Legal Definitions - trust territory

A trust territory is a geographical area that is governed by another country for the political, economic, educational, and social advancement of its inhabitants. This system was formerly applied by the United Nations to territories that were not self-governing.

For example, after World War II, the United States administered the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, which included several islands in the Pacific Ocean. The United States was responsible for the well-being of the inhabitants of these islands and worked to improve their living conditions.

Trust territories are different from territories that are part of a country but not included within any state. These territories, such as Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, have a separate legislature but are still part of the United States.

Overall, trust territories are territories that are governed by another country with the goal of improving the lives of the people who live there.