcountry|United Kingdom}} | {{flagcountry|United Kingdom}}
| ] | Overseas territory
|- |-
| {{flag|Christmas Island}} | {{flag|Christmas Island}}
Line 468: Line 457:
| 135 | 135
| 52 | 52
| Oceania
| ]
| ]
| {{flagcountry|Australia}} | {{flagcountry|Australia}}
| ] | ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Cocos (Keeling) Islands}} | {{flag|Cocos (Keeling) Islands}}
Line 476: Line 466:
| 14 | 14
| 5.4 | 5.4
| Oceania
| ]
| Australia and New Zealand
| {{flagcountry|Australia}} | {{flagcountry|Australia}}
| ] | External territory
|- |-
| {{flag|Cook Islands}} | {{flag|Cook Islands}}
Line 484: Line 475:
| 240 | 240
| 93 | 93
| ] | Oceania
| Polynesia
| {{flagcountry|New Zealand}} | {{flagcountry|New Zealand}}
| ]
| ]
|-
| {{flag|Coral Sea Islands}}
| 4
| 3
| 1.16
| ]
| {{flagcountry|Australia}}
| ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Curaçao}} | {{flag|Curaçao}}
Line 500: Line 484:
| 444 | 444
| 171 | 171
| Americas
| ]
| Caribbean
| {{flagcountry|Netherlands}}
| ] | {{flagcountry|Kingdom of the Netherlands}}
| Constituent country
|- |-
| {{flag|Falkland Islands}} | {{flag|Falkland Islands}}
Line 508: Line 493:
| 12,173 | 12,173
| 4,700 | 4,700
| Americas
| ] | ]
| {{flagcountry|United Kingdom}} | {{flagcountry|United Kingdom}}
| ] | Overseas territory
|- |-
| {{flag|Faroe Islands}} | {{flag|Faroe Islands}}
Line 516: Line 502:
| 4,167 | 4,167
| 540 | 540
| ] | Europe
| Northern Europe
| {{flagcountry|Denmark}}
| {{flagcountry|Kingdom of Denmark}}
| ]
| ]
|- |-
| {{flag|French Polynesia}} | {{flag|French Polynesia}}
Line 524: Line 511:
| 1,399 | 1,399
| 1,609 | 1,609
| ] | Oceania
| Polynesia
| {{flagcountry|France}} | {{flagcountry|France}}
| ] | ]<br />(])
|- |-
| {{flag|Gibraltar}} | {{flag|Gibraltar}}
Line 532: Line 520:
| 6.5 | 6.5
| 2.5 | 2.5
| ] | Europe
| ]
| {{flagcountry|United Kingdom}} | {{flagcountry|United Kingdom}}
| ] | Overseas territory
|- |-
| {{flag|Greenland}} | {{flag|Greenland}}
Line 540: Line 529:
| 2,166,086 | 2,166,086
| 836,330 | 836,330
| Americas
| ]
| Northern America
| {{flagcountry|Denmark}}
| {{flagcountry|Kingdom of Denmark}}
| ]
| Autonomous territory
|- |-
| {{flag|Guam}} | {{flag|Guam}}
Line 548: Line 538:
| 544 | 544
| 210 | 210
| ] | Oceania
| ]
| {{flagcountry|United States}} | {{flagcountry|United States}}
| ] | ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Guernsey}} | {{flag|Bailiwick of Guernsey|name=Guernsey}}
| 63,026 | 63,026
| 65 | 65
| 25 | 25
| ] | Europe
| Northern Europe
| {{flagcountry|United Kingdom}} | {{flagcountry|United Kingdom}}
| ] | ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Hong Kong}} | {{flag|Hong Kong}}
Line 564: Line 556:
| 2,755 | 2,755
| 1,064 | 1,064
| ] | Asia
| ]
| {{flagcountry|China}} | {{flagcountry|China}}
| ] | ]
Line 572: Line 565:
| 572 | 572
| 221 | 221
| ] | Europe
| Northern Europe
| {{flagcountry|United Kingdom}} | {{flagcountry|United Kingdom}}
| Crown Dependency
| ]
|-
| {{flag|Jan Mayen}}
| 35
| 377
| 146
| ]
| {{flagcountry|Norway}}
| ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Jersey}} | {{flag|Jersey}}
Line 588: Line 574:
| 118.2 | 118.2
| 45.6 | 45.6
| ] | Europe
| Northern Europe
| {{flagcountry|United Kingdom}} | {{flagcountry|United Kingdom}}
| Crown Dependency
| ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Macau}} | {{flag|Macao}}
| 650,900 | 650,900
| 115.3 | 115.3
| 44.5 | 44.5
| ] | Asia
| Eastern Asia
| {{flagcountry|China}} | {{flagcountry|China}}
| ] | Special administrative region
|-
| {{flag|Midway Atoll}}
| 40
| 6.2
| 2.4
| ]
| {{flagcountry|United States}}
| ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Montserrat}} | {{flag|Montserrat}}
Line 612: Line 592:
| 101 | 101
| 39 | 39
| Americas
| ]
| Caribbean
| {{flagcountry|United Kingdom}} | {{flagcountry|United Kingdom}}
| ] | Overseas territory
|- |-
| {{flag|New Caledonia}} | {{flag|New Caledonia|local}}
| 275,355 | 275,355
