What distinguishes U.S. territories from U.S. states and Indian reservations in terms of sovereignty?

U.S. territories are sub-national administrative divisions and dependent territories overseen by the federal government. Unlike U.S. states, they are not sovereign entities, and unlike federally recognized Native American tribes, they do not possess limited tribal sovereignty. This means territories belong to the U.S. but are not considered integral parts of it in the same way states are.

What is the legal implication of a U.S. territory being classified as 'unincorporated'?

In unincorporated territories, fundamental constitutional rights generally apply, but other constitutional rights may not be available. This is determined by congressional acts and judicial rulings, leading to a situation where the U.S. Constitution's application is partial, not full, as it is in incorporated territories or states.

How many permanently inhabited territories does the United States administer, and where are they geographically located?

The United States administers five permanently inhabited territories. These are Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, both located in the Caribbean Sea, and Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa, all situated in the Pacific Ocean.

What is the key difference in citizenship status for individuals born in Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands compared to those born in American Samoa?

Individuals born in Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands automatically acquire U.S. citizenship at birth. In contrast, individuals born in American Samoa acquire U.S. nationality but not U.S. citizenship at birth, unless they have a U.S. citizen parent, as American Samoans have historically chosen not to pursue birthright citizenship to preserve their indigenous governance and culture.

What form of representation do U.S. territories have in the federal government of the United States?

Residents of U.S. territories cannot vote in U.S. presidential elections. They are represented in the U.S. House of Representatives by delegates or resident commissioners who have non-voting status, although they can introduce legislation and participate in committee activities.

What role does the U.S. Department of the Interior play in the administration of U.S. territories?

The U.S. Department of the Interior, primarily through its Office of Insular Affairs, coordinates the federal administration of most U.S. territories. This includes overseeing basic responsibilities for territorial governments and public lands.

What historical pattern has been observed regarding the development of U.S. territories into states?

Historically, territories were established to manage newly acquired lands, and the majority of these territories eventually achieved statehood. Many of the current 50 U.S. states originated as organized, incorporated territories.

Which specific U.S. territory is currently classified as an incorporated territory?

Palmyra Atoll is the sole U.S. territory currently classified as incorporated. It has held this status since Hawaii achieved statehood in 1959.

What are the 'Insular Cases,' and what significant legal precedent did they establish regarding U.S. territories?

The Insular Cases are a group of Supreme Court decisions from the early 1900s that established the doctrine of territorial incorporation. These rulings determined that the U.S. Constitution applies fully to incorporated territories but only partially to unincorporated territories.

What was the basis for the Supreme Court's decision in *Downes v. Bidwell* concerning unincorporated territories?

In *Downes v. Bidwell*, the Supreme Court ruled that the U.S. Constitution did not automatically extend in full to unincorporated territories, partly citing the presence of 'alien races' as a factor. This reasoning has been widely criticized for its discriminatory undertones.

How does the U.S. Census Bureau categorize the administrative divisions within U.S. territories for statistical purposes?

For statistical purposes, the U.S. Census Bureau treats the primary administrative divisions of inhabited territories, such as Puerto Rico's municipalities or the U.S. Virgin Islands' main islands, as county equivalents. This allows for consistent data comparison across different levels of government.

What demographic trend has been observed in the U.S. territories throughout the 2010s?

Throughout the 2010s, the combined population of the U.S. territories generally experienced a decline.

How do the Human Development Index (HDI) scores of U.S. territories typically compare to those of the mainland United States?

Despite often having higher poverty rates than the mainland U.S., the U.S. territories generally achieve high Human Development Index (HDI) scores, indicating a relatively good quality of life in terms of health and education.

Besides English, what other official languages are recognized in the inhabited U.S. territories?

Four of the five permanently inhabited U.S. territories recognize additional official languages besides English. These include Spanish (Puerto Rico), Samoan (American Samoa), Chamorro and Carolinian (Northern Mariana Islands), reflecting the diverse cultural heritage of these regions.

Which U.S. territory uniquely maintains its own immigration system, separate from the federal U.S. system?

