Location of the British Overseas Territories

The British Overseas Territories are fourteen^[1] territories which the United Kingdom considers to be under its sovereignty, but not as part of the United Kingdom itself. Image File history File links Location_of_the_BOTs. ... Image File history File links Location_of_the_BOTs. ... “Sovereign” redirects here. ...

The name "British Overseas Territory" was introduced by the British Overseas Territories Act 2002, and replaced the name British dependent territory which was introduced by the British Nationality Act 1981. Before that, the territories were known as colonies or Crown colonies. The British Overseas Territories are also referred to as overseas territories of the United Kingdom^[2], UK overseas territories^[3], or when the context is clear, simply the Overseas Territories^[4]. The British Overseas Territories Act 2002 is an Act of Parliament passed in the United Kingdom in 2002, which superseded the British Nationality Act 1981. ... The British Nationality Act 1981 was an Act of Parliament passed by the British Parliament. ...

The territories of Jersey,Guernsey and the Isle of Man, though also under the sovereignty of the British Crown, have a slightly different constitutional relationship with the United Kingdom, and are consequently classed as Crown dependencies rather than Overseas Territories. Territories and dependencies are distinct from the Commonwealth of Nations, a voluntary association of former British colonies and latterly other nations such as Mozambique that have joined because of the benefits it offers. Crown dependencies are possessions of the British Crown, as opposed to overseas territories or colonies. ... The Commonwealth of Nations as of 2006 Headquarters Marlborough House, London, UK Official languages English Membership 53 sovereign states Leaders  -  Queen Elizabeth II  -  Secretary-General Don McKinnon (since 1 April 2000) Establishment  -  Balfour Declaration 18 November 1926   -  Statute of Westminster 11 December 1931   -  London Declaration 28 April 1949  Area  -  Total... The British Empire in 1897, marked in pink, the traditional colour for Imperial British dominions on maps. ...

In an historical context, colonies should be distinguished from protectorates and protected states, which though under British control, were nominally independent states, whereas colonies were part of the British state. They should also not be confused with Dominions, which, known collectively as the Commonwealth, were independent states, held to be equal in sovereign status to the United Kingdom within the Empire and Commonwealth after the Statute of Westminster in 1931. Crown colonies, such as Hong Kong, were differentiated from other colonies in being administered directly by the Crown, without the degree of local autonomy found in self-governed colonies such as Bermuda. This article is about states protected and/or dominated by a foreign power. ... A protected state held a similar status to that of a protectorate as part of the British Empire, except that it usually had a functioning system of internal self-government. ... This article is about Dominions of the British Empire and of the Commonwealth of Nations. ... ...

History

Main article: British Empire

The handover of Hong Kong on July 1, 1997, the last major overseas British territory.

The original English colonies in the New World were plantations of English subjects in lands hitherto outside the dominions of the Crown. The first such plantation was in Newfoundland, where English fishermen routinely set up seasonal camps in the 16th century. The British Empire in 1897, marked in pink, the traditional colour for Imperial British dominions on maps. ... Image File history File links File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Image File history File links File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... The transfer of the sovereignty of Hong Kong from the United Kingdom to the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) occurred on June 30, 1997. ... is the 182nd day of the year (183rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the band, see 1997 (band). ... Frontispiece of Peter Martyr dAnghieras De orbe novo (On the New World). Carte dAmérique, Guillaume Delisle, 1722. ... Newfoundland —   IPA: [nuw fÉ™n lænd] (French: , Irish: ) is a large island off the east coast of North America, and the most populous part of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. ...

What later became known as the "Old Empire" began in 1607 with the settlement of Jamestown, the first successful permanent colony in "Virginia" (a term that was then applied generally to North America). In 1609, a second colony was unintentionally established in Bermuda (as an extension of Virginia), which, with the loss of the American colonies in 1783, is the oldest British colony in existence (English colonies became British with the 1707 unification of the Kingdoms of England and Scotland to form the Kingdom of Great Britain. Sketch of Jamestown c. ... A map of the Colony of Virginia. ... North America North America is a continent[1] in the Earths northern hemisphere and (chiefly) western hemisphere. ... Motto Dieu et mon droit(French) God and my right Territory of the Kingdom of England Capital Winchester; London from 11th century Language(s) Old English (de facto, until 1066) Anglo-Norman language (de jure, 1066 - 15th century) English (de facto, gradually replaced French from late 13th century) Government Monarchy... Motto Latin: Nemo me impune lacessit (English: No one provokes me with impunity) (Scots: Wha daur meddle wi me) Capital Edinburgh¹ Language(s) Gaelic, Scots Government Monarchy King/Queen  - 843-860 Kenneth I  - 1587–1625 James VI  - 1702-1714 Anne Legislature Parliament of Scotland History  - United 843  - Union of the... For an explanation of terms such as Scotland, Wales, England, (Great) Britain and United Kingdom, see British Isles (terminology). ...

