Although most nations became independent in the last century, some territories are still ruled by other nations.
Many of them remain on the United Nations list of non-self-governing territories, meaning they have not completed the process of decolonisation. These places usually depend on bigger countries for laws, passports, defence, or political control.
In this article, Tribune Online highlights 7 territories still under colonial rule:
1. Western Sahara
Western Sahara remains one of the world’s biggest unresolved colonial issues. Morocco controls most of the territory, but the Polisario Front wants independence for the Sahrawi people. The UN is still trying to help both sides agree on a peaceful solution.
2. Guam
Guam is an important US territory in the Pacific, used heavily for American military operations. The US oversees its defence and foreign relations.
People living there are US citizens, but they cannot vote in presidential elections and do not have full representation in Congress.
3. American Samoa
American Samoa has more local control than Guam, but the United States still decides immigration, defence, and foreign affairs.
Residents are considered US nationals and must apply if they want full citizenship.
4. United States Virgin Islands
The US Virgin Islands have their own legislature, but the United States makes major constitutional and political decisions. The territory depends heavily on US federal support.
5. Falkland Islands / Malvinas
The Falkland Islands remain controlled by the United Kingdom (UK), but Argentina has long disputed this claim, having been in control of the Islands for a few years before 1833.
The people living there voted strongly to stay British, yet the sovereignty dispute continues to appear in the UN.
6. Gibraltar
Gibraltar sits at the Southern tip of Spain. The United Kingdom controls it, but Spain insists the territory belongs to them.
Gibraltarians have repeatedly voted in favour of remaining British, but the dispute is still discussed within the UN Decolonisation Committee.
7. Bermuda
Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory situated in the North Atlantic Ocean. Although it manages most of its own internal affairs and enjoys a strong economy with modern facilities, the United Kingdom still handles its defence and represents it in global matters.
