Estado Libre Asociado

"Estado Libre Asociado" (Free Associate State) refers to Puerto Rico's political status as a territory of the United States with a degree of independence. It has its own constitution and government, but U.S. laws apply in certain areas, and residents are U.S. citizens. The arrangement allows Puerto Rico to maintain cultural and political autonomy while benefiting from U.S. support. However, it is not a fully independent country, and its political relationship with the U.S. continues to be a subject of debate and discussion.