7 US Territories Beyond Puerto Rico You Probably Forgot Existed

Most Americans know about Puerto Rico, but the United States claims sovereignty over several other territories scattered across the Caribbean and Pacific. These often-overlooked places-from inhabited islands with vibrant cultures to uninhabited atolls teeming with wildlife-represent unique corners of American influence where different rules, cultures, and ecosystems thrive far from the mainland.

When Americans think of US territories, Puerto Rico typically dominates the conversation. But scattered across thousands of miles of ocean, from the Caribbean Sea to the far reaches of the Pacific, lie seven other territories that remain under American sovereignty. Some host thriving populations with distinct cultures, while others are uninhabited coral atolls serving as wildlife sanctuaries and military outposts.

These territories represent a fascinating aspect of American geography that most citizens never learn about in school. Each has its own unique status, governance structure, and relationship with the federal government, creating a complex tapestry of American influence that extends far beyond the 50 states.

US Virgin Islands: Caribbean Paradise

The US Virgin Islands (USVI) consist of three main islands-St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas-plus several smaller islands in the Caribbean Sea. Purchased from Denmark in 1917 for $25 million (about $500 million today), these islands were acquired primarily for their strategic military value during World War I.

Today, the USVI is home to approximately 105,000 residents who are US citizens by birth. The islands boast a thriving tourism industry, with pristine beaches, duty-free shopping, and rich maritime history. Charlotte Amalie, the capital on St. Thomas, features Danish colonial architecture that reflects the islands' pre-American heritage.

Unlike Puerto Rico, the USVI uses the US dollar as its official currency and drives on the left side of the road-a quirky holdover from Danish rule. The territory has its own elected governor and legislature, though residents cannot vote in presidential elections and have only a non-voting delegate in Congress.

Guam: Pacific Military Hub

Guam, the largest island in Micronesia, has been a US territory since 1898 when it was ceded by Spain following the Spanish-American War. This 212-square-mile island sits approximately 3,800 miles west of Hawaii and serves as America's most strategically important military installation in the Western Pacific.

The island's population of around 170,000 people includes a significant military presence, with Anderson Air Force Base and Naval Base Guam playing crucial roles in projecting American power throughout Asia. The indigenous Chamorro people comprise about 37% of the population and maintain cultural traditions dating back 4,000 years.

Guam's economy relies heavily on tourism and military spending. Japanese tourists, in particular, flock to the island for its tropical climate, duty-free shopping, and World War II historical sites. The island features stunning coral reefs, lush jungles, and dramatic limestone cliffs that make it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

Guamanians are US citizens and can serve in the military, but like other territory residents, they cannot vote for president unless they establish residency in a state. The territory has been pushing for changes to its political status, with debates over statehood, independence, or enhanced self-governance continuing for decades.

American Samoa: South Pacific Heritage

American Samoa stands apart from other US territories in a crucial way: its residents are US nationals, not citizens. This unique status, maintained since the islands came under US control in 1900, protects traditional Samoan communal land ownership systems that would conflict with US constitutional property rights.

Located about 2,600 miles southwest of Hawaii, American Samoa consists of five volcanic islands and two coral atolls with a combined population of approximately 55,000. The capital, Pago Pago, features one of the finest natural deepwater harbors in the South Pacific, which originally attracted American interest.

The territory maintains strong traditional Samoan culture, with the fa'a Samoa (Samoan way) guiding daily life. Chiefs called matai hold significant authority, and extended family structures remain central to society. American Samoa has produced a disproportionate number of NFL players per capita, reflecting the islands' strong warrior traditions and emphasis on physical excellence.

Unlike Guam or the USVI, American Samoa's economy depends heavily on tuna canning operations, which account for the majority of private sector employment. The territory also receives substantial federal funding while maintaining greater autonomy over local affairs than most other territories.

Northern Mariana Islands: WWII History

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) consists of 14 islands stretching across 300 miles of the Western Pacific. The three main islands-Saipan, Tinian, and Rota-host nearly all of the territory's 57,000 residents.