The growth of the British Empire in the 19th century, to its peak in the 1920s, saw the UK acquire over one quarter of the world's land mass, including territories with large indigenous populations in Asia and Africa, which were held for commercial and strategic reasons rather than for settlement. The late 19th century saw the larger settler colonies — in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa — becoming self-governing colonies and achieving independence in all matters except foreign policy, defence and trade. Separate self-governing colonies federated to become Canada (in 1867) and the Commonwealth of Australia (in 1901). These and other large self-governing colonies had become known as Dominions by the 1920s. The Dominions achieved full independence with the Statute of Westminster (1931). The Empire was renamed the British Commonwealth to reflect such changes and in 1949 became known as the Commonwealth of Nations. Most of the British colonies in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean achieved independence. Some colonies became Commonwealth Realms, retaining the British monarch as head of state, others became republics but acknowledged Queen Elizabeth II as Head of the Commonwealth. The British Empire in 1897, marked in pink, the traditional colour for Imperial British dominions on maps. ... For other uses, see Asia (disambiguation). ... A world map showing the continent of Africa Africa is the worlds second-largest and second most-populous continent, after Asia. ... A self-governing colony is a colony with an elected legislature, in which politicians are able to make most decisions without reference to the colonial power with formal or nominal control of the colony. ... A map displaying todays federations. ... This article is about Dominions of the British Empire and of the Commonwealth of Nations. ... This article is about the Statute of Westminster relating to the British Empire and its dominions. ... The Commonwealth of Nations as of 2006 Headquarters Marlborough House, London, UK Official languages English Membership 53 sovereign states Leaders  -  Queen Elizabeth II  -  Secretary-General Don McKinnon (since 1 April 2000) Establishment  -  Balfour Declaration 18 November 1926   -  Statute of Westminster 11 December 1931   -  London Declaration 28 April 1949  Area  -  Total... A world map showing the continent of Africa Africa is the worlds second-largest and second most-populous continent, after Asia. ... For other uses, see Asia (disambiguation). ... “West Indian” redirects here. ... A Commonwealth Realm is any one of the 16 sovereign states that recognize Queen Elizabeth II as their Queen and head of state. ... For the comedy film of the same name, see Head of State (film). ... Elizabeth II in an official portrait as Queen of Canada (on the occasion of her Golden Jubilee in 2002, wearing the Sovereigns badges of the Order of Canada and the Order of Military Merit) Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary) (born 21 April 1926), styled HM The... The present British Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, is the second to be recognised as Head of the Commonwealth in the 53 member states of the Commonwealth of Nations. ...

St. George's town, in the Islands of Bermuda, or The Somers Isles. The colony was founded by the wrecking of the flagship of the Virginia Company in 1609. The Company's charter was extended to include Bermuda in 1612, and it has remained an English (since 1707, British) colony ever since. Since the independence of Virginia, it has been the oldest-remaining British colony, and the town of St. George's is the oldest continuously-inhabited English settlement in the New World.

The 1980s saw the United Kingdom lose its last mainland colonies, with the independence of Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in Africa in 1980 and British Honduras (now Belize) in Central America in 1981. The last major colony that remained was Hong Kong, with a population of over 5 million. Unlike other territories, the bulk of Hong Kong was leased to the UK by China under a 99 year lease that expired in 1997. The United Kingdom negotiated the Sino-British Joint Declaration, which led to the whole of Hong Kong becoming a "special administrative region" of China in 1997, subject to various conditions intended to guarantee the preservation of Hong Kong's capitalist economy and its way of life under British rule for at least 50 years after the handover. Image File history File links Bermuda-Harbour_and_Town_of_St_George. ... Image File history File links Bermuda-Harbour_and_Town_of_St_George. ... St. ... Virginia Company of London Seal The London Company (also called the Charter of the Virginia Company of London) was an English joint stock company established by royal charter by James I on April 10, 1606 with the purpose of establishing colonial settlements in North America. ... This article is about the U.S. state. ... Southern Rhodesia was the name of the British colony situated immediately to the north of South Africa, known today as Zimbabwe. ... Flag Capital Belize City Language(s) English Government Constitutional monarchy History  - Established 1871  - Disestablished 1981 Area 22,966 km2 8,867 sq mi Currency British Honduran dollar Flag of British Honduras British Honduras was the former name of what is now the independent nation of Belize and was a British... The Sino-British Joint Declaration, formally known as the Joint Declaration of the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Peoples Republic of China on the Question of Hong Kong, was signed by the Prime Ministers of the Peoples... A Special administrative region (SAR) is an administrative division of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC). ...

