Associated state
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An associated state is used to describe a free relationship between a territory and a larger nation. The details of an association are specific to the countries involved. This is also known as "free association". It can be seen as a post-colonial form of amical protection.
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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 treated by the UN as independent states, although the Cook Islands have the right to declare independence, are parties to several international conventions (such as the convention on children's rights) and regional organizations, and already maintain diplomatic missions in other countries. In early February 2006, Tokelau voted in a referendum to determine whether it wanted to remain a New Zealand territory or become the third state in free association with New Zealand. While a plurality of voters chose free association, the vote did not meet the two-thirds threshold for approval.
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 provide defense, funding grants, and access to US social services for citizens of these areas.
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.
The status of Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles (which is to be split up on 1 July 2007) in the Kingdom of the Netherlands can also be compared to that of associated states.
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.
The foreign affairs of Bhutan, a Himalayan Buddhist monarchy, are handled by the republic India, which thus sort of succeeds to its former colonizer Britain's role as protector, in a loose form of association, although Bhutan is otherwise constitutionally separate and independent in all other matters.
See also
External links
ca:Estat associat es:Estado asociado pl:Wolne stowarzyszenie państw fi:Liitännäisvaltio