Territori

Territori, or territories, denote geographic areas that are under the jurisdiction of a governing authority. The concept is used across political and legal systems to describe spaces that may be fully part of a state, or possessions with special status. Depending on the jurisdiction, a territory can be an internal administrative division, an overseas possession, or a non-sovereign area administered by another state or organization. The exact rights, representation, and powers granted to a territory are defined in a constitution, statute, or treaty.

Within a sovereign state, territories are often subdivided into regions, provinces, or departments and may enjoy varying degrees of self-government. In federal systems, territorial units may have legislative bodies, budgets, and limited sovereignty. Outside the metropole, countries may designate external territories or territories awaiting a final status, such as a commonwealth, dependency, or overseas territory. Examples include the United States territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa), and British Overseas Territories (Bermuda, Cayman Islands) with local administrations but defense and foreign policy handled by the UK; France operates overseas collectivities and territories with specialized status.

Historically, the notion of territory has evolved with changes in sovereignty and decolonization. Territorial claims, borders, and governance arrangements are subject to international law and diplomatic practice, including treaties and resolutions that recognize state borders and the principle of territorial integrity. The term also appears in geography and anthropology to describe areas defined by physical features, cultural boundaries, or economic zones, not necessarily aligned with political sovereignty.