US Territories

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.