Following the return of Hong Kong, the remaining colonial possessions are generally small island territories with small populations, and the uninhabited British Antarctic Territory. The reasons for these territories not achieving independence vary, and include:

• lack of support for independence among the local population;
• a small population size making the possibility of success as a sovereign nation more difficult;
• dependence on economic aid from the UK;
• being uninhabited territories used for scientific or military purposes;
• a need for British military presence to guard against hostile neighbours;
• a lack of any economic or political justification for independence.

In 2002, the UK Parliament passed the British Overseas Territories Act 2002. This reclassified the UK's dependent territories as Overseas Territories and, with the exception of those people solely connected with the Sovereign Base Areas of Cyprus, restored full British citizenship to their inhabitants. The British Overseas Territories Act 2002 is an Act of Parliament passed in the United Kingdom in 2002, which superseded the British Nationality Act 1981. ...

Current Overseas Territories

Flag	Arms	Territory	Location	Motto	Area	Population	Capital
		Anguilla	Caribbean	Strength and Endurance	102 km² (39.4 sq mi)	12,800	The Valley
		Bermuda	North Atlantic Ocean	Quo fata ferunt (Latin: "Whither the Fates carry [us]")	53.3 km² (20.6 sq mi)	64,482	Hamilton
		British Antarctic Territory	Antarctica	Research and discovery	1,709,400 km² (666,000 sq mi)	200 staff	Rothera (main base)
		British Indian Ocean Territory	Indian Ocean	In tutela nostra Limuria (Latin: "Limuria is in our charge")	60 km² (23 sq mi)	3,200 military and staff	Diego Garcia (base)
		British Virgin Islands	Caribbean	Vigilate (Latin: "Be watchful")	153 km² (59 sq mi)	21,730	Road Town
		Cayman Islands	Caribbean	He hath founded it upon the seas	260 km² (100.4 sq mi)	46,600	George Town
		Falkland Islands	South Atlantic Ocean	Desire the right	12,173 km² (4,702 sq mi)	2,967	Stanley
		Gibraltar	Southern Europe	Nulli expugnabilis hosti (Latin: "Conquerable by no enemy")	6.5 km² (2.5 sq mi)	27,776	Gibraltar
		Montserrat	Caribbean	Each Endeavouring, All Achieving	102 km² (39 sq mi)	9,000	Plymouth (abandoned due to volcano—de facto capital is Brades)
		Pitcairn Islands	Pacific Ocean	Unknown (possibly Come, ye blessed as this is name of the national anthem.)	43 km² (17 sq mi) (all islands)	67	Adamstown
		Saint Helena (including Ascension, Tristan da Cunha)	South Atlantic Ocean	Loyal and unshakeable	410 km² (158 sq mi) (all islands)	6,563	Jamestown
		South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands	South Atlantic Ocean	Leo terram propriam protegat (Latin: "Let the lion protect his own land")	3,903 km² (1508 sq mi)	11-26 staff	King Edward Point/Grytviken
		Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia	Mediterranean (Cyprus)	Dieu et mon droit (French: "God and my right")	254 km² (98 sq mi)	15,000 (almost half British military and staff)	Episkopi Cantonment
		Turks and Caicos Islands	Caribbean	One people, one nation, one destiny	430 km² (166 sq mi)	21,500	Cockburn Town

