Dependent territory

Unnamed glacial canyon, northern Greenland (6993811096)

A dependent territory is a region that does not possess full political independence or sovereignty as a sovereign state yet remains politically outside the controlling state's integral area. Dependent territories are commonly distinguished from subnational entities in that they are not considered to be part of the state proper.

Types of Dependent Territories

Dependent territories can be classified into several types, including:

• Colonies
• Protectorates
• Trust territories
• Special administrative regions

Characteristics

Dependent territories often have a degree of autonomy and self-governance, but the extent of this autonomy can vary widely. The controlling state typically handles matters of defense, foreign policy, and other areas of national importance.

Examples

Some well-known examples of dependent territories include:

• Puerto Rico (a territory of the United States)
• Greenland (an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark)
• Gibraltar (a British Overseas Territory)
• Hong Kong (a Special Administrative Region of China)

Governance

The governance structure of dependent territories can vary. Some have their own legislature and executive, while others are governed directly by the controlling state. The degree of representation and participation in the controlling state's political system also varies.

Legal Status

The legal status of dependent territories is often defined by international law and the constitution of the controlling state. Many dependent territories have unique legal systems that reflect their historical and cultural contexts.

Related Concepts

• Sovereign state
• Autonomous region
• Federalism
• Colonialism
• Decolonization

See Also

• List of dependent territories
• Sovereign state
• Autonomous region
• Colonialism
• Decolonization