American Samoa is the only U.S. territory that operates its own immigration system, distinct from the broader U.S. federal immigration framework.

Describe the land ownership system prevalent in American Samoa.

In American Samoa, approximately 90% of the land is communally owned. This system is managed by traditional leaders known as *matais*, who administer the land on behalf of the community, preserving cultural practices and land tenure.

What was the significance of the *Fitisemanu v. United States* ruling concerning American Samoan citizenship?

The *Fitisemanu v. United States* case resulted in a ruling that denied birthright U.S. citizenship to American Samoans. The court upheld the precedent of the Insular Cases, stating that constitutional rights like birthright citizenship are not automatically guaranteed in unincorporated territories.

What critical assessment did Justice Gorsuch make regarding the Insular Cases in his concurrence in *United States v. Vaello Madero*?

Justice Gorsuch described the Insular Cases as resting on a 'rotten foundation' and being 'shameful,' urging the Supreme Court to overrule them. He argued that these cases, rooted in discriminatory reasoning, should be re-examined and overturned.

What is a common climatic and ecological characteristic shared by all U.S. territories?

All U.S. territories are characterized by tropical climates and ecosystems. These environments support a rich diversity of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic to these specific regions.

What specific environmental threat has severely impacted the native bird populations on Guam?

The introduction of the brown tree snake, an invasive species, has devastated Guam's native bird populations. This has led to the extinction of nine of the island's twelve endemic bird species, including the wild extinction of the Guam rail.

Which U.S. territory is home to the only tropical rainforest within the U.S. National Forest system?

El Yunque National Forest, located in Puerto Rico, is the only tropical rainforest that is part of the United States National Forest system.

What are the forest cover percentages for American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands, and how do they rank nationally?

American Samoa boasts 80.84% forest cover, and the Northern Mariana Islands have 80.37% forest cover. These high percentages rank among the highest forest cover rates in the United States, surpassed only by Maine and New Hampshire.

How does the American Birding Association define its 'ABA Area,' and what is the status of U.S. territories within this definition?

The American Birding Association defines its 'ABA Area' for birdwatching checklists. Currently, this area excludes the U.S. territories, meaning birds found exclusively in these territories are not included in the ABA's official bird list.

What was the legal significance of the Supreme Court case *Rassmussen v. U.S.* concerning Alaska?

The *Rassmussen v. U.S.* case established that Alaska had been incorporated into the United States through the treaty of cession with Russia. The Court found that subsequent congressional actions strongly implied incorporation, granting Alaskans constitutional rights, such as the right to a jury trial.

What did the Supreme Court articulate in *Dorr v. U.S.* regarding the governance of territories acquired by treaty?

In *Dorr v. U.S.*, the Court referenced Chief Justice John Marshall's view that treaty provisions could incorporate inhabitants and grant them rights, but full political participation would only come with statehood. Until then, Congress governs territories under the constitutional power granted in Article IV, Section 3.

What is the historical distinction between 'organized' and 'unorganized' territories in the U.S. context?

Historically, 'organized' territories were granted a degree of self-governance by Congress through an organic act. 'Unorganized' territories, conversely, were either newly acquired lands awaiting formal organization or portions of previously organized territories that were left without defined governmental structures.

How did the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 impact the status of the Indian Territory?

The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 organized territories for Kansas and Nebraska, which were carved out of lands previously considered part of the Indian Territory. This action left the remaining Indian Territory as the sole unorganized territory on the Great Plains at that specific time.

Which U.S. territory had the shortest duration as a territory before achieving statehood, and which territories had the longest duration?

Alabama Territory existed for the shortest period, lasting only two years before statehood. In contrast, New Mexico Territory and Hawaii Territory both remained territories for over fifty years.

Excluding the original thirteen colonies, which six states did not previously exist as organized, incorporated U.S. territories?

Six states that did not exist as organized, incorporated territories before statehood are: Kentucky, Maine, and West Virginia (which were separated from existing states); Texas and Vermont (which were sovereign states upon joining the Union); and California (which was part of unorganized land ceded by Mexico).

