The United States is not just comprised of 50 states; it also includes several territories that are integral parts of the nation, yet each offers unique cultural and geographical attributes.
These territories, often overlooked in discussions about the U.S., provide fascinating insights into America’s expansive diversity.
From the Caribbean to the Pacific, U.S. territories encompass a wide range of environments and experiences.
In this article, we will delve into the 15 inhabited U.S. territories, highlighting what makes each one distinct and significant.
1. Puerto Rico
Location: Caribbean
Capital: San Juan
As the largest and most populous U.S. territory, Puerto Rico boasts a vibrant culture influenced by Spanish, African, and indigenous Taino heritages.
With its lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and dynamic cities like San Juan, Puerto Rico is a major hub for tourism in the Caribbean.
The island’s residents are U.S. citizens, although they cannot vote in presidential elections and do not have voting representation in Congress. Spanish and English are the official languages, reflecting its melding of cultures.
2. Guam
Location: Western Pacific Ocean
Capital: Hagåtña
Guam is a pivotal location for U.S. military operations in the Pacific and is known for its strategic importance. The island’s culture is a rich tapestry woven from Micronesian, Spanish, and American influences.
Tourists are drawn to Guam for its tropical beaches, Chamorro villages, and World War II historical sites. As U.S. citizens, residents of Guam vote in presidential primaries but have a non-voting delegate in Congress.
3. U.S. Virgin Islands
Location: Caribbean
Capital: Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas)
Comprising three main islands—St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix—the U.S. Virgin Islands are known for their beautiful sandy beaches and historical landmarks.
St. Thomas is often bustling with tourists, especially cruise ship visitors, while St. John is nearly two-thirds a lush national park, and St. Croix features rich Danish colonial history. Like other territories, the residents are U.S. citizens but have limited voting rights.
4. American Samoa
Location: South Pacific Ocean
Capital: Pago Pago
American Samoa is distinguished by its strong preservation of Samoan culture, arguably the most intact of all Polynesian cultures. The territory comprises several islands, with Tutuila being the largest and most populous.
American Samoa’s economy is largely driven by U.S. military spending and the tuna industry. Notably, people born in American Samoa are U.S. nationals but not U.S. citizens, a status unique among the territories.
5. Northern Mariana Islands
Location: Western Pacific Ocean
Capital: Saipan
The Northern Mariana Islands offer dramatic volcanic landscapes and significant World War II history. Saipan, the largest island, is known for its beaches and historical sites related to the war.
The islands have a diverse population, including indigenous Chamorro and Carolinian peoples.
Residents are U.S. citizens and, similar to other territories, they can vote in presidential primaries but do not have voting representatives in Congress.
6. Baker Island
Location: Central Pacific Ocean
Baker Island is a small, uninhabited atoll situated just north of the Equator. Previously used as a guano mining site in the 19th century, today, it is a U.S. National Wildlife Refuge.
The island plays a crucial role in preserving natural habitats for various seabirds and marine wildlife, serving as a critical study area for scientists researching Pacific ecosystems.
7. Howland Island
Location: Central Pacific Ocean
Near Baker Island, Howland Island is another coral atoll designated as a National Wildlife Refuge. It is perhaps best known historically as the intended landing spot for Amelia Earhart during her ill-fated flight in 1937.
Like Baker, Howland Island is important for bird conservation, providing a sanctuary for species such as the sooty tern.
8. Jarvis Island
Location: South Pacific Ocean
Jarvis Island is a remote, uninhabited coral island located about halfway between Hawaii and the Cook Islands.
The island is a protected U.S. National Wildlife Refuge, known for its pristine coral reef ecosystem and as a nesting ground for seabirds like the brown noddy and the masked booby. Its isolation makes it an important location for studying undisturbed natural processes.
9. Johnston Atoll
Location: Central Pacific Ocean
Johnston Atoll is a former U.S. military site and former site of nuclear weapons testing, which has since been transformed into a wildlife refuge and a chemical weapons disposal site.