Image File history File links Flag_of_Anguilla. ... Image File history File links Coat_of_Arms_of_Anguilla. ... “West Indian” redirects here. ... The Valley is the capital of Anguilla and the main town on the island. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Bermuda. ... Image File history File links Coa_Bermuda. ... For other uses, see Atlantic (disambiguation) The Atlantic Ocean is Earths second-largest ocean, covering approximately one-fifth of its surface. ... For other uses, see Latin (disambiguation). ... City Hall in Hamilton. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_British_Antarctic_Territory. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Motto: Research and Discovery Anthem: God Save the Queen Status British overseas territory Official language(s) - Commissioner Tony Crombie Administrator Michael Richardson Area 1,395,000 km² Population c. ... General view Rothera research station is a British Antarctic Survey base on the Antarctic Peninsula, located at 67°34′ S 68°08′ W, Rothera Point, Adelaide Island. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_british_indian_ocean_territory. ... Image File history File links Coat_of_arms_of_the_British_Indian_Ocean_Territory. ... For other uses, see Latin (disambiguation). ... Limuria was a fabled lost continent, believed by some ancient geographers to have existed in the Indian Ocean[1]. A number of islands, including the Chagos Islands and some atolls[2], were believed to be the Peaks of Limuria. ... Diego Garcia ( ) is an atoll located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, some 1,000 miles (1,600 km) south of Indias southern coast. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_British_Virgin_Islands. ... Image File history File links Coat_of_Arms_of_the_British_Virgin_Islands. ... “West Indian” redirects here. ... For other uses, see Latin (disambiguation). ... Road Town, located on Tortola island, is the capital of the British Virgin Islands. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Cayman_Islands. ... Image File history File links Cayman_Islands_coat_of_arms_large. ... “West Indian” redirects here. ... George Town, Grand Cayman, is the capital of the Cayman Islands, in the British West Indies. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Falkland_Islands. ... Image File history File links Coa_Falkland. ... For other uses, see Atlantic (disambiguation) The Atlantic Ocean is Earths second-largest ocean, covering approximately one-fifth of its surface. ... Map of the Falkland Islands showing position of Stanley. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Gibraltar. ... Image File history File links Coa_Gibraltar. ... Southern Europe is a region of the European continent. ... For other uses, see Latin (disambiguation). ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Montserrat. ... Image File history File links Coa_Montserrat. ... “West Indian” redirects here. ... Plymouth is the capital of Montserrat, which is an overseas territory of the U.K. After the volcanic eruption in 1995, the city has been abandoned. ... Brades (or Brades Estate) is the de-facto capital of Montserrat, and is in the Carrs Bay/Little Bay vicinity at the northwest end of Montserrat. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Pitcairn_Islands. ... Image File history File links Coat_of_Arms_of_the_Pitcairn_Islands. ... View of Adamstown Adamstown is the only settlement of the Pitcairn Islands, and by default, the capital of the Pitcairn Islands. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Saint_Helena. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Anthem: God Save the Queen Capital Georgetown Largest city Georgetown Official languages English Government Dependency of St. ... Motto Our faith is our strength Anthem God Save the Queen Capital (and largest city) Edinburgh of the Seven Seas Official languages English Government Dependency of St. ... For other uses, see Atlantic (disambiguation) The Atlantic Ocean is Earths second-largest ocean, covering approximately one-fifth of its surface. ... Jamestown (population c. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_South_Georgia_and_the_South_Sandwich_Islands. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Motto Leo Terram Propriam Protegat(Latin) Let the Lion protect his own land or May the Lion protect his own land Anthem God Save the Queen Capital Grytviken (King Edward Point) Official languages English Government British overseas territory  -  Head of State Queen Elizabeth II  -  Commissioner Alan Huckle Area  -  Total 3... For other uses, see Atlantic (disambiguation) The Atlantic Ocean is Earths second-largest ocean, covering approximately one-fifth of its surface. ... For other uses, see Latin (disambiguation). ... King Edward Point (54º17´S 036º30´W) is a low point projecting from the northern side of King Edward Cove toward the central part of the cove, on the western side of Cumberland East Bay, South Georgia. ... Cumberland Bay and Thatcher Peninsula with King Edward Cove (Grytviken) Grytviken (Swedish for Pot Cove; Grytvika/Grytviken in Norwegian) is the principal settlement in the United Kingdom territory of South Georgia in the South Atlantic. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom. ... Image File history File links UK_Royal_Coat_of_Arms. ... Anthem God Save the Queen Akrotiri and Dhekelia (Occupied Areas) Sovereign Base Areas indicated in pink. ... The Mediterranean Sea is an intercontinental sea positioned between Europe to the north, Africa to the south and Asia to the east, covering an approximate area of 2. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Turks_and_Caicos_Islands. ... Image File history File links Coa_Turks_Caicos. ... “West Indian” redirects here. ... Cockburn Town is the capital city of the Turks and Caicos Islands, located on the largest island in that archipelago, Grand Turk Island. ...