What is the total land area encompassed by all U.S. territories?

The total land area administered by the United States across all its territories amounts to 22,294.19 square kilometers, which is equivalent to 8,607.83 square miles.

What are the officially recognized languages across the various U.S. territories, as indicated in the provided text?

The officially recognized languages across the U.S. territories include English, Spanish, Samoan, Chamorro, and Carolinian, reflecting the linguistic diversity shaped by historical and cultural factors in these regions.

What was the combined population of the five permanently inhabited U.S. territories according to the 2020 census?

The combined population of the five permanently inhabited U.S. territories was approximately 3.62 million people as recorded in the 2020 census.

What is the role and status of territorial delegates in the U.S. House of Representatives?

Territorial delegates serve as non-voting members in the U.S. House of Representatives. While they can introduce legislation and participate in committee proceedings, they are unable to vote on final passage of bills, representing a limitation on their legislative power.

What was the key outcome of the Supreme Court case *Puerto Rico v. Sanchez Valle*?

The Supreme Court ruled in *Puerto Rico v. Sanchez Valle* that U.S. territories do not possess inherent sovereignty. This decision affirmed that ultimate authority over territories resides with the U.S. Congress, reinforcing the federal government's power.

How does the U.S. Census Bureau's data collection methodology differ for Puerto Rico compared to other U.S. territories?

The U.S. Census Bureau collects data for Puerto Rico annually through American Community Survey estimates, similar to U.S. states. In contrast, data for the other U.S. territories is typically collected only once every ten years.

What is the general political party affiliation landscape within the territorial governments and their representation in Congress, based on the 2024 elections?

Political party affiliations vary widely among U.S. territories. For instance, American Samoa has a non-partisan government, while Guam's legislature and House delegate are Republican. Puerto Rico's legislature leans towards the New Progressive Party, and its House delegate is from the Popular Democratic Party, highlighting diverse political dynamics.

What is the fundamental difference between federal courts in Puerto Rico and those in Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands?

Federal courts in Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands operate under Article IV of the Constitution, meaning their judges have fixed terms. Puerto Rico's federal court, however, functions under Article III, granting its judges life tenure, similar to federal judges in U.S. states.

Which U.S. territory is unique in not having its own federal territorial court, and where are federal matters typically handled?

American Samoa is the only permanently inhabited U.S. territory without its own federal territorial court. Federal legal matters originating in American Samoa are usually referred to either the District Court of Hawaii or the District Court of the District of Columbia for resolution.

How does the demographic composition of U.S. territories generally contrast with that of the U.S. mainland?

Unlike the U.S. mainland, which is predominantly non-Hispanic White, U.S. territories exhibit significantly different demographic profiles. They feature substantial populations of Pacific Islanders, Asians, and Hispanic/Latino individuals, reflecting their unique historical settlement patterns and geographic locations.

What was Puerto Rico's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2019?

In 2019, Puerto Rico's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was approximately $104.989 billion.

Which U.S. territory reports the lowest per capita income within the United States?

American Samoa reports the lowest per capita income in the United States, with figures comparable to those found in Botswana.

What role has the Guano Islands Act played in the U.S. acquisition of territories?

The Guano Islands Act of 1856 enabled the U.S. President to claim uninhabited islands for guano mining. This legislation led to the U.S. asserting control over numerous islands and atolls, particularly in the Pacific and Caribbean regions.

Which two territories claimed by the U.S. are currently administered by Colombia?

Bajo Nuevo Bank and Serranilla Bank are two territories claimed by the U.S. but are currently administered by Colombia. The sovereignty over these islands is also disputed by Jamaica, and a claim by Nicaragua was resolved in favor of Colombia by the International Court of Justice.

What is the historical trajectory of the Northern Mariana Islands' relationship with the United States?

The Northern Mariana Islands have a complex history, having been part of the Spanish Empire, sold to Germany, administered by Japan under a League of Nations mandate, and then placed under U.S. administration as part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. They eventually established a commonwealth status in political union with the U.S. in 1986.