The atoll includes Johnston Island and three smaller islets, which are now important as bird sanctuaries and as research areas for studying the recovery of ecosystems previously impacted by human activities.
10. Kingman Reef
Location: North Pacific Ocean
Kingman Reef is a largely submerged, uninhabited coral atoll in the North Pacific Ocean. It is one of the most pristine marine ecosystems under U.S. administration and is protected as a U.S. National Wildlife Refuge.
The reef is critical for biodiversity, supporting an abundant array of marine life, including sharks, rays, and other fish species. Its protected status helps researchers study untouched coral reef ecosystems and their responses to environmental changes.
11. Palmyra Atoll
Location: Central Pacific Ocean
Palmyra Atoll is a unique ecological haven consisting of about 50 small islets covered with dense vegetation and surrounded by vibrant coral reefs. Officially a U.S. National Wildlife Refuge, it is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and The Nature Conservancy.
Palmyra plays a critical role in research related to climate change and coral ecosystems, and it serves as a nesting ground for seabirds and a habitat for endangered species such as sea turtles.
12. Navassa Island
Location: Caribbean Sea
Located between Jamaica and Haiti, Navassa Island is a small, uninhabited territory that is often overlooked. It is designated as a National Wildlife Refuge due to its importance as a breeding site for seabirds, including the brown pelican and the magnificent frigatebird.
Its coral reefs and marine areas are biodiverse and provide critical habitats for a variety of marine species. Access to Navassa is restricted, preserving its undisturbed state, which is crucial for scientific study and conservation efforts.
13. Wake Island
Location: Western Pacific Ocean
Wake Island is a coral atoll consisting of three islands forming a part of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument.
Historically significant for its role in World War II, today it is primarily used for military purposes and scientific research.
The atoll is a critical breeding ground for seabirds and a sanctuary for migratory species. Its lagoon and surrounding waters contain vibrant coral reefs that are key to understanding natural marine processes in isolated environments.
14. Midway Atoll
Location: North Pacific Ocean
Midway Atoll is perhaps best known for its pivotal role in World War II during the Battle of Midway. Currently, it serves as a wildlife refuge and is a sanctuary for over two million seabirds, including the world’s largest colony of Laysan albatrosses.
It is also an important habitat for endangered species such as the Hawaiian monk seal and the green sea turtle. Midway is a critical site for studying wildlife management and ecological restoration efforts.
15. Rose Atoll
Location: South Pacific Ocean
Rose Atoll, part of American Samoa, is the southernmost point of the United States. It includes Rose Island and an extensive surrounding marine area, protected as a National Wildlife Refuge and part of the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument.
This pristine atoll is home to a diverse range of marine life and is critical for the breeding of seabirds and the nesting of green and hawksbill sea turtles. Its untouched coral reefs are invaluable for scientific research and conservation.
Conclusion: The Diversity of U.S. Territories
The U.S. territories are integral parts of the nation, each contributing its unique blend of cultures, languages, and histories.
They offer Americans and international visitors alike a glimpse into the diversity and heritage of the United States beyond its mainland.
While these territories share certain legal and political conditions, each one maintains its distinct identity, making them fascinating destinations for travel and study.
FAQs About U.S. Territories
Q: What rights do residents of U.S. territories have?
A: Residents are U.S. citizens or nationals and can travel freely within the U.S. They can vote in presidential primaries but do not have voting representation in Congress or vote in presidential elections.
Q: Can U.S. citizens move to a U.S. territory?
A: Yes, U.S. citizens can move freely to any U.S. territory without special documentation.
Q: Are U.S. territories considered international travel destinations?
A: For U.S. citizens, traveling to a U.S. territory is considered domestic travel, although the experiences often feel international due to the diverse cultures and environments.
Understanding U.S. territories enriches the American narrative, showcasing a broader spectrum of what it means to be part of the United States.
These territories are not only beautiful and culturally rich areas but also play crucial roles in the geopolitical landscape of the nation.
