A dependent territory is a territory belonging by settlement, conquest or annexation to the British, Australian or New Zealand Crown. Hong Kong, a former dependent territory, was handed back to China on 1 July 1997. There are seven Australian external territories, two New Zealand dependent territories and two New Zealand associated states. In British dependencies, The Queen is represented by Governors, or in some cases by Commissioners, Administrators or Residents, who are responsible to the British Government for the government of the countries concerned. The United Kingdom is responsible for the security of the dependent territories and for their foreign affairs and defence-related matters.
Most dependent territories have their own elected government.