What is the constitutional status of unincorporated territories regarding the application of the U.S. Constitution?

In unincorporated territories, fundamental constitutional rights are generally recognized, but other constitutional rights may not automatically apply. The extent to which the Constitution is applied is subject to congressional acts and judicial interpretations.

What is the Territorial Clause of the U.S. Constitution, and where is it located?

The Territorial Clause is found in Article IV, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution. It grants Congress the authority to 'dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States.'

What was the outcome of the Supreme Court case *United States v. Vaello Madero* concerning federal benefits for Puerto Rico?

In *United States v. Vaello Madero*, the Supreme Court affirmed that Congress has broad discretion under the territorial clause to establish different tax and benefit schemes for territories compared to states. This ruling upheld the exclusion of Puerto Rico residents from certain federal programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

What historical event led to the U.S. acquiring control over Guam and Puerto Rico?

The U.S. acquired control over Guam and Puerto Rico following the conclusion of the Spanish-American War, a process formalized through the Treaty of Paris in 1898.

What is the historical context and significance of the 'Banana Wars' in relation to U.S. territorial policy?

The 'Banana Wars' refer to U.S. military interventions in Central America and the Caribbean from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. These actions reflect a broader U.S. policy of regional influence and control, which paralleled the acquisition of territories like Puerto Rico and Guam.

What are the two National Parks situated within U.S. territories?

The two National Parks located within U.S. territories are the National Park of American Samoa and Virgin Islands National Park.

Territories Of The United States Wiki: Navigating the Unincorporated: A Comprehensive Study of U.S. Territories

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Understanding U.S. Territories

Defining U.S. Territories

The territories of the United States are sub-national administrative divisions and dependent territories overseen by the federal government. Unlike U.S. states and federally recognized Native American tribes, territories are not sovereign entities. They exist under the plenary powers of the U.S. Congress, primarily derived from the Territorial Clause of the Constitution.

These territories are distinct from the 50 states and the District of Columbia. They are considered to belong to, but not be part of, the United States in a constitutional sense, particularly unincorporated territories where the U.S. Constitution applies only partially.

Legal Framework

Territories are classified based on their legal status: whether they are incorporated (fully part of the U.S. constitutional framework) or unincorporated (where constitutional rights may apply partially). They are also categorized by whether they have an organized government established by an organic act of Congress, or remain unorganized.

This distinction significantly impacts the application of federal laws, constitutional rights, and the political participation of residents, leading to unique governance structures and societal considerations.

Geographic Distribution

The U.S. administers territories in two primary regions: the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Currently, there are five permanently inhabited territories, along with eleven smaller, mostly uninhabited islands, atolls, and reefs.

The inhabited territories are American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The remaining are classified as Minor Outlying Islands, with a few exceptions like Palmyra Atoll being incorporated.

Classification and Status

Incorporated vs. Unincorporated

The distinction between incorporated and unincorporated territories is crucial. In incorporated territories, the U.S. Constitution is considered to apply in full, as it does to the states. Historically, most territories that eventually became states were incorporated.

Unincorporated territories, however, are not considered an integral part of the U.S. constitutional structure. While fundamental rights apply, other constitutional protections may not, as determined by Congress and judicial interpretation (e.g., the Insular Cases). The U.S. currently has only one incorporated territory, Palmyra Atoll.

Organized vs. Unorganized

Organized territories have a government structure established by an organic act passed by the U.S. Congress. This typically includes a locally elected legislature and executive, granting a degree of self-governance.

Unorganized territories lack such a formal, congressionally mandated governmental structure. Historically, this status applied to newly acquired lands before organization or to regions separated from an organized territory. Currently, most of the U.S. Minor Outlying Islands are considered unorganized.

Historical Evolution

Many territories were established to administer newly acquired lands, with the expectation of eventual statehood. For instance, Hawaii was the most recent territory to achieve statehood in 1959. However, the legal status and political aspirations of territories have evolved, with some choosing to maintain their status or pursue different forms of association with the U.S.