| 18,576 | 18,576
| 7,172 | 7,172
| ] | Oceania
| ]
| {{flagcountry|France}} | {{flagcountry|France}}
| ] | ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Niue}} | {{flag|Niue}}
Line 628: Line 610:
| 261.46 | 261.46
| 100.95 | 100.95
| ] | Oceania
| Polynesia
| {{flagcountry|New Zealand}} | {{flagcountry|New Zealand}}
| Associated state
| ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Norfolk Island}} | {{flag|Norfolk Island}}
Line 636: Line 619:
| 34.6 | 34.6
| 13.4 | 13.4
| ] | Oceania
| Australia and New Zealand
| {{flagcountry|Australia}} | {{flagcountry|Australia}}
| ] | External territory
|- |-
| {{flag|Northern Mariana Islands}} | {{flag|Northern Mariana Islands}}
Line 644: Line 628:
| 464 | 464
| 179 | 179
| ] | Oceania
| Micronesia
| {{flagcountry|United States}} | {{flagcountry|United States}}
| ] | Unincorporated organized territory<br />(])
|-
| {{flag|Palmyra Atoll}}
| 25
| 11.9
| 4.6
| ]
| {{flagcountry|United States}}
| ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Pitcairn Islands}} | {{flag|Pitcairn Islands}}
Line 660: Line 637:
| 43 | 43
| 17 | 17
| ] | Oceania
| Polynesia
| {{flagcountry|United Kingdom}} | {{flagcountry|United Kingdom}}
| ] | Overseas territory
|- |-
| {{flag|Puerto Rico}} | {{flag|Puerto Rico}}
Line 668: Line 646:
| 9,104 | 9,104
| 3,515 | 3,515
| Americas
| ]
| Caribbean
| {{flagcountry|United States}} | {{flagcountry|United States}}
| Unincorporated organized territory<br />(Commonwealth)
| ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Saint Barthélemy}} | {{flag|Saint Barthélemy|local}}
| 7,209 | 7,209
| 25 | 25
| 9.7 | 9.7
| Americas
| ]
| Caribbean
| {{flagcountry|France}} | {{flagcountry|France}}
| ] | Overseas collectivity
|- |-
| {{flag|Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha}} | {{flag|Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha}}
Line 685: Line 665:
| 152 | 152
| ] | ]
| ]
| {{flagcountry|United Kingdom}} | {{flagcountry|United Kingdom}}
| ] | Overseas territory
|- |-
| {{flag|Saint Martin|Saint Martin}} | {{flag|Saint Martin|local}}
| 31,949 | 31,949
| 53.2 | 53.2
| 20.5 | 20.5
| Americas
| ]
| Caribbean
| {{flagcountry|France}} | {{flagcountry|France}}
| ] | Overseas collectivity
|- |-
| {{flag|Saint Pierre and Miquelon}} | {{flag|Saint Pierre and Miquelon|local}}
| 5,595 | 5,595
| 242 | 242
| 93 | 93
| Americas
| ]
| Northern America
| {{flagcountry|France}} | {{flagcountry|France}}
| ] | Overseas collectivity
|- |-
| {{flag|Sint Maarten}} | {{flag|Sint Maarten}}
Line 708: Line 691:
| 37 | 37
| 14 | 14
| Americas
| ]
| Caribbean
| {{flagcountry|Netherlands}}
| ] | {{flagcountry|Kingdom of the Netherlands}}
| Constituent country
|- |-
| {{flag|Svalbard}} | {{flag|Svalbard}}
Line 716: Line 700:
| 61,022 | 61,022
| 23,561 | 23,561
| ] | Europe
| Northern Europe
| {{flagcountry|Norway}} | {{flagcountry|Norway}}
| ] | ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Tokelau}} | {{flag|Tokelau}}
Line 724: Line 709:
| 10 | 10
| 3.9 | 3.9
| ] | Oceania
| Polynesia
| {{flagcountry|New Zealand}} | {{flagcountry|New Zealand}}
| ] | ]
|- |-
| {{flag|Turks and Caicos Islands}} | {{flag|Turks and Caicos Islands}}
Line 732: Line 718:
| 430 | 430
| 166 | 166
| Americas
| ]
| Caribbean
| {{flagcountry|United Kingdom}} | {{flagcountry|United Kingdom}}
| ] | Overseas territory
|- |-
| {{flag|United States Virgin Islands}} | {{flag|U.S. Virgin Islands}}
| 102,951 | 102,951
| 346.36 | 346.36
| 133.73 | 133.73
| Americas
| ]
| Caribbean
| {{flagcountry|United States}} | {{flagcountry|United States}}
| ] | Unincorporated organized territory
|- |-
| {{flag|Wake Island|name=Wake Atoll}} | {{flag|Wallis and Futuna|local}}
| 150
| 7.37
| 2.85
| ]
| {{flagcountry|United States}}
| ]
|-
| {{flag|Wallis and Futuna}}
| 15,664 | 15,664
| 142 | 142
| 55 | 55
| ] | Oceania
| Polynesia
| {{flagcountry|France}} | {{flagcountry|France}}
| ] | Overseas collectivity
|} |}


