Insular area Facts for Kids

Locations of the U.S. insular areas (blue) and the United States (pink).

An insular area is a special kind of territory that belongs to the United States but isn't one of its 50 states. Think of them as places connected to the U.S. but with their own unique rules. People living in these areas are U.S. citizens, but they usually can't vote in the main U.S. presidential elections. However, they often get to vote in primary elections, which help choose who will run for president.

U.S. Territories with People
- Pacific Ocean Territories
- Caribbean Sea Territories
Uninhabited Islands
- Pacific Ocean Uninhabited Islands
- Caribbean Sea Uninhabited Islands
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U.S. Territories with People

The United States has several insular areas where people live. These places are often beautiful islands with rich cultures and unique histories.

Pacific Ocean Territories

Three of these areas are located far away in the Pacific Ocean:

Guam: This island is a major hub in the western Pacific. It's known for its beautiful beaches and important military bases.
Northern Mariana Islands: This group of islands is close to Guam. They are famous for their stunning coral reefs and historical sites from World War II.
American Samoa: Located south of the equator, American Samoa is known for its amazing natural beauty, including rainforests and national parks.

Caribbean Sea Territories

Two other insular areas are found in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea:

Puerto Rico: This is the largest and most populated U.S. insular area. It has a vibrant culture, beautiful mountains, and historic cities like San Juan.
U.S. Virgin Islands: This group of islands is a popular tourist destination. They are known for their white-sand beaches and clear blue waters.

Uninhabited Islands

The term "insular area" also describes many islands that the U.S. claims but where no one lives permanently. Most of these are small, remote islands.

Pacific Ocean Uninhabited Islands

Most of these uninhabited islands are in the Pacific Ocean:

Palmyra Atoll: A remote, mostly untouched atoll with a rich ecosystem.
Baker Island: A small, flat island, important for seabirds.
Howland Island: Another small island, famous as a planned refueling stop for Amelia Earhart.
Jarvis Island: A dry, rocky island, home to many seabirds.
Johnston Atoll: A wildlife refuge with a history as a military base.
Kingman Reef: A largely submerged reef, important for marine life.
Midway Atoll: Known for its historic role in World War II and as a wildlife refuge.
Wake Island: This island is also claimed by the Marshall Islands. It's a small atoll with a significant history.

Caribbean Sea Uninhabited Islands

Only a few uninhabited islands are in the Caribbean Sea:

Navassa Island: This island is also claimed by Haiti. It's a small, rocky island.
Serranilla Bank: This area is also claimed by Colombia, Jamaica, and Nicaragua. It's a collection of reefs and small islets.
Bajo Nuevo Bank: Also known as Petrel Islands, this area is also claimed by Colombia, Honduras, and Jamaica. It's another remote reef system.