The concept of "incorporation" versus "unincorporated" status, largely shaped by Supreme Court rulings known as the Insular Cases, continues to influence the constitutional rights and governance of these territories.

Permanently Inhabited Territories

Overview of Inhabited Territories

The five permanently inhabited U.S. territories are located in the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans. These territories possess locally elected legislatures and executives, enjoying significant political autonomy. Residents of most of these territories are U.S. citizens by birthright, though American Samoa has a unique status as U.S. nationals.

Their combined population is over 3.6 million, with Puerto Rico accounting for the vast majority. These territories play vital roles in U.S. strategic interests and cultural diversity.

Overview of populated American territories
Name (abbreviation)	Location	Area	Population (2020)^[31]^[32]	Capital	Largest town	Status	Acquired
American Samoa (AS)	Polynesia (South Pacific)	197.1 km² (76 sq mi)	49,710	Pago Pago	Tafuna	Unincorporated, unorganized^{[note 10]}	April 17, 1900
Guam (GU)	Micronesia (North Pacific)	543 km² (210 sq mi)	153,836	Hag%C3%A5t%C3%B1a	Dededo	Unincorporated, organized	April 11, 1899
Northern Mariana Islands (MP)	Micronesia (North Pacific)	463.63 km² (179 sq mi)	47,329	Saipan^{[note 11]}	Saipan^{[note 12]}	Unincorporated, organized (Commonwealth)	November 4, 1986^{[note 13]}^[66]^[65]
Puerto Rico (PR)	Caribbean (North Atlantic)	9,104 km² (3,515 sq mi)	3,285,874	San Juan	San Juan	Unincorporated, organized (Commonwealth)	April 11, 1899^[67]
U.S. Virgin Islands (VI)	Caribbean (North Atlantic)	346.36 km² (134 sq mi)	87,146	Charlotte Amalie	Charlotte Amalie	Unincorporated, organized	March 31, 1917^[68]

Minor Outlying Islands

Uninhabited Pacific Islands

The U.S. administers several small, uninhabited islands and atolls in the Pacific Ocean, collectively known as the U.S. Minor Outlying Islands. These include Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Atoll, Palmyra Atoll, and Wake Island.

Most are unincorporated and unorganized, often claimed under the Guano Islands Act. Palmyra Atoll is the sole incorporated territory among these islands. Some have minimal populations consisting of federal employees or researchers.

Overview of standard Minor Outlying Islands (Pacific)
Name	Location	Area	Status	Notes
Baker Island^[a]	Polynesia (North Pacific)	2.1 km² (0.81 sq mi)	Unincorporated, unorganized	Claimed under the Guano Islands Act on October 28, 1856.^[130]^[131] Annexed on May 13, 1936, and placed under the jurisdiction of the United States Department of the Interior.^[132]
Howland Island^[a]	Polynesia (North Pacific)	4.5 km² (1.7 sq mi)	Unincorporated, unorganized	Claimed under the Guano Islands Act on December 3, 1858.^[130]^[131] Annexed on May 13, 1936, and placed under the jurisdiction of the Interior Department.^[132]
Jarvis Island^[a]	Polynesia (South Pacific)	4.75 km² (1.83 sq mi)	Unincorporated, unorganized	Claimed under the Guano Islands Act on October 28, 1856.^[130]^[131] Annexed on May 13, 1936, and placed under the jurisdiction of the Interior Department.^[132]
Johnston Atoll^[a]	Polynesia (North Pacific)	2.67 km² (1.03 sq mi)	Unincorporated, unorganized	Last used by the U.S. Department of Defense in 2004.
Kingman Reef^[a]	Polynesia (North Pacific)	18 km² (6.9 sq mi)	Unincorporated, unorganized	Claimed under the Guano Islands Act on February 8, 1860.^[130]^[131] Annexed on May 10, 1922, and placed under the jurisdiction of the Navy Department on December 29, 1934.^[133]
Midway Atoll	Polynesia (North Pacific)	6.2 km² (2.4 sq mi)	Unincorporated, unorganized	Territory since 1859; primarily a National Wildlife Refuge and previously under the jurisdiction of the Navy Department.
Navassa Island	Caribbean (North Atlantic)	5.4 km² (2.1 sq mi)	Unincorporated, unorganized	Territory since 1857; also claimed by Haiti.^[127]
Palmyra Atoll	Polynesia (North Pacific)	12 km² (5 sq mi)	Incorporated, unorganized	Partially privately owned by The Nature Conservancy, with much of the rest owned by the federal government and managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service.^[134]^[135] It is an archipelago of about fifty small islands. When Hawaii became a state in 1959, an act of Congress excluded the atoll from the state. Palmyra remained an incorporated territory, but received no new, organized government.^[11] U.S. sovereignty over Palmyra Atoll is disputed by the Hawaiian sovereignty movement.^[136]^[137]
Wake Island^[a]	Micronesia (North Pacific)	7.4 km² (2.9 sq mi)	Unincorporated, unorganized	Territory since 1898; host to the Wake Island Airfield, administered by the U.S. Air Force. Wake Island is claimed by the Marshall Islands.^[126]