==See also== ==See also==
{{Div col|colwidth=25em}} {{Div col|colwidth=25em}}
* ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
** ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
** ]
* ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* Lists of former colonies, possessions, protectorates, and territories
** ]
** ]
** ]
* ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
{{Div col end}} {{Div col end}}


Line 786: Line 769:
==References== ==References==
===Citations=== ===Citations===
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
{{Reflist}}


===Sources=== ===Sources===
Line 800: Line 783:
{{Colonialism}} {{Colonialism}}
{{Terms for types of administrative territorial entities}} {{Terms for types of administrative territorial entities}}
{{United Nations list of Non-Self-Governing Territories}} {{United Nations list of non-self-governing territories}}


] ]
Line 807: Line 790:
] ]
] ]
]

Latest revision as of 04:48, 4 January 2025

Territory that does not possess full political independence as a sovereign state This article is about external territories which have a greater degree of autonomy from their parent state and function as de facto independent political entities. For subnational administrative divisions which have some degree of autonomy under the national government, see Autonomous administrative division.
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A dependent territory, dependent area, or dependency (sometimes referred as an external territory) is a territory that does not possess full political independence or sovereignty as a sovereign state and remains politically outside the controlling state's integral area. As such, a dependent territory includes a range of non-integrated not fully to non-independent territory types, from associated states to non-self-governing territories (e.g. a colony).

A dependent territory is commonly distinguished from a country subdivision by being considered not to be a constituent part of a sovereign state. An administrative subdivision, instead, is understood to be a division of a state proper. A dependent territory, conversely, often maintains a great degree of autonomy from its controlling state. Historically, most colonies were considered to be dependent territories. Not all autonomous entities are considered to be dependent territories. Most inhabited, dependent territories have their own ISO 3166 country codes.

Some political entities inhabit a special position guaranteed by an international treaty or another agreement, thereby creating a certain level of autonomy (e.g. a difference in immigration rules). Those entities are sometimes considered to be, or are at least grouped with, dependent territories, but are officially considered by their governing states to be an integral part of those states. Such an example is Åland, an autonomous region of Finland.

Summary

The lists below include the following:

Dependent territories

Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark in North America
  • Two states in free association, one dependent territory, and one Antarctic claim in the listing for New Zealand
  • One uninhabited territory and two Antarctic claims in the listing for Norway
  • 13 overseas territories (ten autonomous, two used primarily as military bases, and one uninhabited), three Crown dependencies, and one Antarctic claim in the listing for the United Kingdom
  • 13 unincorporated territories (five inhabited and eight uninhabited) and two claimed but uncontrolled territories in the listing for the United States

Similar entities

  • Six external territories (three inhabited and three uninhabited) and one Antarctic claim in the listing for Australia
  • Two special administrative regions in the listing for China
  • Two self-governing territories with autonomy in internal affairs in the listing for Denmark
  • One autonomous region governed according to an act and international treaties in the listing for Finland
  • Five autonomous overseas collectivities, one sui generis collectivity, and two uninhabited overseas territories (one of which includes an Antarctic claim) in the listing for France
  • Three constituent countries with autonomy in internal affairs in the listing for the Netherlands
  • One internal territory with limited sovereignty in the listing for Norway
Aruba, a Dependent territory of the Netherlands in the Caribbean
Dependent territories and their sovereign states. All territories are labeled according to ISO 3166-1 or with numbers. Coloured areas without labels are integral parts of their respective countries. Antarctica is shown as a condominium instead of individual claims.

Lists of dependent territories

This list includes all territories that have not been legally incorporated into their governing state, including several territories that are not on the list of non-self-governing territories of the General Assembly of the United Nations. All claims in Antarctica are listed in italics.

New Zealand

Main article: Realm of New Zealand

New Zealand has two self-governing associated states, one dependent territory, and a territorial claim in Antarctica.

Associated state Administration ISO 3166 country code
 Cook Islands Self-governing state in free association with New Zealand since 1965. Cook Islands' status is considered to be equivalent to independence for international law purposes, and the country exercises full sovereignty over its internal and external affairs. Under the terms of the free association agreement, however, New Zealand retains some responsibility for the foreign relations and defence of the Cook Islands. These responsibilities confer no rights of control and are exercised only at the request of the Cook Islands Government. The government of New Zealand does not consider it appropriate for the Cook Islands to have a separate seat at the United Nations, due to its continued use of the right of Cook Islanders to have New Zealand citizenship. CK
 Niue Self-governing state in free association with New Zealand since 1974. Niue's status is considered to be equivalent to independence for international law purposes, and the country exercises full sovereignty over its internal and external affairs. Under the terms of the free association agreement, however, New Zealand retains some responsibility for the foreign relations and defence of Niue. These responsibilities confer no rights of control and are exercised only at the request of the Government of Niue. The government of New Zealand does not consider it appropriate for the Niue to have a separate seat at the United Nations, due to its continued use of the right of Niueans to have New Zealand citizenship. NU
Dependent territory Administration ISO 3166 country code
 Tokelau Territory of New Zealand. A UN-sponsored referendum on self-governance in February 2006 did not produce the two-thirds supermajority necessary for changing the current political status. Another one was in October 2007, which failed to reach the two-thirds margin. Appears on the United Nations list of non-self-governing territories. TK
Dependent territory
(uninhabited, claimed)
Administration ISO 3166 country code
 Ross Dependency This is New Zealand's Antarctic claim. Unlike Tokelau and the associated states (Cook Islands and Niue), the Ross Dependency is, according to the New Zealand government, constitutionally part of New Zealand. No unique ISO 3166 country codes

Norway

Main article: Dependencies of Norway

Norway has one dependent territory and two Antarctic claims. Norway also possesses the inhabited islands of Svalbard where Norwegian sovereignty is limited (see below).

