As of 2026, the United States oversees 14 territories across the Pacific and Caribbean, including five inhabited regions with a combined population exceeding 3.45 million. The largest is Puerto Rico (population: 3,221,789), while the most remote is Palmyra Atoll, an uninhabited coral atoll near the equator at 5°52′N, 162°06′W.
Geographic Context
The U.S. territories span from the Caribbean to the central Pacific, acting as key strategic points for trade, military operations, and environmental studies. Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, for instance, serve as critical military bases in the western Pacific, while Puerto Rico functions as a major hub connecting the U.S. to Latin America. Their landscapes vary wildly—from the dense jungles of American Samoa to the vibrant coral reefs of the U.S. Virgin Islands—highlighting America’s reach across three ocean basins.
Which territories are organized vs. unorganized?
| Territory | Location | Population (2026 est.) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puerto Rico | Caribbean (North Atlantic) | 3,221,789 | Unincorporated, organized |
| Guam | Micronesia (North Pacific) | 171,000 | Unincorporated, organized |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | Caribbean (East of Puerto Rico) | 104,578 | Unincorporated, organized |
| Northern Mariana Islands | Micronesia (North Pacific) | 52,700 | Commonwealth in political union with the U.S. |
| American Samoa | Polynesia (South Pacific) | 44,620 | Unincorporated, unorganized |
| Midway Atoll | North Pacific (1,260 miles NW of Honolulu) | 40 (seasonal contractors) | Unincorporated, unorganized |
| Palmyra Atoll | Central Pacific (1,000 miles S of Honolulu) | 4–20 (rotating researchers) | Incorporated, unorganized |
How did these territories become part of the U.S.?
Most of these territories were acquired through war, purchase, or treaty. Puerto Rico’s connection to the U.S. began in 1898, when Spain handed it over after the Spanish-American War. Guam’s strategic importance became obvious during World War II—Japan seized it in 1941, and the U.S. took it back in 1944. The Northern Mariana Islands joined the U.S. fold after World War II and became a commonwealth in 1986, granting residents full citizenship. American Samoa, however, stands apart—it’s still an unincorporated territory where people are U.S. nationals but not citizens by birth.
What’s the difference between incorporated and unincorporated territories?
Incorporated territories are considered part of the U.S. proper, while unincorporated ones aren’t. That means incorporated territories—like Palmyra Atoll—follow the full U.S. Constitution. Unincorporated territories, such as Guam or American Samoa, operate under a modified version of U.S. law. The distinction affects everything from taxation to representation in Congress.
Why does the U.S. still hold these territories?
The U.S. maintains these territories for military, economic, and environmental reasons. Guam, for example, hosts critical military bases that project power across the Pacific. Puerto Rico’s location makes it a natural trade gateway to Latin America. Meanwhile, places like Midway Atoll and Palmyra Atoll serve as vital research outposts for studying climate change and marine ecosystems. Honestly, this is the best way to maintain a presence in regions where the U.S. has strategic interests.
Can people in these territories vote in U.S. elections?
Residents of most territories can’t vote in presidential elections, though they can participate in primaries. Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands send delegates to the Democratic National Convention, but those delegates can’t vote on the floor. American Samoa residents are U.S. nationals but not citizens, so they can’t vote at all. Only people living in states—and Washington, D.C.—get full voting rights in presidential elections.
Do these territories have their own governments?
Yes, most territories have local governments that operate alongside U.S. federal oversight. Puerto Rico, for instance, has its own constitution and governor, though Congress can override local laws. The Northern Mariana Islands function almost like a state in many ways, thanks to their commonwealth status. American Samoa has a governor and legislature too, but its legal system blends traditional Samoan customs with U.S. federal law. That said, Congress holds ultimate authority over all territories.
Are residents of these territories U.S. citizens?
It depends on the territory. People born in Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands are U.S. citizens by birth. American Samoa residents, however, are U.S. nationals but not citizens unless they naturalize. Midway Atoll and Palmyra Atoll have no permanent residents, so citizenship isn’t an issue there. The rules get messy fast—honestly, it’s one of the most confusing aspects of U.S. territorial law.
What’s the deal with Puerto Rico’s statehood debate?
Puerto Rico’s political status has been a hot-button issue for decades. Some residents push for statehood, arguing it would bring equal representation and federal funding. Others advocate for independence, wanting full control over their future. A 2020 referendum showed a narrow majority favoring statehood, but Congress hasn’t acted on it. The debate isn’t just political—it’s economic too. Puerto Rico’s debt crisis and hurricane recovery efforts have made the stakes even higher.
How do people travel to these territories?
Travel rules vary by territory. Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are treated like domestic destinations—no passport needed for U.S. citizens flying from the mainland. American Samoa, though, requires a passport for air travelers. Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands are more lenient, allowing visa-free entry for many nationalities, though flights often connect through Honolulu or Manila. For Palmyra Atoll, you’ll need a research permit or private boat—it’s not exactly a tourist hotspot.
What environmental challenges do these territories face?
Rising sea levels and extreme weather pose serious threats. Low-lying atolls like Midway are especially vulnerable to erosion and saltwater intrusion. The U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico have faced devastating hurricanes in recent years, destroying infrastructure and ecosystems. Conservation efforts are underway—Midway’s albatross habitats are being restored, and Puerto Rico’s rainforests are protected as national forests. Climate change doesn’t respect borders, and these territories are on the front lines.
Are these territories safe to visit?
Generally, yes—but like anywhere, common sense applies. Tourist areas in Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are well-policed and welcoming. American Samoa offers incredible diving and hiking, though medical facilities are limited in remote areas. Midway Atoll is mostly off-limits except to researchers, and Palmyra Atoll requires special permission. Petty crime exists in urban areas, so standard precautions—like avoiding deserted beaches at night—go a long way. That said, violent crime is rare in most territories.
Do these territories use the U.S. dollar?
Yes, all U.S. territories use the U.S. dollar as their official currency. That means no need to exchange money when traveling between, say, Puerto Rico and Florida. The Northern Mariana Islands even use U.S. coins minted with their own territorial designs. American Samoa, however, has its own currency—the U.S. dollar is accepted, but some local businesses also use the Samoan tala. It’s one less thing to worry about when visiting.
Can businesses operate freely in these territories?
Business regulations vary widely. Puerto Rico, for example, has its own tax incentives to attract companies, like the now-expired Section 936 that helped pharma giants set up shop. The Northern Mariana Islands used to be a manufacturing hub thanks to favorable labor laws, though those have changed in recent years. American Samoa’s economy relies heavily on tuna canning and fishing. Smaller territories like Midway and Palmyra Atoll have almost no commercial activity—just research and conservation work. Honestly, the economic landscape is all over the map.
What’s the future of these territories?
The future is uncertain. Puerto Rico’s statehood debate could finally get a resolution in Congress. American Samoa might push for citizenship rights for its residents. Climate change could force some territories to relocate entirely—imagine Midway Atoll disappearing underwater. Meanwhile, places like Palmyra Atoll will likely stay as protected research sites. The U.S. isn’t likely to give up its territories anytime soon, but their status will keep evolving. One thing’s for sure: these places aren’t going anywhere fast.