Caribbean and Disputed Islands

In the Caribbean, Navassa Island is an unincorporated, unorganized territory claimed since 1857, also disputed by Haiti. The U.S. also claims Bajo Nuevo Bank and Serranilla Bank in the Caribbean, though these are administered by Colombia and disputed by multiple nations.

These territories, often small and remote, highlight the complexities of sovereignty and international claims in maritime territories.

Overview of Disputed Minor Outlying Islands
Name	Location	Area	Status	Notes
Bajo Nuevo Bank	Caribbean (North Atlantic)	110 km² (42 sq mi)	Claimed	Controlled by Colombia. Claimed by the United States (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, although the U.S. was not a party to that case and does not recognize the ICJ's compulsory jurisdiction.^[138]
Serranilla Bank	Caribbean (North Atlantic)	350 km² (140 sq mi)	Claimed	Controlled by Colombia; site of a naval garrison. Claimed by the United States (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, although the United States was not a party to that case and does not recognize the ICJ's compulsory jurisdiction.^[138] A claim by Honduras was settled in a 1986 treaty over maritime boundaries with Colombia.^[139]

Historical Context

Acquisition and Administration

The acquisition of U.S. territories has occurred through various means, including purchase (e.g., Alaska, U.S. Virgin Islands), cession following war (e.g., Guam, Puerto Rico), and claims under acts like the Guano Islands Act. Initially, many territories were acquired with the intent of eventual statehood.

The administration of these territories has evolved, with early oversight often by the Navy Department, later transitioning to civilian government under the Department of the Interior. The legal framework, particularly the distinction between incorporated and unincorporated territories, was largely established through Supreme Court rulings in the early 20th century.

Evolution of Status

While most territories acquired in the late 19th and early 20th centuries eventually became states, several Pacific and Caribbean islands retained their territorial status. Some, like Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands, have adopted commonwealth status, signifying a unique political union with the U.S.

The path to statehood or other forms of self-determination remains a subject of ongoing political discourse and debate within these territories and in relation to the federal government.

Legal Status and Governance

The Insular Cases

The Supreme Court's Insular Cases (early 20th century) established that the U.S. Constitution does not apply automatically or fully to unincorporated territories. This doctrine allows Congress significant latitude in determining the extent to which constitutional rights and federal laws apply in these areas.

These rulings have led to a complex legal landscape, where residents of unincorporated territories may not possess all the constitutional rights afforded to citizens in states or incorporated territories, impacting their political and civil liberties.

Constitutional Application

In incorporated territories, the Constitution applies ex proprio vigore (of its own force). However, in unincorporated territories, its application is subject to congressional action and judicial interpretation. This means that while fundamental rights are generally recognized, other rights, such as the right to equal protection or certain federal benefits, may differ.

The case of Puerto Rico highlights this complexity, with ongoing debates about its status and the extent of constitutional protections available to its residents.

Political Representation and Rights

Residents of U.S. territories cannot vote in U.S. presidential elections and have only non-voting representation in the U.S. Congress. While they can participate in presidential primaries, their general election vote is not counted.