Dependent territory
(uninhabited)
Administration ISO 3166 country code
 Bouvet Island Dependency administered from Oslo by the Polar Affairs Department of the Ministry of Justice and the Police. BV
Dependent territory
(uninhabited, claimed)
Administration ISO 3166 country code
 Peter I Island Dependencies (subject to the Antarctic Treaty System) administered from Oslo by the Polar Affairs Department of the Ministry of Justice and the Police. No unique ISO 3166 country codes
 Queen Maud Land

United Kingdom

Main articles: British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies

The United Kingdom has three "Crown Dependencies", thirteen "Overseas Territories" (ten autonomous, two used primarily as military bases, and one uninhabited), and one Antarctic claim.

Crown Dependency Administration ISO 3166 country code
 Guernsey Responsibility for defence, international representation, and good government rests with the United Kingdom. GG
 Isle of Man IM
 Jersey JE
Overseas Territory Administration ISO 3166 country code
 Anguilla House of Assembly of Anguilla handles domestic affairs. Appears on the United Nations list of non-self-governing territories. AI
 Bermuda Parliament of Bermuda handles domestic affairs and the territory is defined by the U.K. as self-governing. Appears on the United Nations list of non-self-governing territories. BM
 British Virgin Islands House of Assembly of the British Virgin Islands handles domestic affairs. Appears on the United Nations list of non-self-governing territories VG
 Cayman Islands Parliament of the Cayman Islands handles domestic affairs. Almost complete internal self-government. Appears on the United Nations list of non-self-governing territories. KY
 Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly of the Falkland Islands handles domestic affairs. Appears on the United Nations list of non-self-governing territories. FK
 Gibraltar Gibraltar Parliament handles domestic affairs. Almost complete internal self-government. Appears on the United Nations list of non-self-governing territories. GI
 Montserrat Legislative Council of Montserrat handles domestic affairs. Appears on the United Nations list of non-self-governing territories. MS
 Pitcairn Islands Island Council of the Pitcairn Islands handles some domestic affairs, however decisions are subject to approval by the Governor of the Pitcairn Islands, reporting to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Appears on the United Nations list of non-self-governing territories. PN
 Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Legislative Council of Saint Helena, Ascension Island Council and Tristan da Cunha Island Council handle domestic affairs. Appears on the United Nations list of non-self-governing territories. SH
 Turks and Caicos Islands House of Assembly of the Turks and Caicos Islands handles some domestic affairs. Appears on the United Nations list of non-self-governing territories. TC
Overseas Territory
(Sovereign Base Areas)
Administration ISO 3166 country code
 Akrotiri and Dhekelia Two sovereign base areas administered as a single British overseas territory by the Commander of British Forces Cyprus, reporting to the Ministry of Defence. Permanent Cypriot population, as well as British military personnel and their families. No unique ISO 3166 country codes
Overseas Territory
(uninhabited)
Administration ISO 3166 country code
 British Indian Ocean Territory Administered by the Commissioner for the British Indian Ocean Territory, reporting to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The Indigenous Chagossian population was removed between 1967 and 1973. Presently the territory is restricted to military personnel, principally at the joint U.K.-U.S. naval base on the atoll of Diego Garcia. IO
 South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Administered by the Commissioner for South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (who is also the Governor of the Falkland Islands), reporting to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. GS
Overseas Territory
(uninhabited, claimed)
Administration ISO 3166 country code
 British Antarctic Territory Administered by the Commissioner for the British Antarctic Territory, reporting to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The UK's Antarctic claim. No unique ISO 3166 country codes

United States

Main article: Territories of the United States Further information: Insular area and United States Minor Outlying Islands

The United States has 13 "unincorporated" dependent territories under its administration and two claimed territories outside its control. The uninhabited Palmyra Atoll is administered similarly to some of these territories, and is usually included on lists of U.S. overseas territories, but it is excluded from this list because it is classified in U.S. law as an incorporated territory. The U.S. Constitution does not apply in full to the insular areas.

Unincorporated organized territory Administration ISO 3166 country code
 Guam Unincorporated organized territory of the U.S.; policy relations conducted through the Office of Insular Affairs of the Department of the Interior. Appears on the United Nations list of non-self-governing territories GU or

US-GU

 Northern Mariana Islands Unincorporated organized territory of the U.S. with Commonwealth status; federal funding administered by the Office of Insular Affairs of the Department of the Interior MP or

US-MP

 Puerto Rico Unincorporated organized territory of the U.S. with Commonwealth status; policy relations conducted through the Executive Office of the President PR or

US-PR

 U.S. Virgin Islands Unincorporated organized territory of the U.S. Policy relations conducted by the Office of Insular Affairs of the Department of the Interior. Appears on the United Nations list of non-self-governing territories VI or

US-VI

Unincorporated unorganized territory Administration ISO 3166 country code
 American Samoa Unincorporated unorganized territory administered by the Office of Insular Affairs of the Department of the Interior. Appears on the United Nations list of non-self-governing territories AS or

US-AS

Unincorporated unorganized territory
(uninhabited)
Administration ISO 3166 country code
 Baker Island Unincorporated unorganized territories of the U.S. administered by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Interior UM-81
 Howland Island UM-84
 Jarvis Island UM-86
 Johnston Atoll UM-67
 Kingman Reef UM-89
 Midway Atoll UM-71
 Navassa Island Unincorporated unorganized territory of the U.S. administered by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Interior from the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico UM-76
 Wake Island Unincorporated unorganized territory of the U.S. administered by the U.S. Air Force under an agreement with the Department of the Interior UM-79
Unincorporated unorganized territory
(uninhabited, claimed)
Administration ISO 3166 country code
 Bajo Nuevo Bank Administered by Colombia. Claimed by the U.S. (under the Guano Islands Act) and Jamaica. A claim by Nicaragua was resolved in 2012 in favor of Colombia by the International Court of Justice (the U.S. is not a party nor recognises the court's jurisdiction). No unique ISO 3166 country codes
 Serranilla Bank Administered by Colombia. Site of a naval garrison. Claimed by the U.S. (since 1879 under the Guano Islands Act), Honduras, and Jamaica. A claim by Nicaragua was resolved in 2012 in favor of Colombia by the International Court of Justice (the U.S. is not a party nor recognises the court's jurisdiction).

