British Overseas Territories

The British Overseas Territories are fourteen dependent territories of the United Kingdom, located outside the British Islands. These territories are remnants of the former British Empire, remaining under British sovereignty after decolonisation, and have varying constitutional statuses. While permanently inhabited territories exercise degrees of internal self-governance, the UK maintains ultimate constitutional oversight and authority over defence, foreign relations, and internal security. All fourteen territories recognize the British monarch as head of state, with oversight primarily from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Their total land area is 18,015 km2.