Furthermore, access to certain federal programs, like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), has historically been denied to residents of some territories, a practice upheld by the Supreme Court based on congressional discretion and the territories' distinct fiscal and legal status.

Demographic Landscape

Ethnic and Linguistic Diversity

The demographic profile of U.S. territories contrasts significantly with the mainland U.S. While the mainland is majority non-Hispanic White, the territories exhibit rich diversity, with substantial populations of Pacific Islanders (Chamorro, Samoan), Asians (Filipino), and Hispanic/Latino peoples.

English is an official language in most territories, often alongside indigenous languages like Chamorro, Carolinian, and Samoan, or Spanish in Puerto Rico, reflecting their unique cultural heritage.

Statistical overview of American territories
Territory	Official language(s)^[84]^[85]	Pop. change (2021 est.) ^[52]^[53]^[54]^[55]^[56]	Poverty rate^[86]^[87]	Life expectancy in 2018–2020 (years) ^[88]^[52]^[53]^[54]^[55]^[56]	HDI^[89]^[90]	GDP ($ billions)^[91]	Traffic flow	Time zone	Area code (+1)	Largest ethnicity
American Samoa	Samoan, English	−2.1%	65% (2017)^{[note 15]}	74.8	0.827	$0.636	Right	Samoan Time (UTC−11)	684	Pacific Islander (Samoan)^[93]
Guam	English, Chamorro	+0.18%	22.9% (2009)	79.86	0.901	$5.92	Right	Chamorro Time (UTC+10)	671	Pacific Islander (Chamorro)^[94]
Northern Mariana Islands	English, Chamorro, Carolinian	−0.36%	52.3% (2009)	76.1	0.875	$1.323	Right	Chamorro Time	670	Asian^[95]
Puerto Rico	Spanish, English	−1.46%	43.1% (2018)	79.78	0.845	$104.98	Right	Atlantic Time (UTC−4)	787, 939	Hispanic/Latino (Puerto Rican)^{[note 16]}^[96]
U.S. Virgin Islands	English	−0.42%	22.4% (2009)	79.57	0.894	$3.85	Left	Atlantic Time	340	African-American^[97]

Economic Indicators

Economic conditions vary significantly among the territories. Puerto Rico boasts the largest economy with a GDP of over $100 billion, while American Samoa has the smallest, with a GDP under $1 billion. Per capita incomes also differ widely, with American Samoa having the lowest in the U.S.

Poverty rates are generally higher in the territories compared to the mainland U.S., reflecting unique economic challenges and dependencies on federal aid and specific industries like tourism and federal military installations.

Economic Profiles

GDP and Trade

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures for the U.S. territories reveal substantial economic disparities. Puerto Rico's economy, significantly larger than the others, experienced growth in recent years, with substantial exports primarily to the Netherlands. Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands also show considerable economic activity, often driven by tourism and military presence.

Conversely, territories like American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands face more constrained economies, with higher poverty rates and lower per capita incomes, often influenced by factors such as natural disasters and shifts in major industries.

Economic Indicators of U.S. Territories
Territory	Pop. change (2021 est.) ^[52]^[53]^[54]^[55]^[56]	Poverty rate^[86]^[87]	Life expectancy in 2018–2020 (years) ^[88]^[52]^[53]^[54]^[55]^[56]	HDI^[89]^[90]	GDP ($ billions)^[91]	Largest ethnicity
American Samoa	−2.1%	65% (2017)^{[note 15]}	74.8	0.827	$0.636	Pacific Islander (Samoan)^[93]
Guam	+0.18%	22.9% (2009)	79.86	0.901	$5.92	Pacific Islander (Chamorro)^[94]
Northern Mariana Islands	−0.36%	52.3% (2009)	76.1	0.875	$1.323	Asian^[95]
Puerto Rico	−1.46%	43.1% (2018)	79.78	0.845	$104.98	Hispanic/Latino (Puerto Rican)^{[note 16]}^[96]
U.S. Virgin Islands	−0.42%	22.4% (2009)	79.57	0.894	$3.85	African-American^[97]

Human Development and Income

Human Development Index (HDI) scores generally reflect higher living standards in the inhabited territories compared to many developing nations, though they often lag behind mainland U.S. states. Life expectancies are comparable to or exceed those in the continental U.S. for some territories.

