Political status

As far as Political status is concerned, three categories are usually recognized in international law:

independent countries e.g.: France, Canada
Internal independent countries which are under the protection of another country in matters of defense and foreign affairs, e.g.: Netherlands Antilles, the Faroe Islands, Puerto Rico, British Virgin Islands etc.
Colonies and other dependent political units e.g.: Guadeloupe, Guam, Guernsey

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