These islands have a complex history, passing through Spanish, German, and Japanese control before the US captured them during World War II's fierce Pacific campaign. The Battle of Saipan in 1944 was one of the war's bloodiest, and Tinian served as the launching point for the atomic bomb missions to Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

In 1975, residents voted to become a US commonwealth rather than join the nearby Federated States of Micronesia in pursuing independence. This status gives the CNMI greater self-governance than most territories, including previous exemptions from federal minimum wage and immigration laws (though these have largely been eliminated).

Tourism drives the economy, particularly from Chinese, Japanese, and South Korean visitors. The islands offer world-class diving, WWII historical sites, and pristine beaches. However, the CNMI faces challenges including economic volatility, dependence on foreign tourism, and recovery from devastating typhoons like 2018's Super Typhoon Yutu.

US Minor Outlying Islands: Remote Atolls

The United States claims nine small island territories collectively known as the US Minor Outlying Islands. These remote, mostly uninhabited atolls and reefs stretch across the Pacific and Caribbean, serving primarily as wildlife refuges and military facilities.

In the Pacific, Wake Island, Midway Atoll, Johnston Atoll, Palmyra Atoll, Kingman Reef, Jarvis Island, Howland Island, and Baker Island represent American presence across vast stretches of ocean. Navassa Island in the Caribbean completes the list.

Midway Atoll, famous for the pivotal 1942 naval battle, now serves as a wildlife refuge hosting millions of seabirds, particularly Laysan albatrosses. It maintains a small population of US Fish and Wildlife Service staff and contractors. Wake Island hosts about 100 military personnel and civilian contractors maintaining airfield and refueling operations.

The other islands are generally uninhabited and protected as marine national monuments, preserving pristine coral reef ecosystems. Palmyra Atoll, privately owned until 2000, now serves as a research station for marine scientists studying climate change and ocean ecology.

These islands have no permanent civilian residents and are administered directly by various federal agencies, including the Department of the Interior and Department of Defense. They represent some of the most remote and pristine ecosystems under American jurisdiction.

What Makes a Territory Different From a State

US territories occupy a unique constitutional space, often described as "belonging to but not part of" the United States. The Supreme Court established this framework in the Insular Cases (1901-1922), determining that constitutional rights apply differently in territories than in states.

Residents of inhabited territories are generally US citizens or nationals but face significant limitations. They cannot vote in presidential elections, have no voting representation in Congress, and federal laws may apply differently. Territories are exempt from some federal taxes but also receive different levels of federal program funding.

Each territory has its own locally elected government with varying degrees of autonomy. Guam, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands elect their own governors and legislatures. The uninhabited islands are administered directly by federal agencies.

Territorial status offers benefits like military protection, disaster relief, and access to some federal programs, but many residents feel like second-class citizens. Debates over statehood, independence, or enhanced self-governance continue in several territories, particularly Puerto Rico and Guam.

Visiting US Territories: What You Need to Know

One major advantage of US territories for American travelers: no passport required for US citizens (except American Samoa, where US nationals status creates complications). You can visit these exotic destinations with just a government-issued ID, though international travelers face varying entry requirements.

The US Virgin Islands and Guam offer the most developed tourism infrastructure, with regular flights, major hotel chains, and well-established attractions. Both territories provide easy tropical getaways without international travel complications. The USVI is particularly convenient for East Coast travelers, while Guam attracts West Coast visitors and Asian tourists.

American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands offer more adventurous experiences with fewer crowds but limited flights and accommodations. These destinations appeal to travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures.

The US dollar is the official currency in all inhabited territories, and English is widely spoken, though Spanish dominates in the USVI and Chamorro and Samoan remain common in the Pacific territories. Cell phone coverage through US carriers generally works, though often at higher rates.

Travelers should research seasonal considerations: hurricane season affects Caribbean territories (June-November), while typhoon season impacts Pacific territories (May-December). The Pacific islands also face seasonal variations in rainfall and heat that can affect trip planning.