There are five major U.S. territories: Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam. A territory is a part of the United States that is not a state. Territories have their own local governments. They also must follow the laws of the U.S. federal government.

The United States has five major permanently inhabited territories: Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. These are "unincorporated" territories, meaning the U.S. Constitution applies only partially. Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are located in the Caribbean, while the other three are situated in the Pacific Ocean. Residents of all territories except American Samoa are granted U.S. citizenship at birth; those born in American Samoa are considered "U.S. Nationals," a unique status that allows them to live and work in the U.S. but requires a naturalization process to become full citizens. In 2026, these territories continue to hold a complex political status: they have their own local governments and elect a non-voting delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives, but their residents cannot vote in U.S. Presidential elections despite being subject to many federal laws and taxes.