There are a number of autonomous regions on this planet. Here are some of them.

Farore Islands: are located in the North Atlantic. Its monarch is Margrethe II- Queen of Denmark. Though they have their own parliament it remains a possession of Denmark’s Kingdom. Interestingly they are not considered part of the European union even though Denmark is a member.

Rodrigues: is an autonomous province of Mauritius since 1968. Its capital is Port Mathurin. It is a part of Mascarene island chain and is named after the Portugese explorer Diego Rodrigues.

Autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao is a region that is self governed since 1989. Provinces of this region include Sulu, Shariff, Kabunsuan and Tawi Tawi. It is highly dependent on Philippine government and remains one of the poorest regions of the world.

The autonomous community of the Canary Islands is part of Spain since 1982. Their geographical location make them part of the African continent but are considered politically part of Europe. The main islands are Gran Canaria and Tenerife. It was on this island of Tenerife, a single largest loss of life occurred in 1977 due to an airline accident when two planes crashed into each other in the runway killing 600 people.

Gibraltar is a British overseas territory. The term ‘British Isles’ refer to Greater UK along with the channel islands ( Guernsey & Jersey) and Isle of Man ( Irish Sea). Although all residents are British Citizens, only Gibraltarians enjoy membership of the European Union. British sovereignty over Gibraltar is disputed by Spain.

KwaZulu a Bantustan ( Black Homeland) reincorporated into the Republic of South Africa in 1994. Bantustan were created by apartheid regimes of South Africa and Namibia to separate the native blacks from the white societies under the ruse ‘ self governing homelands’. Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi led the Zulu nation when KwaZulu was created

The regions of Ceuta and Melilla are two autonomous regions of Spain and are termed ‘ major plazas of sovereignty’. Citizens enjoy membership in the European union. Though small in size they are strategically important. Morocco has disputed Spain’s claim to these areas as well as Spain’s possession of island making up the ‘ minor plazas of sovereignty’ such as Islas Chafarinas situated just 3 kms off the coast of Morocco.

Aland islands located in the Baltic sea are an autonomous province of Finland in spite of Swedish being the official language. Its capital is Mariehamn. It was also at one time a possession of Russia. Alanders are members of the European Union.

Tavolara is the smallest kingdom on Earth. Just 5 sq km. King Tonino is the current Monarch. Established in 1836 is currently part of Italy.

Kuzey Kybrys or Northern Cyprus is a de facto sovereign state that comprises northern of the island of Cyprus. It gained its independence in 1983 and has diplomatic relations only with Turkey. The southern part of the island is Republic of Cyprus and is the member of European Union. The division of this island still remains a major dispute between Turkey and Greece.

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AUTONOMOUS PLACES