Compact of Free Association (CFA)

The Compact of Free Association (CFA) is an agreement between the United States and three Pacific island nations: the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau. It allows these nations to receive financial assistance and certain protections, while granting the U.S. strategic military access to their territories. In return, the U.S. maintains defense responsibilities for them. The CFA emphasizes mutual cooperation, independence for the nations involved, and recognizes their sovereignty, while also ensuring the U.S. can safeguard its interests in the region. The agreements are periodically reviewed and can be amended based on changing circumstances.