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Overseas territory is a geographical area part of a country, but outside of its mainland or contiguous territory. In most cases, these regions are not recognized as autonomous nations, but instead, they are under another country’s or state’s governance.
Overseas territories vary in terms of their autonomy and relationship with the governing country. Some overseas territories have a high degree of autonomy and are largely self-governing, while others are more dependent on the governing country for their administration and governance.
The world map below, created by Pranav Gavali, shows the overseas territories and dependencies of various countries.
History of the Overseas Territories
Countries acquired overseas territories for various reasons throughout history. One of the primary reasons was to expand their power, wealth, and influence. This expansion often involved colonialism, where a country established settlements and took control of an area not previously under its jurisdiction. This process began in the 15th century with European exploration and colonization of the Americas, Africa, and Asia.
They often acquired overseas territories through force or conquest, as European powers used their military strength to establish control over newly acquired territories. This was the case with many of the colonies established by European powers in the Americas, Africa, and Asia, where indigenous populations were subjugated and exploited for the benefit of the colonizing powers.
However, not all overseas territories were acquired through conquest. Some were obtained through treaties or agreements with other countries or through purchase. The United States, for example, acquired Alaska from Russia in 1867, while the Danish West Indies were sold to the United States in 1917.
Over time, many countries that once had overseas territories have granted them greater autonomy and independence. For example, many former British colonies in the Caribbean and the Pacific have become independent nations. Others, such as Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands, remain overseas territories of the United Kingdom.
Countries With the Most Overseas Territories
Unsurprisingly, two great empires of the past still have substantial remnants of their past power. The total number of overseas territories worldwide existing nowadays is 73. They belong to ten countries.
Sovereign
Overseas Territory and Dependency
Region
Australia
Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Indian Ocean
Australia
Christmas Island
Indian Ocean
Australia
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Indian Ocean
Australia
Coral Sea Islands
Pacific Ocean
Australia
Heard & McDonald Islands
Indian Ocean
Australia
Norfolk Island
Pacific Ocean
Denmark
Faroe Islands
Atlantic Ocean
Denmark
Greenland
Atlantic and Arctic Ocean
France
Bassas da India
Indian Ocean
France
Clipperton Island
Pacific Ocean
France
Europa Island
Indian Ocean
France
French Guiana
South America
France
French Polynesia
Pacific Ocean
France
Glorioso Islands
Indian Ocean
France
Guadeloupe
Caribbean
France
Juan de Nova Island
Indian Ocean
France
Martinique
Caribbean
France
Mayotte
Indian Ocean
France
New Caledonia
Pacific Ocean
France
Réunion
Indian Ocean
France
Saint Barthélemy
Caribbean
France
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Atlantic Ocean
France
Saint-Martin
Caribbean
France
Tromelin Island
Indian Ocean
France
Wallis and Futuna
Pacific Ocean
Netherlands
Aruba
Caribbean
Netherlands
Bonaire
Caribbean
Netherlands
Curaçao
Caribbean
Netherlands
Saba
Caribbean
Netherlands
Sint Eustatius
Caribbean
Netherlands
Sint Maarten
Caribbean
New Zealand
Cook Islands
Pacific Ocean
New Zealand
Niue
Pacific Ocean
New Zealand
Tokelau
Pacific Ocean
Norway
Bouvet Island
Atlantic Ocean
Norway
Jan Mayen
Arctic Ocean
Norway
Peter I Island
Southern Ocean
Norway
Svalbard
Arctic Ocean
Portugal
Azores
Atlantic Ocean
Portugal
Madeira
Atlantic Ocean
Spain
Balearic Islands
Mediterranean
Spain
Canary Islands
Atlantic Ocean
United Kingdom
Akrotiri (British Forces)
Cyprus / Mediterranean
United Kingdom
Anguilla
Caribbean
United Kingdom
Bermuda
Atlantic Ocean
United Kingdom
British Indian Ocean Territory
Indian Ocean
United Kingdom
British Virgin Islands
Caribbean
United Kingdom
Cayman Islands
Caribbean
United Kingdom
Dhekelia (British Forces)
Cyprus / Mediterranean
United Kingdom
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Atlantic Ocean
United Kingdom
Gibraltar
Europe
United Kingdom
Guernsey (Channel Island)
Atlantic Ocean
United Kingdom
Isle of Man
Atlantic Ocean
United Kingdom
Jersey (Channel Island)
Atlantic Ocean
United Kingdom
Montserrat
Caribbean
United Kingdom
Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie & Oeno Islands
Pacific Ocean
United Kingdom
Saint Helena, Ascension & Tristan da cunha
Atlantic Ocean
United Kingdom
South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands
Atlantic Ocean
United Kingdom
Turks & Caicos Islands
Caribbean
United States
American Samoa
Pacific Ocean
United States
Baker Island
Pacific Ocean
United States
Guam
Pacific Ocean
United States
Howland Island
Pacific Ocean
United States
Jarvis Island
Pacific Ocean
United States
Johnston Atoll
Pacific Ocean
United States
Kingman Reef
Pacific Ocean
United States
Midway Islands / Atoll
Pacific Ocean
United States
Navassa Island
Caribbean
United States
Northern Mariana Islands
Pacific Ocean
United States
Palmyra Atoll
Pacific Ocean
United States
Puerto Rico
Caribbean
United States
U.S. Virgin Islands
Caribbean
United States
Wake Island
Pacific Ocean
The United Kingdom and France currently have the largest number of Overseas Territories, with 17 territories administered by governments.
The UK’s Overseas Territories have varying levels of autonomy and governance, and the UK government is responsible for their defense, foreign affairs, and other key policy areas. However, many of the territories have their own governments and legislatures, and some have even held referendums on issues such as independence or changes to their constitutional status.
Overseas territories of France have varying degrees of autonomy, and some are even self-governed. For example, New Caledonia and French Polynesia have special status within the French Republic and have their own elected assemblies with significant powers.
The people living in the French overseas territories are French citizens and are entitled to the same rights and benefits as those living in France.
Top countries by overseas territories
Rank
Country
Overseas Territories and Dependences
1
France
17
2
United Kingdom
17
3
United States
14
4
Australia
6
5
Netherlands
6
6
Norway
4
7
New Zealand
3
8
Denmark
2
9
Portugal
2
10
Spain
2
France has the highest percentage of overseas territories in its total land area. French Overseas Territories make up a significant portion of France’s total land area, with a combined land area of approximately 123,150 square kilometers. This represents around 17% of France’s total land area. French Overseas Territories together are home to 2.6 million people.
