### Question
How does the law define United States?


### Answer
Under *22 U.S.C. § 1978*, **United States** is defined as:

> the several States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and every other territory and possession of the United States

#### Citation:
  - *22 U.S.C. § 1978*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 25-PROTECTION OF VESSELS ON THE HIGH SEAS AND IN TERRITORIAL WATERS OF FOREIGN COUNTRIES**

