The Ultimate List of US Territories for Geography Lovers

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Welcome to our article about the list of US territories! In this article, we will explore the different territories that are under the control of the US federal government. As English learners, it is important to expand our vocabulary and knowledge of different cultures. Learning about the US territories can help us achieve these goals.

The US territories are a group of islands and unincorporated areas in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. These territories have varying levels of autonomy, but all are ultimately subject to the federal government’s control. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive list of the US territories, including their land area and population. We will also explore the unique cultural and historical aspects of each territory. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the US territories and their significance.

List of US Territories

Understanding the List of US Territories

Definition of US Territories

US Territories are lands that are under the sovereignty of the United States but are not part of any state or the federal district. These territories are administered by the federal government and have varying degrees of self-governance. There are currently 14 US Territories, which include American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, and nine Minor Outlying Islands.

History of US Territories

The United States began acquiring territories in the late 19th century through various means, including purchase, annexation, and conquest. These territories were initially governed by the federal government without any input from the local population. However, over time, Congress granted these territories varying degrees of self-governance, with some territories eventually becoming states.

Some of the US Territories, such as Puerto Rico and Guam, have been the subject of political debate and controversy. Some residents of these territories have advocated for statehood or independence, while others prefer to maintain their current status as US Territories.

Below is a table of the current US Territories, along with their capital cities, populations, and official languages:

List of US Territories

List of US Territories: Inhabited US Territories

There are five inhabited US territories, each with its unique culture, history, and geography. These territories have locally elected territorial legislatures and executives and some degree of political autonomy. Here are the five inhabited US territories:

Fun Facts: 

• American Samoa is known for its beautiful beaches and rich Polynesian culture.
• Guam is a popular tourist destination for its white sand beaches and tropical climate.
• The Northern Mariana Islands are home to the Mariana Trench, the deepest part of the world’s oceans.
• Puerto Rico is famous for its vibrant music scene and delicious cuisine.
• The US Virgin Islands offer some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the Caribbean.

List of US Territories: Uninhabited US Territories

The United States also has several uninhabited territories, which are mostly small islands and atolls in the Pacific Ocean. These territories are not permanently inhabited but are used for military purposes or scientific research. Here are the uninhabited US territories:

Fun Facts

• Midway Atoll is home to over 3 million seabirds and is a popular spot for birdwatching.
• Navassa Island is a wildlife refuge and is home to several endangered species.
• Palmyra Atoll is known for its pristine coral reefs and diverse marine life.
• Wake Island was the site of a major battle during World War II and is now a US Air Force base.

List of US Territories: Disputed US Territories

Finally, there are several territories that are claimed by both the United States and another country. These territories are the subject of ongoing disputes and are not currently under US control. Here are the disputed US territories:

Fun Facts:

• The Scarborough Shoal is a group of rocky islands and reefs that is claimed by both China and the Philippines.
• The Senkaku Islands are a group of uninhabited islands in the East China Sea that are claimed by both China and Japan.
• Transnistria is a breakaway region of Moldova that is supported by Russia but not recognized by the international community.

Interesting Facts about US Territories

Guam

• Guam is an island territory located in the western Pacific Ocean.
• It has a total area of 212 square miles (549 sq km) and a population of 175,877 people.
• The indigenous people of Guam are called Chamorros, and they have lived on the island for approximately 4,000 years.
• Guam was a Spanish colony until it was ceded to the United States in 1898 after the Spanish-American War.
• During World War II, Guam was occupied by Japan before being liberated by US forces in 1944.

American Samoa

• American Samoa is a group of islands located in the South Pacific Ocean.
• It has a total area of 77 square miles (199 sq km) and a population of 51,504 people.
• The islands of American Samoa are volcanic in origin and have coral reefs around them.
• The official languages of American Samoa are Samoan and English.
• American Samoa is the only US territory south of the equator.

Northern Mariana Islands

• The Northern Mariana Islands are a group of islands located in the western Pacific Ocean.
• They have a total area of 183.5 square miles (475.26 sq km) and a population of approximately 52,000 people.
• The islands were part of the Spanish Empire until they were sold to Germany in 1899.
• After World War I, the islands were transferred to Japan and were occupied by the US during World War II.
• The Northern Mariana Islands became a US territory in 1978.

US Virgin Islands

• The US Virgin Islands are a group of islands located in the Caribbean Sea.
• They have a total area of 133.7 square miles (346.4 sq km) and a population of approximately 106,000 people.
• The islands were originally inhabited by the Ciboney, Arawak, and Carib peoples before being colonized by various European powers.
• The US purchased the islands from Denmark in 1917.
• The US Virgin Islands are a popular tourist destination known for their beaches and tropical climate.

Puerto Rico

• Puerto Rico is an island territory located in the Caribbean Sea.
• It has a total area of 3,515 square miles (9,104 sq km) and a population of approximately 3.2 million people.
• The island was originally inhabited by the Taíno people before being colonized by Spain.
• Puerto Rico became a US territory in 1898 after the Spanish-American War.
• Puerto Rico has a unique political status within the United States and has been the subject of ongoing debates about its relationship with the mainland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which territories are considered part of the United States?

The United States has several territories that are considered part of the country. These territories are not states, but they are still under the jurisdiction of the United States government. The territories include Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and the US Virgin Islands.

What is the difference between a US state and a US territory?

The main difference between a US state and a US territory is that a state is a sovereign entity with its own government, while a territory is governed by the United States government. States have more autonomy and can make their own laws, while territories are subject to federal laws and regulations.

How many US territories are there?

There are five major US territories: Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and the US Virgin Islands. In addition, there are nine Minor Outlying Islands, which are small islands, atolls, and reefs in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.

What are the names of the major US territories?

The major US territories are Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and the US Virgin Islands.

What are the differences between US territories in the Caribbean and Pacific?

The US territories in the Caribbean and Pacific have some differences in terms of geography, culture, and history. For example, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands are located in the Caribbean and have a Hispanic culture, while Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands are located in the Pacific and have a more Asian-influenced culture.

What are the unique characteristics of each US territory?

Each US territory has its own unique characteristics and culture. Here are some examples:

• Puerto Rico: A Caribbean island with a rich Hispanic culture and Spanish influence.
• Guam: A Pacific island with a strong Asian influence and a history of Spanish colonization.
• Northern Mariana Islands: A group of islands in the Pacific with a mix of Asian and Pacific Islander cultures.
• American Samoa: A group of islands in the Pacific with a Polynesian culture and a strong connection to the United States.
• US Virgin Islands: A group of Caribbean islands with a mix of African, European, and Hispanic cultures.

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