Lists of similar entities

The following entities are, according to the law of their state, integral parts of the state but exhibit many characteristics of dependent territories. This list is generally limited to entities that are either subject to an international treaty on their status, uninhabited, or have a unique level of autonomy and are largely self-governing in matters other than international affairs. It generally does not include entities with no unique autonomy, such as the five overseas departments and regions (French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, and Réunion) of France; the BES islands (Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba) of the Netherlands; Jan Mayen of Norway; and Palmyra Atoll of the United States.

Entities with only limited unique autonomy, such as Barbuda of Antigua and Barbuda; Sabah and Sarawak of Malaysia; the two autonomous regions (the Azores and Madeira) of Portugal; Nevis of Saint Kitts and Nevis; the Canary Islands and the two autonomous cities (Ceuta and Melilla) of Spain; Northern Ireland of the United Kingdom; and entities with non-recognized unique autonomy, such as Kurdistan of Iraq; Wa of Myanmar; Gaza of Palestine; Puntland of Somalia; Rojava of Syria; and Zanzibar of Tanzania are also not included. All claims in Antarctica are listed in italics.

Australia

Main article: States and territories of Australia § External territories

Australia has six external territories in its administration and one Antarctic claim.

Debate remains as to whether the external territories are integral parts of Australia, due to their not being part of Australia in 1901, when its constituent states federated (with the exception of the Coral Sea Islands, which was a part of Queensland). Norfolk Island was self-governing from 1979 to 2016. The external territories are often grouped separately from Australia proper for statistical purposes.

External territory Administration ISO 3166 country code
 Christmas Island Administered from Canberra by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts CX
 Cocos (Keeling) Islands CC
 Norfolk Island NF
External territory
(uninhabited)
Administration ISO 3166 country code
 Ashmore and Cartier Islands Administered from Canberra by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts No unique ISO 3166 country codes
 Coral Sea Islands
 Heard Island and McDonald Islands Administered from Canberra by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment HM
External territory
(uninhabited, claimed)
Administration ISO 3166 country code
 Australian Antarctic Territory Administered from Canberra by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment No unique ISO 3166 country codes

China

Main article: Special administrative regions of China

The People's Republic of China (PRC) has two special administrative regions (SARs) that are governed according to the constitution and respective basic laws. The SARs greatly differ from Mainland China in administrative, economic, legislative, and judicial terms including by currency, left-hand versus right-hand traffic, official languages, and immigration control. Although the PRC does claim sovereignty over Taiwan (governed by the Republic of China), it is not listed here as the PRC government does not have de facto control of the territory.

Special administrative region Administration ISO 3166 country code
 Hong Kong Former British colony. Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China since 1997 according to the Sino-British Joint Declaration, an international treaty registered with the United Nations. The Hong Kong Basic Law purports to provide for the territory to enjoy a "high degree" of autonomy per the "one country, two systems" model under the central government of China. Although the territory is not part of mainland China, it is officially considered an integral part of the People's Republic of China. HK or

CN-HK

 Macao Former Portuguese colony. Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China since 1999 according to the Sino-Portuguese Joint Declaration, an international treaty registered with the United Nations. The Macao Basic Law provides for the territory to enjoy a high degree of autonomy per the "one country, two systems" model under the central government of China. Although the territory is not part of mainland China, it is officially considered an integral part of the People's Republic of China. MO or

CN-MO

Denmark

Main article: Danish Realm

The Kingdom of Denmark contains two autonomous territories with their own governments and legislatures, and input into foreign affairs.

Autonomous territory Administration ISO 3166 country code
 Faroe Islands Autonomous since 1948. A constituent part of the Kingdom of Denmark, but not of the European Union. Although it is not part of metropolitan Denmark, it is officially considered an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark. FO
 Greenland Autonomous since 1979. A constituent part of the Kingdom of Denmark, but withdrew from the European Economic Community in 1985. Although it is not part of metropolitan Denmark, it is officially considered an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark. GL

Finland

Main article: Regions of Finland Further information: Administrative divisions of Finland and Åland Islands dispute See also: Special territories of members of the European Economic Area § Åland

Finland has one autonomous region that is also subject to international treaties.

Autonomous region Administration ISO 3166 country code
 Åland Åland is governed according to the Act on the Autonomy of Åland and international treaties. These laws guarantee the islands' autonomy in Finland, which has ultimate sovereignty over them, as well as a demilitarised status. AX or

FI-01

France

Main article: Overseas France Further information: Overseas collectivity and Overseas territory (France) See also: Overseas country of France

France has overseas six autonomous collectivities and two uninhabited territories (one of which includes an Antarctic claim). This does not include its "standard" overseas regions (which are also overseas departments) of French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, and Réunion. Although also located overseas, they have the same status as the regions of metropolitan France. Nonetheless, all of France's overseas territory is considered an integral part of the French Republic.