However, poverty rates remain a significant concern, particularly in American Samoa and Puerto Rico, where median household incomes are considerably lower than the U.S. average, underscoring persistent economic challenges.

Disputed Territories

International Claims

Several U.S. claims over minor outlying islands are subject to international disputes. Navassa Island is claimed by Haiti, Wake Island by the Marshall Islands, and Swains Island (part of American Samoa) by Tokelau.

Additionally, Bajo Nuevo Bank and Serranilla Bank, claimed by the U.S. under the Guano Islands Act, are currently administered by Colombia, with claims also asserted by Jamaica and Nicaragua. These disputes highlight the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding maritime territories.

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Republicans hold a nominal majority with 4 seats; however, the 3 independents and 2 Democrats formed a coalition government for the 23rd Senate, leaving the Republicans in the minority.

Independents hold a majority with 13 seats, Democrats hold 4, and Republicans hold 3. A governing coalition was formed with 12 independents and the 4 Democrats.

New Progressive Party has 19 seats, Popular Democratic Party 5, Puerto Rico Independence Party 1, Project Dignity 1, and Independent 1

The New Progressive Party has 36 seats, Popular Democratic Party 13, Puerto Rico Independence Party 3, and Project Dignity 1

These six unincorporated territories and Palmyra Atoll make up the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument.

SSI benefits are available only in the fifty states, the District of Columbia and the Northern Mariana Islands

American Samoa, technically unorganized, is de facto organized.

The largest village within Saipan is Garapan.

The largest racial group is white, in addition to Hispanic/Latino.[55]

U.S. Const. art. IV, Â§ 3, cl. 2 ("The Congress shall have Power to dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States ...").

See 8 U.S.C. Â§ 1101(a)(36) and 8 U.S.C. Â§ 1101(a)(38) Providing the term "State" and "United States" definitions on the U.S. Federal Code, Immigration and Nationality Act.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Territories of the United States Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not legal or political advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional legal consultation, governmental analysis, or expert advice regarding territorial status, governance, or international law. Always consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Navigating the Unincorporated

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Understanding U.S. Territories ℹ️

🏛️ Defining U.S. Territories

📜 Legal Framework

🌍 Geographic Distribution

Classification and Status 🗂️

⚖️ Incorporated vs. Unincorporated

🏛️ Organized vs. Unorganized

🔄 Historical Evolution

Permanently Inhabited Territories 📍

📊 Overview of Inhabited Territories

Minor Outlying Islands 🏝️

🐚 Uninhabited Pacific Islands

🌊 Caribbean and Disputed Islands

Historical Context ⏳

🗺️ Acquisition and Administration

📈 Evolution of Status

Legal Status and Governance ⚖️

⚖️ The Insular Cases

🏛️ Constitutional Application

🗳️ Political Representation and Rights

Demographic Landscape 👥

🌍 Ethnic and Linguistic Diversity

💰 Economic Indicators

Economic Profiles 💰

📈 GDP and Trade

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Human Development and Income

Disputed Territories ❓

🌐 International Claims

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Understanding U.S. Territories

Defining U.S. Territories

Legal Framework

Geographic Distribution

Classification and Status

Incorporated vs. Unincorporated

Organized vs. Unorganized

Historical Evolution

Permanently Inhabited Territories

Overview of Inhabited Territories

Minor Outlying Islands

Uninhabited Pacific Islands

Caribbean and Disputed Islands

Historical Context

Acquisition and Administration

Evolution of Status

Legal Status and Governance

The Insular Cases

Constitutional Application

Political Representation and Rights

Demographic Landscape

Ethnic and Linguistic Diversity

Economic Indicators

Economic Profiles

GDP and Trade

Human Development and Income

Disputed Territories

International Claims

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice