10 territories still under colonial rule in 2024

As of 2024, the United Nations recognises 17 territories as non-self-governing with these territories still linked to colonial powers, even though some have substantial autonomy.

Decolonisation efforts continue, but in some cases, the residents prefer to maintain their current status due to economic or security reasons.

Here are 10 territories still under colonial rule:

Western Sahara

This is a contested region in North Africa. Both Morocco and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic claim it, but Morocco currently controls most of the area. Efforts to resolve the sovereignty dispute are ongoing.

Gibraltar

Found at the southern tip of Spain, Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory. It has been under British rule since 1713, though Spain continues to claim it. However, Gibraltar’s residents consistently vote to remain British.

Falkland Islands

These islands in the South Atlantic are another British Overseas Territory. Argentina claims them, but after the Falklands War in 1982, the UK retained control. The residents strongly favor staying under British governance.

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha

This group of islands in the South Atlantic is remote and sparsely populated. They are British territories, with Saint Helena known for being Napoleon Bonaparte’s place of exile.

Bermuda

Bermuda, located in the North Atlantic, is a British territory with considerable autonomy. It is known for its wealth and well-developed infrastructure but relies on the UK for defense and international relations.

Pitcairn Islands

These are some of the world’s most isolated islands, located in the South Pacific. They are a British Overseas Territory with fewer than 50 residents, who manage their local affairs while remaining connected to the UK.

American Samoa

This U.S. territory in the South Pacific has its own local government. However, its residents are U.S. nationals rather than citizens, meaning they don’t have the same rights as people living in U.S. states.

Guam

Guam is a U.S. territory in the Pacific with self-governance. Still, the U.S. oversees its defense and foreign relations. Residents are U.S. citizens but cannot vote in presidential elections.

Puerto Rico

Located in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory with its own government. Its residents are U.S. citizens but don’t have full representation in Congress or the right to vote for the U.S. president.

https://guardian.ng/news/61-colonies-still-under-colonial-rule-worldwide-sira/

Tokelau

A dependency of New Zealand, Tokelau consists of three atolls in the Pacific. It manages many of its own affairs but relies on New Zealand for defense and broader governance.