USA: What Countries Belong? ?

What Countries Belong to USA? Unveiling US Territories and Dependencies

The question "What countries belong to USA?" is frequently asked, yet the answer isn't as straightforward as it might seem. The United States doesn't "own" other sovereign nations in the traditional sense. Instead, the US has territories and dependencies, areas under its jurisdiction but not incorporated as states. This article will delve into what countries belong to USA, exploring the various US territories and their unique relationships with the United States. We'll also tackle common misconceptions and provide a clear understanding of US sovereignty.

What Countries Belong to USA? Defining US Territories

To understand what countries belong to USA, it's crucial to define what constitutes a US territory. A US territory is a region under the sovereignty of the United States but not fully integrated as a state. These territories generally have their own local governments but are subject to US federal laws and regulations. The people in these territories are often, but not always, US citizens.

What Countries Belong to USA? A Comprehensive List of US Territories

So, what countries belong to USA? The following are the primary US territories:

  • Puerto Rico: A Caribbean island with a complex political status. Puerto Ricans are US citizens, but they cannot vote in US presidential elections unless they reside in a state. The island has debated statehood, independence, and remaining a commonwealth.

  • Guam: Located in Micronesia, Guam is a strategically important island. Its residents are US citizens. Guam has a governor and legislature, and the US military maintains a significant presence there.

  • U.S. Virgin Islands: Situated in the Caribbean, the U.S. Virgin Islands consist of St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John, along with several smaller islands. Residents are US citizens. Tourism is a major industry.

  • Northern Mariana Islands: Another territory in Micronesia, the Northern Mariana Islands are a commonwealth in political union with the United States. Residents are US citizens.

  • American Samoa: Located in the South Pacific, American Samoa is an unincorporated territory. Unlike residents of the other territories listed, people born in American Samoa are US nationals, not citizens, unless one parent is a US citizen.

What Countries Belong to USA? Unincorporated vs. Incorporated Territories

The distinction between unincorporated and incorporated territories is important to understand when answering "what countries belong to USA".

  • Incorporated territories are those to which the full US Constitution applies. Currently, there are no incorporated territories; all territories are unincorporated.

  • Unincorporated territories have only select parts of the US Constitution applied to them. The extent to which the Constitution applies is determined by Congress. All of the currently listed territories fall into this category, which means rights and laws can be different in these regions compared to the 50 states.

What Countries Belong to USA? The Question of Sovereignty

It's important to reiterate that these territories are not independent nations "belonging" to the US. They are under US sovereignty, meaning the US government has ultimate authority. This authority extends to defense, foreign affairs, and certain aspects of domestic governance. The specific relationship between the US and each territory varies, based on historical agreements and congressional decisions. Understanding sovereignty is key to answering "what countries belong to USA" accurately.

What Countries Belong to USA? Misconceptions and Clarifications

There are several misconceptions about what countries belong to USA.

  • Myth: US territories are colonies. While there are historical parallels to colonialism, the territories have varying degrees of self-governance and their residents often possess US citizenship (or nationality).

  • Myth: Residents of US territories have the same rights as US citizens in the states. As mentioned earlier, this isn't always true, particularly regarding voting rights in presidential elections and the full application of the Constitution.

  • Myth: The US can do whatever it wants in its territories without any oversight. While the US holds significant power, there are legal and political constraints on its actions, and residents have avenues for redress.

What Countries Belong to USA? The Future of US Territories

The future of US territories is a subject of ongoing debate. In Puerto Rico, for example, plebiscites have been held to gauge support for statehood, independence, or maintaining the current commonwealth status. Similar discussions are taking place in other territories, although the political and economic realities differ significantly. Understanding these ongoing discussions is crucial when exploring "what countries belong to USA".

What Countries Belong to USA? Question and Answer:

Q: Does the USA own other countries? A: The USA doesn't "own" other sovereign countries. It has territories and dependencies, regions under US jurisdiction but not states.

Q: Are people in US territories US citizens? A: Generally yes, except for American Samoa, where people born there are US nationals but not citizens at birth, unless one parent is a US citizen.

Q: Can residents of US territories vote in US presidential elections? A: Not unless they reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia.

Q: What are the main US territories? A: Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa.

Q: What's the difference between an incorporated and unincorporated territory? A: Incorporated territories have the full US Constitution applied to them, while unincorporated territories have only select parts applied. All current territories are unincorporated.

Keywords: What countries belong to usa, US territories, Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, US sovereignty, unincorporated territories, incorporated territories, US citizenship, US nationals.