Free Associated State

A Free Associated State is a political arrangement where a territory maintains a degree of autonomy while being in a formal relationship with another country. In this setup, the territory can govern itself in many areas but relies on the associated country for certain functions, like defense and foreign relations. This arrangement allows for local self-governance while still being connected to the larger nation, often with benefits such as economic assistance or security guarantees. Examples include Puerto Rico's relationship with the United States and the Cook Islands' relationship with New Zealand.