Associated state
(Redirected from Freely associated state)
Categories: Political systems | Freely associated states
An associated state is a used to describe a free relationship between a territory and a larger nation. The details of the association is country specific. This is also known as "free association".
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Associated States of New Zealand
The Cook Islands and Niue are said to be "in free association" with New Zealand. The residents of those islands are New Zealand citizens. In contrast to the US situation, those territories are not recognised by the UN as independent states, although the Cook Islands have the right to declare independence, and already maintain diplomatic missions in other countries.
Associated States of the United States
The Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, and the Marshall Islands are associated with the United States under what is known as the Compact of Free Association. Under this relationship the states possess international sovereignty and ultimate control over their territory. However, the governments of those areas have agreed to allow the United States to administer certain aspects of their government.
Other similar examples
Since 1998, New Caledonia has enjoyed a similar relationship with France as an 'overseas country' (pays d'outre-mer in French) which includes the right to full independence if it so desires, although it continues to have representation in the French parliament.
A similar relationship once existed between the United Kingdom and its former colonies of Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Vincent in the Caribbean, under the Associated Statehood Act 1967. Under this arrangement, each State had full control over its Constitution, although all of them have since been granted full independence.
See also
External links
ca:Estat associat pl:Wolne stowarzyszenie państw fi:Liitännäisvaltio