A British Overseas Territory (BOT) is a jurisdiction under British sovereignty but not part of the United Kingdom (UK) itself. These territories retain connections to the UK while maintaining significant self-governance.
Key features:
- British sovereign control
- Local self-government
- UK responsible for:
- Defense
- International relations
- Ensuring good governance
- Ultimate responsibility
Current territories include:
- Caribbean: Bermuda, Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands (BVI)
- Mediterranean: Gibraltar
- Atlantic: Falkland Islands
- Indian Ocean: British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT)
- Others: Including various smaller territories
Status:
- British citizenship rights
- UK protection
- Independent domestic policy
- Own legal systems
- Usually tax-neutral jurisdictions
These territories often serve as significant financial centers while maintaining British legal traditions and protection.