Overseas collectivity Administration ISO 3166 country code
 French Polynesia Overseas collectivity since 2003; overseas country since 2004. Appears on the United Nations list of non-self-governing territories PF or

FR-PF

 Saint Barthélemy Seceded from Guadeloupe to become an overseas collectivity in 2007 BL or

FR-BL

 Saint Martin Seceded from Guadeloupe to become an overseas collectivity in 2007. It is the only overseas collectivity that is fully part of the European Union. MF or

FR-MF

 Saint Pierre and Miquelon Territorial collectivity since 1985. Overseas collectivity since 2003 PM or

FR-PM

 Wallis and Futuna Overseas territory since 1961. Overseas collectivity since 2003 WF or

FR-WF

Sui generis collectivity Administration ISO 3166 country code
 New Caledonia "Sui generis" collectivity since 1998. Appears on the United Nations list of non-self-governing territories NC or

FR-NC

Overseas state private property
(uninhabited)
Administration ISO 3166 country code
 Clipperton Island The island is administered under the direct authority of the French government by the French Minister of the Overseas. FR-CP
Overseas territory
(uninhabited)
Administration ISO 3166 country code
 French Southern and Antarctic Lands TAAF (Terres australes et antartiques françaises) is an overseas territory since 1955, administered from Paris by an Administrateur Supérieur. The territory includes the Antarctic claim of Adélie Land and several islands in the Indian Ocean, including Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Saint Paul and Amsterdam Islands and Scattered Islands TF or

FR-TF

Netherlands

Main article: Kingdom of the Netherlands Further information: Dutch Caribbean

The Kingdom of the Netherlands comprises three autonomous "constituent countries" in the Caribbean (listed below) and one constituent country, the Netherlands, with most of its area in Europe but also encompassing three overseas Caribbean municipalitiesBonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba (these three Caribbean municipalities are excluded here because they are directly administered by the Government of the Netherlands). All citizens of the Dutch Kingdom share the same nationality and are thus citizens of the European Union, but only the European portion of the Kingdom is a part of the territory of the Union, the Customs Union, and the Eurozone while other areas have overseas countries and territory status.

Constituent country Administration ISO 3166 country code
 Aruba Defined as a "country" ("land") within the Kingdom by the Statute of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Aruba obtained full autonomy in internal affairs upon separation from the Netherlands Antilles in 1986. Part of the Kingdom but not in Europe, its citizenship nonetheless includes status as citizens of the European Union (the Kingdom government coincides almost exactly with the Government of the Netherlands, and is responsible for defence, foreign affairs, and nationality law). AW or

NL-AW

 Curaçao Defined as a "country" ("land") within the Kingdom by the Statute of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Curaçao and Sint Maarten were part of the Netherlands Antilles until it was dissolved in October 2010. Part of the Kingdom but not in Europe, their citizenship nonetheless includes status as citizens of the European Union (the Kingdom government coincides almost exactly with the Government of the Netherlands, and is responsible for defence, foreign affairs, and nationality law). CW or

NL-CW

 Sint Maarten SX or

NL-SX

Norway

Main article: List of possessions of Norway Further information: Svalbard and Jan Mayen

Norway has, in the Arctic, one inhabited archipelago with restrictions placed on Norwegian sovereignty — Svalbard. Unlike the country's dependent territory (Bouvet Island) and Antarctic claims (see above), Svalbard is a part of the Kingdom of Norway. Norway also has one uninhabited remote archipelago located in the Arctic, Jan Mayen, but it is excluded in this list as the island is directly administred by the Nordland County Municipality and none of the considerations established for Svalbard Treaty are attributed to it.

Territory Administration ISO 3166 country code
 Svalbard This Arctic archipelago is the northernmost permanent civilian settlement in the world. Not incorporated into any county, it is administered by a governor appointed by the Norwegian government. Since 2002, its main settlement of Longyearbyen has elected a local government. Other settlements include the Russian mining community of Barentsburg, the research station of Ny-Ålesund, and the mining outpost of Sveagruva. The Svalbard Treaty of 1920 recognises Norwegian sovereignty (administered since 1925 as a sovereign part of the Kingdom of Norway) but established Svalbard as a free economic zone and a demilitarised zone. SJ or
NO-21

Description

Bora Bora Island, French Polynesia
Diego Garcia Island, British Indian Ocean Territory

Three Crown Dependencies are in a form of association with the United Kingdom. They are independently administrated jurisdictions, although the British Government is solely responsible for defence and international representation and has ultimate responsibility for ensuring good government. They do not have diplomatic recognition as independent states, but neither are they integrated into the UK. The UK Parliament retains the ability to legislate for the crown dependencies even without the agreement of their legislatures. No crown dependency has representation in the UK Parliament.

Although they are British Overseas Territories, Bermuda and Gibraltar have similar relationships to the UK as do the Crown Dependencies. While the United Kingdom is officially responsible for their defence and international representation, these jurisdictions maintain their own militaries and have been granted limited diplomatic powers, in addition to having internal self-government.

New Zealand and its dependencies share the same governor-general and constitute one monarchic realm. The Cook Islands and Niue are officially termed associated states.