Government

Head of State

The head of state in the Overseas Territories is the British monarch, currently Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen's role in the territories is in her role as Queen of the United Kingdom, and not in right of each territory. The Queen appoints a representative in each territory to exercise her executive power. In territories with a permanent population, a Governor is appointed by the Queen on the advice of the British Government, usually a retired senior military officer, or a senior civil servant. In territories without a permanent population, a Commissioner is usually appointed to represent the Queen. For Overseas Territories with dependencies, the Governor may appoint an Administrator to represent him or her in that dependency. The British monarch or Sovereign is the monarch and head of state of the United Kingdom and its overseas territories, and is the source of all executive, judicial and (as the Queen-in-Parliament) legislative power. ... Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor; born 21 April 1926) is Queen of sixteen sovereign states, holding each crown and title equally. ... For other uses, see Governor (disambiguation). ...

The role of the Governor is to act as the de facto head of state, and they are usually responsible for appointing the head of government, and senior political positions in the territory. The Governor is also responsible for liaising with the UK Government, and carrying out any ceremonial duties. A Commissioner has the same powers as a Governor, but also acts as the head of government. For the comedy film of the same name, see Head of State (film). ...

The Flag of the Governor of Anguilla The Governor of Anguilla is the representative of the British monarch in the United Kingdoms overseas territory of Anguilla. ... The Flag of the Governor of Bermuda The Governor of Bermuda is the representative of the British monarch in the United Kingdoms overseas territory of Bermuda. ... The flag of the Commissioner of the British Antarctic Territory M. Baker Bates (1990-1992) P. Newton (1992-1995) Anthony Longrigg (1995-1997) John White (1997-2001) Alan Huckle (2001-2004) Tony Crombie (2004-present) This list continues at: List of High Commissioners of the British Antarctic Territory and List... The Commissioner of the British Indian Ocean Territory is the head of government in the United Kingdoms overseas territory of the British Indian Ocean Territory. ... For leaders before this see: List of Administrators of the British Virgin Islands Derek George Cudmore (1971-1974) Walter Wilkinson Wallace (1974-1978) James Alfred Davidson (1978-1982) David Robert Barwick (1982-1986) J. Mark A. Herdman (1986-1991) Peter Alfred Penfold (1991-1995) David Mackilligin (1995-1998) Frank Savage... The flag of the Governor of the Cayman Islands The Governor of the Cayman Islands is the representative of the British monarch in the United Kingdoms overseas territory of the Cayman Islands. ... Nowadays, the Governor of the Falkland Islands is the local representative of the British Crown in the Falkland Islands. ... Flag of the Governor of Gibraltar The Governor of Gibraltar is the representative of the British monarch in the United Kingdoms overseas territory of Gibraltar. ... The Governor of Montserrat is the representative of the British monarch in the United Kingdoms overseas territory of Montserrat. ... Flag of the Governor of the Pitcairn Islands See main articles: List of Governors of Fiji (1898-1970) List of British High Commissioners to New Zealand (1970-present) The Pitcairn Islands are the last remaining British dependency in the Pacific. ... Flag of the Governor of Saint Helena The Governor of Saint Helena is the representative of the British monarch in the United Kingdoms overseas territory of Saint Helena. ... Flag of the Civil Commissioner of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands The Civil Commissioner of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands is the representative of the British monarch in the United Kingdoms overseas territory of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. ... Flag of the Administrator of Tristan da Cunha The Administrator of Tristan da Cunha is the head of government and representative of the Governor of Saint Helena in Tristan da Cunha. ... Flag of the Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands The Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is the representative of the British monarch in the United Kingdoms overseas territory of Turks and Caicos Islands. ...

Government

All the Overseas Territories have their own system of government, and localised laws. The structure of the government appears to be closely correlated to the size and political development of the territory.

Legal system

Each Overseas Territory has its own legal system independent of the United Kingdom. The legal system is generally based on English common law, with some distinctions for local circumstances. Each territory has its own Attorney General, and court system. For the smaller territories, the UK may appoint a UK-based lawyer or judge to work on legal cases. This is particularly important for cases involving serious crimes and where it is impossible to find a jury who will not know the defendant in a small population island. This article concerns the common-law legal system, as contrasted with the civil law legal system; for other meanings of the term, within the field of law, see common law (disambiguation). ...

