A dependent territory, dependent area or dependency is a territory that does not possess full political independence or sovereignty as a sovereign state yet remains politically outside of the controlling state's integral area.

A dependency is commonly distinguished from other subnational entities in that they are not considered to be part of the integral territory of the governing State. A subnational entity typically represents a division of the State proper, while a dependent territory often maintains a great degree of autonomy from the controlling State. Historically, most colonies were considered to be dependencies of their controlling State. Most of these have either become independent, by joining neighbouring independent countries, or assimilated into the conquering state. The dependencies that remain generally maintain a very high degree of political autonomy. Although dependencies retain a degree of autonomy, not all autonomous entities are considered to be dependencies.

Many political entities have a special position recognized by international treaty or agreement resulting in a certain level of autonomy or differences in immigration rules. These are sometimes considered dependencies, but are officially considered by their controlling states to be integral parts of the state. Examples are Åland (Finland), Svalbard (Norway), Hong Kong (China), and Macau (China).

Lists of dependent territories [edit]

Dependency claims without general international recognition, including all claims in Antarctica, are listed in italics. The list includes several territories that are not included in the list of non-self-governing territories listed by the General Assembly of the United Nations. This list includes territories that have not been legally incorporated into their governing state.

New Zealand [edit]

In free association Administration ISO 3166 country code
 Cook Islands Self-governing state in free association with New Zealand since 1965. The Cook Islands are fully responsible for their internal affairs; New Zealand, in consultation, retains some responsibility for external affairs and defence. As of 2005, the Cook Islands have diplomatic relations in their own name with eighteen countries. CK COK 184
 Niue Self-governing state in free association with New Zealand since 1974. Niue is fully responsible for its internal affairs; New Zealand retains responsibility for external affairs and defence. New Zealand's responsibilities confer no rights of control and are only exercised at the request of the Government of Niue. NU NIU 570
Territory Administration ISO 3166 country code
 Tokelau Territory of New Zealand. As it moves toward free association with New Zealand, Tokelau and New Zealand have agreed to a draft constitution. A UN-sponsored referendum on self-governance in February 2006 did not produce the two-thirds supermajority necessary for changing the current political status. Another one was in October 2007, which failed to reach the 2/3 margin. TK TKL 772
Ross Dependency No permanent population. New Zealand's Antarctic claim. no separate code

Norway [edit]

Dependency Administration ISO 3166 country code
 Bouvet Island No permanent population. Dependency administered from Oslo by the Polar Affairs Department of the Ministry of Justice and the Police. BV BVT 074
Peter I Island No permanent population. Dependencies (subject to the Antarctic Treaty System) administered from Oslo by the Polar Affairs Department of the Ministry of Justice and the Police. no separate code
Queen Maud Land no separate code

United Kingdom [edit]

Overseas territories Administration ISO 3166 country code
 Anguilla British overseas territories. AI AIA 660
 Cayman Islands KY CYM 136
 Gibraltar GI GIB 292
 Montserrat MS MSR 500
 Pitcairn Islands PN PCN 612
 Turks and Caicos Islands TC TCA 796
 Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha SH SHN 654
 South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands GS SGS 239
 Bermuda British overseas territory or self-governing territory as defined by the UK. BM BMU 060
 British Antarctic Territory No permanent population. The UK's Antarctic claim. no separate code
 British Indian Ocean Territory inhabitants expelled. British overseas territory administered by a commissioner resident in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, London. IO IOT 086
 British Virgin Islands British overseas territory with internal self-government. VG VGB 092
 Falkland Islands British overseas territory. Falkland Islands also administers South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands through the Governor of the Falkland Islands as representative of the British monarch. FK FLK 238
Sovereign Base Areas Administration ISO 3166 country code
 Akrotiri and Dhekelia British overseas territory administered by the Commander of British Forces, Cyprus. Note: SBAs are primarily required as military bases and not ordinary dependent territories. no separate code
Crown dependencies Administration ISO 3166 country code
 Guernsey Responsibility for defence, international representation, and good government rests with the United Kingdom. Though, the Parliament of the United Kingdom can legislate on their behalf, if it deem necessary. GG GGY 831
 Jersey JE JEY 832
 Isle of Man IM IMN 833

United States [edit]