Dependent areas are territories that for some reason do not enjoy full independence or sovereignty as states. There are varying degrees and forms of such a dependence.

Dependent territories are commonly distinguished from subnational entities of the same country since they in most cases represent a different order of separation. A subnational entity typically represents a division of the country proper, while a dependent territory might be an overseas territory that enjoys a greater degree of autonomy.

The areas separately referred to as non-independent are territories that are disputed, are occupied, have a government in exile or have a non-negligible independence movement.

See further:

• List of dependent territories that enjoy some form of autonomy, such as colonies and British overseas territories
• List of subnational entities that represent subdivisions of a country
• List of non-independent areas such as disputed or occupied territories
• List of countries
• Special member state territories and their relations with the EU