The Pitcairn rape trial of 2004 is an example of how the UK may choose to provide the legal framework for particular cases where the territory cannot do so alone. On 30 September 2004, seven men living on Pitcairn Island (including Steve Christian, the Mayor), went on trial facing 55 charges relating to sexual offences. ...

Relations with the UK

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has the responsibility of looking after the interests of all Overseas Territories except one. The Overseas Territory Department is headed by the Foreign Office Minister for the Overseas Territories, currently the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State David Triesman, Baron Triesman. The exception is the Sovereign Base Areas territory, which comes under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defence. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Whitehall, seen from St. ... A Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, in the United Kingdom government structure, is a minister who is junior to a Minister of State who is then junior to a Secretary of State. ... David Maxim Triesman, Baron Triesman (born 30 October 1943) is a Labour member of the House of Lords. ... The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is the United Kingdom government department responsible for implementation of government defence policy and the headquarters of the British Armed Forces. ...

In 1999, the FCO published the Partnership for Progress and Prosperity: Britain and the Overseas Territories report which set out the UK's policy for the Overseas Territories, covering four main areas:

• Self-determination
• Responsibilities of the UK and the territories
• Democratic autonomy
• Provision for help and assistance

The UK and the Overseas Territories do not have diplomatic representations, although the governments of the Overseas Territories with indigenous populations (except Bermuda) all retain a representative office in London. The United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association also represents the interests of the territories in London. This article is about the capital of England and the United Kingdom. ...

The UK provides financial assistance to the Overseas Territories via the Department of International Development. Currently only Montserrat and Saint Helena receive budgetary aid (ie financial contribution to recurrent funding). Several specialist funds are made available by the UK, including: The Department for International Development (DFID) is a United Kingdom government department, the function of which is to promote sustainable development and eliminate world poverty. // Ministers The Department is headed by Cabinet Minister and Secretary of State for International Development Hilary Benn. ...

• The Good Government Fund which provides assistance on government administration;
• The Economic Diversification Programme Budget which aim to diversify and enhance the economic bases of the territories

Foreign Affairs

Map showing the portion of Antarctica claimed by the UK as British Antarctic Territory.

Foreign Affairs of the Overseas Territories are handled by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London. However some territories maintain diplomatic officers in nearby countries for trade and immigration purposes. Several of the Caribbean territories maintain membership of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States and the Caribbean Community. None of the territories is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, although they do take part in the Commonwealth Games. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Motto: Research and Discovery Anthem: God Save the Queen Status British overseas territory Official language(s) - Commissioner Tony Crombie Administrator Michael Richardson Area 1,395,000 km² Population c. ... The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Whitehall, seen from St. ... This article is about the capital of England and the United Kingdom. ... Map of the Eastern Caribbean showing OECS member states (dark green) and associate member states (light green) Secretariat Castries, St. ... Map showing CARICOM members, associates and observers Seat of Secretariat Georgetown, Guyana Official languages English4 Membership  15 full members1  5 associate members2  7 observers3 Leaders  -  Secretary-General Edwin W. Carrington (since 1992)  -  CARICOM Heads of Government   Establishment  -  August 1, 1973  Website http://www. ... The Commonwealth of Nations as of 2006 Headquarters Marlborough House, London, UK Official languages English Membership 53 sovereign states Leaders  -  Queen Elizabeth II  -  Secretary-General Don McKinnon (since 1 April 2000) Establishment  -  Balfour Declaration 18 November 1926   -  Statute of Westminster 11 December 1931   -  London Declaration 28 April 1949  Area  -  Total... Current flag of the Commonwealth Games Federation Locations of the games, and participating countries Commonwealth Games Federation seal, adopted in 2001 The Commonwealth Games is a multinational, multi-sport event. ...

Main article: Special member state territories and their relations with the EU

Gibraltar is the only Overseas Territory that is part of the European Union (EU), although it is not part of the customs union and is not a member in its own right. None of the other Overseas Territories are members of the EU, and the main body of EU law does not apply and, although certain slices of EU law are applied to those territories as part of the EU's Association of Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT Association), they are not commonly enforceable in local courts. The OCT Association also provides Overseas Territories with structural funding for regeneration projects. Two parts of the Treaty of Rome deal with special relationships: Article 299 which sets out the territories to which the treaty applies, supplemented by the accession treaties; and Articles 182-188 and Annex II on association with the non-European countries and territories which have special relations with the... Two parts of the Treaty of Rome deal with special relationships: Article 299 which sets out the territories to which the treaty applies, supplemented by the accession treaties; and Articles 182-188 and Annex II on association with the non-European countries and territories which have special relations with the...

