Welcome to the US Island States: the Territories of the United States

The islands and island groups that belong to the USA range from well-known large islands to small uninhabited archipelagos:

1. Hawaii: Hawaii is an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean and the 50th state of the USA.

2. Alaska: Alaska is the largest US state and also includes several islands, among them the Aleutians.

3. Puerto Rico: Puerto Rico is a US territory and an island in the Caribbean.

4. US Virgin Islands: The US Virgin Islands are a group of islands and islets in the Caribbean and also a US territory.

5. Guam: Guam is an island in the Pacific Ocean and a US territory.

6. Northern Mariana Islands: The Northern Mariana Islands are an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean and also a US territory.

7. Midway Islands: Midway is an uninhabited group of islands in the Pacific Ocean and a US territory.

8. Wake Island: Wake Island is an uninhabited coral island in the Pacific Ocean and also a US territory.

There are other islands and island groups that have been or still are controlled by the USA, such as the Marshall Islands, Palau and Micronesia, but these are generally not direct US territories.

What is an exclave? An exclave is an area that is separated from other areas and shares no border with its home country, so it can only be reached by a limited number of routes, such as roads, bridges or waterways.

The USA has several exclaves spread across the country. Here are some of the best known:

Point Roberts, Washington: This small peninsula lies south of Vancouver, Canada, and is surrounded by water on three sides and the Canadian border on the fourth.

Alaska: Although Alaska is the largest US state, it is also an exclave, as it has no direct land connection to the rest of the USA. Alaska is bordered by Canada and the Bering Sea.

Elm Point, Minnesota: This small exclave lies northeast of North Dakota and is bordered by Canada to the north and west and the rest of Minnesota to the south and east.

Northwest Angle, Minnesota: Another area in northern Minnesota, surrounded by Canada and reachable only across the Lake of the Woods.

Isle Royale, Michigan: This island lies in Lake Superior and is surrounded by waters belonging to Canada.

Each of these exclaves has its own unique history and landscape, making them fascinating places to explore.

The USA has a total of 14 territories, spread across different regions of the world. Here are the 14 US territories:

1. American Samoa

2. Baker Island

3. Guam

4. Howland Island

5. Jarvis Island

6. Johnston Atoll

7. Kingman Reef

8. Midway Islands

9. Navassa Island

10. Northern Mariana Islands

11. Palmyra Atoll

12. Puerto Rico

13. US Virgin Islands

14. Wake Island

These territories are not part of the 50 US states, but they still have a particular relationship with the United States. Some have limited self-government, and some are held by the USA purely for strategic reasons.

It's hard to give an exact number of islands belonging to the USA, as it depends on how you define an island and what kind of affiliation you count.

Hawaii alone, for example, has more than 130 islands, atolls and reefs, and Alaska's Aleutians include more than 300 islands. The US Virgin Islands consist of around 50 islands, and Puerto Rico includes more than 140.

So all in all, a great many islands belong to the USA, and the exact number always depends on which areas and island groups are included.

With the basics cleared up, let's turn to the question:

Several US island states and territories can appeal to expats, depending on your personal preferences and needs. Here are some of the best known:

Hawaii

Hawaii is famous for its stunning beaches, tropical landscapes and warm climate all year round. It can be an attractive destination if you're looking for a life close to nature and a relaxed atmosphere.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico offers a unique blend of Latin American and American culture, and its residents hold US citizenship. The island offers a good quality of life and a robust economy, making it an interesting destination for entrepreneurs and investors.

US Virgin Islands

This island group is a popular destination for expats looking for life in the Caribbean without giving up their US citizenship. The islands offer a relaxed atmosphere and a rich culture, plus the chance to work in the region's key industry: tourism.

Guam

Guam is an island in the western Pacific and a US territory. It's known for its stunning landscapes and beaches, and it also offers a robust economy and a high quality of life.

Each of these island states offers a unique way of life and culture that can appeal to different kinds of expats. Before you decide to move to one of them, though, it's wise to do thorough research and consider every aspect of life there.

Of course, a move to the USA needs careful planning and comes with its share of challenges, such as visa and immigration issues, high living costs and cultural differences.

Need help with your US plans?
Get advice on your move to the USA now. Book a one-hour consultation to get your detailed questions on moving formalities and US visas answered.

Consultation & implementation

If you'd like to find out what this means for your own situation, the best step is to book a consultation.