United States Territories 2024 (2024)

Most people know that the United States is made up of 50 states, but fewer realize the nation also has 14 territories—and arguably even more. Territories are areas that belong to and are governed by the "parent" country (though the territories may possess a high degree of autonomy) but that have not been granted statehood. The United States has overseen territories since 1789, and 31 of those territories have gone on to become U.S. states, including Alaska, Hawaii, Tennessee, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. While only five of the 14 current U.S. territories are permanently inhabited—American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands—there exists a growing sentiment that most populous of these, Puerto Rico, should be given the option of becoming America's 51st state.

Current Territories of the United States

  1. American Samoa*
  2. Baker Island
  3. Guam*
  4. Howland Island
  5. Jarvis Island
  6. Johnston Atoll
  7. Kingman Reef
  8. Midway Atoll
  9. Navassa Island
  10. Northern Mariana Islands*
  11. Palmyra Atoll
  12. Puerto Rico*
  13. United States Virgin Islands*
  14. Wake Island

As mentioned, Puerto Rico is the most populous U.S. territory, home to more than 3.3 million people. It was acquired by the U.S. in 1899, along with Guam. Each of the five inhabited territories (marked with * above) have their own governments and are largely autonomous, though they are ultimately still beholden to the U.S. government. However, territories differ from states, which share sovereignty with the federal government, in that they do not share sovereignty. The United States federal government is allowed to explore, exploit, conserve, and manage all of its territories.

Four of the five populated territories (all but the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa) are "organized" under the Organic Act. The citizens of organized territories are considered U.S. citizens, but they cannot vote in federal elections (although they can vote in primaries). Citizens of American Samoa, by comparison, are considered U.S. nationals (unless a parent is a citizen) and must apply for full citizenship.

Disputed territories

In addition to the 14 existing U.S. territories, there are a handful of former territories worthy of mention.

  • Bajo Nuevo Bank — Uninhabited. Claimed by U.S. in 1879, but ceded to Colombia in 1972. Also claimed by Nicaragua, Honduras, and Jamaica.
  • Corn Islands — Leased from Nicaragua in 1914, ceded back to Nicaragua in 1970.
  • Roncador Bank — Uninhabited. Claimed by U.S. in 1856, but ceded to Colombia in 1981.
  • Serranilla Bank — Uninhabited. Claimed by U.S. in 1879, but ceded to Colombia in 1972. Also claimed by Nicaragua, Honduras, and possibly Jamaica.
  • Swan Islands — Uninhabited except for Honduran naval base. Claimed by U.S. in 1856, but ceded to Honduras in 1972.
United States Territories 2024 (2024)

FAQs

United States Territories 2024? ›

The United States has control over fourteen territories. Five of them (American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) have a permanent, nonmilitary population, while nine of them (the United States Minor Outlying Islands) do not.

How many territories does the U.S. have in 2024? ›

The United States has control over fourteen territories. Five of them (American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) have a permanent, nonmilitary population, while nine of them (the United States Minor Outlying Islands) do not.

What are the 9 US territories? ›

American Samoa, Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Wake Island, Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Serranilla Bank, Bajo Nuevo Bank are unincorporated unorganized territories. And Palmyra Atoll is an incorporated unorganized territory.

What are the 5 permanent US territories? ›

Five territories (American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) are permanently inhabited, unincorporated, territories; the other nine are small islands, atolls, and reefs with no native (or permanent) population.

Can US citizens live in US territories? ›

Bona fide residents may be citizens, resident aliens or nonresident aliens of the U.S. In general, you are a bona fide resident of a U.S. Territory, if during the tax year, you: Meet the Presence Test, Present 183 days (or more) in the U.S. territory during the tax year, or.

Are there 50 or 52 states in the United States? ›

There are fifty (50) states and Washington D.C.The last two states to join the Union were Alaska (49th) and Hawaii (50th). Both joined in 1959.

Do US territories pay taxes? ›

This means that federal taxes will generally only be levied when a territory resident or corporation has income that can be sourced (or connected) to the United States. Second, the territories are generally considered to be beyond the physical borders of the United States for federal tax purposes.

What US territories can you travel to without a passport? ›

U.S. citizens do not need a passport to travel between the U.S. and these territories:
  • Guam.
  • Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
  • Puerto Rico.
  • U.S. Virgin Islands.

Why do people think there are 52 states? ›

First of all, people could be adding Puerto Rico and Washington DC as states. After all, “52 states” is certainly easier to rhyme with than “50 states plus associated territories”.

Is the Philippines a U.S. territory? ›

The Republic of the Philippines formally achieved its independence from the U.S. on July 4, 1946.

Can someone from Guam run for president? ›

This same CRS report also asserts that citizens born in the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, are legally defined as "natural born" citizens and are, therefore, also eligible to be elected president.

Are Guam US citizens? ›

Guam. Guam is an unincorporated territory of the United States, meaning that only certain parts of the U.S. Constitution apply to its residents. Individuals born in Guam are considered citizens of the United States. They may vote in federal elections if they reside in one of the 50 states or Washington, DC.

Which US territories are likely to become states? ›

As statehood candidates, their admission to the Union requires congressional approval. American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands are other U.S. territories that could potentially become U.S. states.

Do US territories get Social Security? ›

Federal law excludes millions of American citizens from crucial public benefits simply because they live in the United States territories. If the Social Security Administration determines a low-income individual has a disability, that person can move to another state and continue to receive benefits.

Do people in Guam pay U.S. taxes? ›

Alien Residents of Puerto Rico and U.S. Possessions

Alien individuals who are bona fide residents of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, or the Northern Mariana Islands (NMI) during an entire tax year are subject to U.S. tax in the same manner as resident aliens of the United States.

Where can a U.S. citizen travel without a passport in 2024? ›

Top 7 Islands - These are Places to Travel Without a Passport
  • US Virgin Islands. The terzetto of Caribbean islands that federate up these three islands under the US Govt. ...
  • St. John Island. ...
  • St. Croix Island. ...
  • St. Thomas Island. ...
  • Puerto Rico. ...
  • Guam Island. ...
  • Northern Mariana Islands.
Apr 6, 2024

How many states are in the USA in 2024? ›

Here's a virtual tour of the 50 states, images of the many places Americans call home. May 7, 2024, at 12:01 a.m. From California to New York, varying landscapes and daily life moments provide a sense of place throughout the 50 states.

How many territories does the U.S. still have? ›

Hawaii and Alaska were the last two territories to become states — both in 1959. Currently, the United States occupies sixteen territories, five of which opens a new window — Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands — have permanent inhabitants who are U.S. citizens..

How many of the 16 US territories are permanently inhabited? ›

Five permanently inhabited territories in the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea are overseen by the U.S. and are home to more than 4 million people, many of whom are American citizens.

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