Insular Areas

Insular Areas refer to territories under the jurisdiction of a country but not part of its main landmass. In the context of the United States, this includes places like Guam, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These regions have some degree of self-governance but are subject to U.S. federal laws. Residents are U.S. citizens or nationals, but they may lack full voting rights in federal elections. Insular Areas often focus on local governance, economic development, and cultural preservation while navigating their unique relationship with the mainland government.