Puerto Rico (since 1952) and the Northern Mariana Islands (since 1986) are non-independent states freely associated with the United States. The mutually negotiated Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) in Political Union with the United States was approved in 1976. The covenant was fully implemented on November 3, 1986, under Presidential Proclamation no. 5564, which conferred U.S. citizenship on legally qualified CNMI residents. Under the Constitution of Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico is described as a Commonwealth and Puerto Ricans have a degree of administrative autonomy similar to that of a citizen of a U.S. state. Puerto Ricans "were collectively made U.S. citizens" in 1917, as a result of the Jones–Shafroth Act. The commonly used name in Spanish of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, literally "Associated Free State of Puerto Rico", which sounds similar to "free association" particularly when loosely used in Spanish, is sometimes erroneously interpreted to mean that Puerto Rico's relationship with the United States is based on a Compact of Free Association and at other times is erroneously held to mean that Puerto Rico's relationship with the U.S. is based on an Interstate compact. This is a constant source of ambiguity and confusion when trying to define, understand, and explain Puerto Rico's political relationship with the United States. For various reasons Puerto Rico's political status differs from that of the Pacific Islands that entered into Compacts of Free Association with the United States. As sovereign states, these islands have the full right to conduct their foreign relations, while the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico has territorial status subject to U.S. congressional authority under the Constitution's Territory Clause, "to dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory… belonging to the United States." Puerto Rico does not have the right to unilaterally declare independence, and at the last referendum (1998), the narrow majority voted for "none of the above", which was a formally undefined alternative used by commonwealth supporters to express their desire for an "enhanced commonwealth" option.

This kind of relationship can also be found in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which is termed a federacy. The European continental part is organised like a unitary state. However, the status of its "constituent countries" in the Caribbean (Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten) can be considered akin to dependencies or "associated non-independent states."

The Kingdom of Denmark also operates similarly, akin to another federacy. The Faroe Islands and Greenland are two self-governing territories or regions within the Kingdom. The relationship between Denmark proper and these two territories is semi-officially termed the Rigsfællesskabet ("Unity of the Realm").

Overview of inhabited dependent territories

Name Population (2016) Area (km) Area (mi) UN region UN subregion Sovereign state Legal status
 Akrotiri and Dhekelia 15,700 254 98 Asia Western Asia  United Kingdom Overseas territory
(Sovereign Base Areas)
 Åland 29,013 1,580 610 Europe Northern Europe  Finland Autonomous region
 American Samoa 54,194 199 77 Oceania Polynesia  United States Unincorporated unorganized territory
 Anguilla 15,100 91 35 Americas Caribbean  United Kingdom Overseas territory
 Aruba 113,648 178.91 69.08 Americas Caribbean  Netherlands Constituent country
 Bermuda 70,537 53.2 20.5 Americas Northern America  United Kingdom Overseas territory
 British Virgin Islands 34,232 153 59 Americas Caribbean  United Kingdom Overseas territory
 Cayman Islands 57,268 264 101.9 Americas Caribbean  United Kingdom Overseas territory
 Christmas Island 2,205 135 52 Oceania Australia and New Zealand  Australia External territory
 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 596 14 5.4 Oceania Australia and New Zealand  Australia External territory
 Cook Islands 18,100 240 93 Oceania Polynesia  New Zealand Associated state
 Curaçao 158,986 444 171 Americas Caribbean  Netherlands Constituent country
 Falkland Islands 2,931 12,173 4,700 Americas South America  United Kingdom Overseas territory
 Faroe Islands 49,188 4,167 540 Europe Northern Europe  Denmark Autonomous territory
 French Polynesia 285,735 1,399 1,609 Oceania Polynesia  France Overseas collectivity
(Overseas country)
 Gibraltar 29,328 6.5 2.5 Europe Southern Europe  United Kingdom Overseas territory
 Greenland 56,483 2,166,086 836,330 Americas Northern America  Denmark Autonomous territory
 Guam 162,742 544 210 Oceania Micronesia  United States Unincorporated organized territory
 Guernsey 63,026 65 25 Europe Northern Europe  United Kingdom Crown Dependency
 Hong Kong 7,374,000 2,755 1,064 Asia Eastern Asia  China Special administrative region
 Isle of Man 88,195 572 221 Europe Northern Europe  United Kingdom Crown Dependency
 Jersey 98,069 118.2 45.6 Europe Northern Europe  United Kingdom Crown Dependency
 Macao 650,900 115.3 44.5 Asia Eastern Asia  China Special administrative region
 Montserrat 5,267 101 39 Americas Caribbean  United Kingdom Overseas territory
 New Caledonia 275,355 18,576 7,172 Oceania Melanesia  France Sui generis collectivity
 Niue 1,190 261.46 100.95 Oceania Polynesia  New Zealand Associated state
 Norfolk Island 2,210 34.6 13.4 Oceania Australia and New Zealand  Australia External territory
 Northern Mariana Islands 53,467 464 179 Oceania Micronesia  United States Unincorporated organized territory
(Commonwealth)
 Pitcairn Islands 57 43 17 Oceania Polynesia  United Kingdom Overseas territory
 Puerto Rico 3,411,307 9,104 3,515 Americas Caribbean  United States Unincorporated organized territory
(Commonwealth)
 Saint Barthélemy 7,209 25 9.7 Americas Caribbean  France Overseas collectivity
 Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha 5,633 394 152 Africa Western Africa  United Kingdom Overseas territory
 Saint Martin 31,949 53.2 20.5 Americas Caribbean  France Overseas collectivity
 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 5,595 242 93 Americas Northern America  France Overseas collectivity
 Sint Maarten 41,486 37 14 Americas Caribbean  Netherlands Constituent country
 Svalbard 2,667 61,022 23,561 Europe Northern Europe  Norway Unincorporated area
 Tokelau 1,499 10 3.9 Oceania Polynesia  New Zealand Dependent territory
 Turks and Caicos Islands 51,430 430 166 Americas Caribbean  United Kingdom Overseas territory
 U.S. Virgin Islands 102,951 346.36 133.73 Americas Caribbean  United States Unincorporated organized territory
 Wallis and Futuna 15,664 142 55 Oceania Polynesia  France Overseas collectivity

