Beyond the 50 states, the United States includes several territories - areas under U.S. jurisdiction but not part of any state. These territories, while not states, are home to millions of U.S. citizens and play important roles in American culture, defense, and commerce.
Each territory has its own local government and unique relationship with the federal government. While residents are U.S. citizens (except for American Samoa, where they are U.S. nationals), they typically cannot vote in presidential elections and do not have voting representatives in Congress.
These territories represent diverse cultures and histories, from the Caribbean influences of Puerto Rico to the Pacific traditions of Guam. Each territory offers unique landscapes, from tropical beaches to volcanic mountains, and serves as a bridge between the United States and their respective regions.
The largest and most populous territory, a Spanish-speaking island with El Yunque rainforest and Old San Juan.
The largest island in Micronesia, home to Chamorro culture and major U.S. military bases.
St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, bought from Denmark in 1917, with a national park covering most of St. John.
Fourteen islands north of Guam, including Saipan and Tinian, key battlegrounds of World War II.
The only U.S. territory south of the equator, where Fa'a Samoa village life and communal land endure.
| Territory | Capital | Population (2020) | U.S. Since | Status | Residents Are | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puerto Rico | San Juan | 3,285,874 | 1898 | Commonwealth (unincorporated) | U.S. citizens | Caribbean |
| Guam | Hagåtña | 153,836 | 1898 | Organized, unincorporated | U.S. citizens | Western Pacific |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | Charlotte Amalie | 87,146 | 1917 | Organized, unincorporated | U.S. citizens | Caribbean |
| Northern Mariana Islands | Saipan | 47,329 | 1978 | Commonwealth | U.S. citizens | Western Pacific |
| American Samoa | Pago Pago | 49,710 | 1900 | Unorganized, unincorporated | U.S. nationals | South Pacific |
Population: U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census. Two territories have national parks: Virgin Islands National Park and the National Park of American Samoa.