Name one U.S. territory.

Why This Matters

The United States includes more than just the 50 states. There are also several territories that are part of the country but are not states. The main U.S. territories are Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam. You only need to name one to answer this question correctly.

U.S. territories are areas that belong to the United States but do not have the same level of self-governance as states. People born in most territories are U.S. citizens at birth, though people born in American Samoa are considered U.S. nationals. Residents of territories can serve in the military, pay some federal taxes, and carry U.S. passports. However, they generally cannot vote in presidential elections, and their representatives in Congress cannot vote on final legislation.

Each territory has its own unique history and culture. Puerto Rico, located in the Caribbean, has a population of over three million people and became a U.S. territory after the Spanish-American War in 1898. Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands are in the western Pacific Ocean. The U.S. Virgin Islands, also in the Caribbean, were purchased from Denmark in 1917. American Samoa, in the South Pacific, has maintained strong traditional Polynesian culture. Knowing about these territories shows you understand that the United States extends beyond the 50 states on the map.

Key Facts

• The five main U.S. territories are Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam
• You only need to name one territory to answer correctly
• Puerto Rico is the largest territory by population, with over three million residents
• People born in most territories are U.S. citizens, but they cannot vote for President
• Territories are located in the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean

Common Mistakes

• Naming a U.S. state like Hawaii or Alaska instead of a territory, states are not territories
• Saying "Washington, D.C.", while D.C. is not a state, it is a federal district, not a territory
• Confusing territories with independent countries that have agreements with the U.S., such as the Marshall Islands

Study Tip

The easiest territory to remember is Puerto Rico because it is the most well-known and has the largest population. If you want a backup, Guam is a short, simple name. Pick one, practice saying it, and you are prepared. Remember: territories are part of the U.S. but are not states.