Since the return of full British citizenship to most 'belongers' of Overseas Territories (mainly since the British Overseas Territories Act 2002), the citizens of those territories hold concurrent European Union citizenship, giving them rights of free movement across all EU member states. British nationality law is the law of the United Kingdom concerning British citizenship and other categories of British nationality. ... The British Overseas Territories Act 2002 is an Act of Parliament passed in the United Kingdom in 2002, which superseded the British Nationality Act 1981. ...

Several nations dispute the UK's sovereignty in the following Overseas Territories:

• British Antarctic Territory -- Territory overlaps Antarctic claims made by Chile and Argentina
• British Indian Ocean Territory -- claimed by Mauritius and Seychelles
• Falkland Islands -- claimed by Argentina
• Gibraltar -- claimed by Spain
• South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands -- claimed by Argentina

Motto: Research and Discovery Anthem: God Save the Queen Status British overseas territory Official language(s) - Commissioner Tony Crombie Administrator Michael Richardson Area 1,395,000 km² Population c. ... South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom, also claimed by Argentina. ... South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom, also claimed by Argentina. ...

Citizenship

Main article: British Overseas Territories citizen

None of the Overseas Territories have their own nationality status, and all citizens are classed as British Overseas Territories citizens (BOTC). They do however, have legislative independence over immigration, and holding the status of a BOTC does not automatically give a person a right to abode in any of the territories, as it depends on the territory's immigration laws. A territory may issue Belonger status to allow a person classed as a BOTC to reside in the territory that they have close links with. Non-BOTC citizens may acquire Belonger status in order to reside in a particular territory (and may subsequently become naturalised BOTC if they wish). // British Nationality Act 1981 The British Nationality Act 1981 came into force on 1 January 1983, and divided Citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies (CUKCs) into three categories: British citizens CUKCs with the right of abode in the United Kingdom and Islands (i. ... // British Nationality Act 1981 The British Nationality Act 1981 came into force on 1 January 1983, and divided Citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies (CUKCs) into three categories: British citizens CUKCs with the right of abode in the United Kingdom and Islands (i. ... A legal classification normally associated with Britains Overseas Territories. ...

Historically, most inhabitants of the former British Empire held the status of British subject, which was usually lost upon independence. From 1949, British subjects in the United Kingdom and the remaining crown colonies became citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies. However changes in British immigration and nationality law between 1962 and 1983 saw the creation of a separate British Dependent Territories citizenship, with most territories denied full British citizenship. This was mainly to prevent a mass exodus of the citizens of Hong Kong to the UK before the agreed handover to China in 1997. Exceptions were made for Gibraltar, and the Falkland Islands. In British nationality law, the term British subject has at different times had different meanings. ... This article concerns the History of British nationality law. ... // British Nationality Act 1981 The British Nationality Act 1981 came into force on 1 January 1983, and divided Citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies (CUKCs) into three categories: British citizens CUKCs with the right of abode in the United Kingdom and Islands (i. ...

However, the British Overseas Territories Act 2002 replaced dependent territory citizenship with British Overseas Territories citizenship, and granted full British citizenship to all BOTCs except those from the Sovereign Base Areas of Cyprus. This restored to BOTCs the right to reside in the UK. The British Overseas Territories Act 2002 is an Act of Parliament passed in the United Kingdom in 2002, which superseded the British Nationality Act 1981. ... // British Nationality Act 1981 The British Nationality Act 1981 came into force on 1 January 1983, and divided Citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies (CUKCs) into three categories: British citizens CUKCs with the right of abode in the United Kingdom and Islands (i. ... Anthem God Save the Queen Akrotiri and Dhekelia (Occupied Areas) Sovereign Base Areas indicated in pink. ...

British citizens do not, however, have an automatic right to reside in any of the Overseas Territories. Some territories prohibit immigration, and any visitors are required to seek the permission of the territory's government to live in the territory. As they are used primarily as military bases, Ascension Island and the British Indian Ocean Territory do not allow visitors to the territory unless on official business. British nationality law is the law of the United Kingdom concerning British citizenship and other categories of British nationality. ... Anthem: God Save the Queen Capital Georgetown Largest city Georgetown Official languages English Government Dependency of St. ...

Military

Defence of the Overseas Territories is the responsibility of the UK. Many of the Overseas Territories are used as military bases by the UK and its allies.

