Trump’s Greenland Ambition and the Global Overseas Territories Ranking 2026
Explore the global overseas territories ranking for 2026. As Trump eyes Greenland at Davos, discover which nations hold the most strategic far-flung territories today.
Who owns the world's most strategic outposts? As President Donald Trump reignites the debate over Greenland at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the spotlight returns to the handful of nations that maintain significant presence far beyond their borders.
Ranking the Top 5 Nations with Most Overseas Territories
According to Al Jazeera, these territories are more than just colonial remnants; they serve as critical military hubs and scientific research stations in an increasingly polarized world.
- 1st: United Kingdom (14 territories, including Bermuda and the Falklands)
- 2nd: United States (14 territories, featuring Puerto Rico and Guam)
- 3rd: France (13 territories, from French Guiana to New Caledonia)
- 4th: Australia (7 territories, primarily for scientific and maritime research)
- 5th: The Netherlands (6 territories in the Caribbean region)
Strategic Maneuvers in the Arctic and Beyond
On January 21, 2026, Trump emphasized that the U.S. needs 'ownership' of Greenland to counter China and Russia. While he stated he wouldn't use force, the claim has put Denmark on high alert. Meanwhile, the UK’s recent handover of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius has sparked criticism from the White House, highlighting the friction between decolonization and military necessity.
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