Territorial Status of Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States, meaning it is governed by U.S. laws but does not have the same status as a state. Residents are U.S. citizens but cannot vote in presidential elections and have limited representation in Congress. The local government has authority over many local matters, but ultimate sovereignty lies with the U.S. federal government. This unique status can create complexities in terms of political rights, economic support, and federal funding, leading to ongoing discussions about Puerto Rico's future, including potential statehood or independence.