See also

Notes

  1. Each territory in the United States Minor Outlying Islands is labeled UM- followed by the first letter of its name and another unique letter if needed.
  2. The following territories do not have ISO 3166-1 codes:
    1: Akrotiri and Dhekelia
    2: Ashmore and Cartier Islands
    3: Coral Sea Islands
  3. Midway Atoll and Wake Island have a few people, but these territories are not permanently inhabited.
  4. Willis Island is permanently staffed and occupied by a small team of meteorologists.
  5. The Antarctic claim of Adélie Land (a district of the TAAF) is not included within the ISO 3166 designation. The ISO designates the remainder of the TAAF the "French Southern Territories".

References

Citations

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  3. "Trust and Non-Self-Governing Territories (1945-1999)". United Nations. Archived from the original on 12 Jan 2017. Retrieved 20 Jan 2023.
  4. Salesa, Damon Ieremia (2017). Island time : New Zealand's Pacific futures. Wellington, New Zealand: Bridget Williams Books. pp. 6–7. ISBN 9781988533506.
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  10. CIA (2010-07-15). "Jersey at the CIA's page". CIA. Retrieved 2010-07-15.
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  13. "Definitions of Insular Area Political Organizations". U.S. Department of the Interior. 12 June 2015. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
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  21. ^ Rakitskaya, Inna A.; Molchakov, Nikita Y. (2019). "Democratization of territorial constitution : current trends and the constitutional experience of Denmark". International Journal of Economics and Business Administration. 7 (1). Eleftherios Thalassinos: 166–172. ISSN 2241-4754. Retrieved 11 November 2020.
  22. "Nouvelle-Calédonie Présentation" [New Caledonia Presentation]. Outre-Mer.gouv.fr (in French). Ministre des Outre-mer. Archived from the original on 21 May 2013. Retrieved 24 November 2020.
  23. "Field Listing :: Dependency Status". CIA.gov/Library/Publications/Resources/The-World-Factbook/. Central Intelligence Agency. Retrieved 7 April 2019.
  24. "Loi n° 55-1052 du 6 août 1955 portant statut des Terres australes et antarctiques françaises et de l'île de Clipperton" [Law n° 55-1052 of 6 August 1955 relating to the statute of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands and of the island of Clipperton]. LegiFrance.gouv.fr (in French). Légifrance. 6 August 1955. Retrieved 24 November 2020.
  25. ^ "Antarctica :: French Southern and Antarctic Lands". CIA.gov/Library/Publications/The-World-Factbook. CIA. 20 May 2020. Retrieved 3 June 2020.
  26. "French Southern Territories". ISO.org. ISO. 26 November 2018. Retrieved 3 June 2020.
  27. Dependencies and Areas of Special Sovereignty, U.S. Department of State. "Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius now fall under the direct administration of the Netherlands". Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  28. ^ "Spitsbergen Treaty". Wikisource. 9 February 1920. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
  29. "The Svalbard Treaty". Governor of Svalbard. 9 April 2008. Archived from the original on 23 July 2011. Retrieved 24 March 2010.
  30. Skagestad, Odd Gunnar (2004). "The Scope for Norwegian Commitments Related to International Research on Jan Mayen Island". In Skreslet, Stig (ed.). Jan Mayen Island in Scientific Focus (PDF). Springer Netherlands. p. 272. ISBN 978-1-4020-2955-4. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 January 2014. Retrieved 15 November 2020.
  31. CIA (2010-07-15). "Northern Mariana Islands at the CIA's page". CIA. Retrieved 2010-07-15.
  32. The Louisiana Purchase and American Expansion: 1803–1898. By Sanford Levinson and Bartholomew H. Sparrow. New York: Rowman and Littlefield Publishers. 2005. Page 166, 178. "U.S. citizenship was extended to residents of Puerto Rico under the Jones Act, chap. 190, 39 Stat. 951 (1971) (codified at 48 U.S.C. § 731 (1987)")
  33. CIA (2010-07-15). "Puerto Rico at the CIA's page". CIA. Retrieved 2010-07-15.
  34. ^ "December 2005 report of the President's Task Force on Puerto Rico's Status" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on March 26, 2009.
  35. "Europe :: Netherlands". CIA.gov/Library/Publications/The-World-Factbook. CIA. 10 June 2020. Retrieved 13 July 2020.
  36. "Dependencies and Areas of Special Sovereignty". State.gov. United States Department of State. 7 March 2017. Retrieved 13 July 2020.
  37. "Country Comparison :: Population". CIA. July 2016.
  38. ^ "Field Listing :: Area". CIA.
  39. "Field Listing :: Dependency Status". CIA.

Sources

Bibliography

  • George Drower, Britain's Dependent Territories, Dartmouth, 1992
  • George Drower, Overseas Territories Handbook, TSO, 1998
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