• Ascension Island (a dependency of Saint Helena) - the Base (formerly known as RAF Ascension Island) is used by both the Royal Air Force and the United States Air Force.
• Bermuda - became the primary Royal Navy base in the Western Hemisphere, following US independence. The Naval establishment included an admiralty, a dockyard, and a naval squadron. A considerable military garrison was built up to protect it, and Bermuda, which the British Government came to see as a base, rather than as a colony, was known as the Gibraltar of the West. Canada and the USA also established bases in Bermuda during the Second World War, which were maintained through the Cold War. Since 1995, the military force in Bermuda has been reduced to the local territorial battalion, the Bermuda Regiment.
• British Indian Ocean Territory - the island of Diego Garcia is home to a large naval base and airbase leased to the United States by the United Kingdom until 2036 (unless renewed), but that either government can opt out of the agreement in 2016.
• Falkland Islands - the British Forces Falkland Islands includes commitments from the British Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy.
• Gibraltar - a Royal Navy dockyard, also used by NATO. RAF Gibraltar is used by the RAF and NATO. The local garrison is manned by the Royal Gibraltar Regiment.
• The Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia in Cyprus - maintained as strategic British military bases in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

Ascension Island Base is a British station on Ascension Island in the Atlantic Ocean. ... “RAF” redirects here. ... “The U.S. Air Force” redirects here. ... This article is about the navy of the United Kingdom. ... Mushroom cloud from the nuclear explosion over Nagasaki rising 18 km into the air. ... For other uses, see Cold War (disambiguation). ... Military branches: The Bermuda Regiment, Bermuda Police Force, Bermuda Reserve Constabulary Military expenditures - dollar figure: $NA Military expenditures - percent of GDP: NA% Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the United Kingdom Reference This article was originally adapted from the CIA World Factbook 2000. ... The Territorial Army (TA) is the principal reserve force of the British Army, the land armed forces of the United Kingdom, and composed mostly of part-time soldiers paid at the same rate, while engaged on military activities, as their Regular equivalents. ... The Bermuda Regiment Band A Command Centre during IS training. ... Diego Garcia ( ) is an atoll located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, some 1,000 miles (1,600 km) south of Indias southern coast. ... A British joint-forces flag used in the Falkands [1] The Falkland Islands are an overseas territory of the United Kingdom and, as such, rely on the UK for guarantee of their security. ... The British Army is the land armed forces branch of the British Armed Forces. ... “RAF” redirects here. ... This article is about the navy of the United Kingdom. ... This article is about the navy of the United Kingdom. ... This article is about the military alliance. ... RAF Gibraltar is a Royal Air Force station on Gibraltar. ... “RAF” redirects here. ... This article is about the military alliance. ... Cap Badge of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment The Royal Gibraltar Regiment is the home defence unit for the British Colony of Gibraltar. ... Anthem God Save the Queen Akrotiri and Dhekelia (Occupied Areas) Sovereign Base Areas indicated in pink. ... Composite satellite image of the Mediterranean Sea. ...

Symbols and insignia

Each Overseas Territory has been granted its own flag and coat of arms by the British monarch. Traditionally, the flags follow the Blue Ensign design, with the Union Flag in the canton, and the territory's coat of arms in the fly. Exceptions to this are Bermuda which uses a Red Ensign; British Antarctic Territory which uses a White Ensign; British Indian Ocean Territory which uses a Blue Ensign with wavy lines to symbolise the sea; and Gibraltar which uses a banner of its coat of arms (the flag of the city of Gibraltar). For other uses, see Flag (disambiguation). ... A modern coat of arms is derived from the medi val practice of painting designs onto the shield and outer clothing of knights to enable them to be identified in battle, and later in tournaments. ... RFA Brambleleaf flying the square Blue Jack based on the Blue Ensign The Blue Ensign is a flag, one of several British ensigns, used by certain organisations or territories associated with the United Kingdom. ... “Union Jack” redirects here. ... The design and description of flags typically uses specialised flag terminology with precise and technical meanings, and is hence a form of jargon. ... The Red Ensign, as currently used by the United Kingdoms Merchant Navy The Red Ensign of the United Kingdom in use in London The Red Ensign or Red Duster is a flag that originated in the early 17th century as an ensign flown by the Royal Navy. ... The White Ensign. ...

The Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia are the only British Overseas Territories without an official flag of their own. The Union Flag is used in this territory. “Union Jack” redirects here. ...