what's the differece between a territory and a colony?

Question

like present day gibraltar vs. the thirteen colonies of the usa.

preferably a formal definition with a source if possible, thanks

Answer 1

No formal definition or source, because I'm not looking it up. I will answer, though.

A territory has higher political status than a colony. A territory tends to be self-governing, while a colony has an appointed governor. A territory has greater independence, while a colony tends to be more exploited.

There are many examples. During the colonial era, Southeast Asia was known as French Indochina (colony). Today, France has Overseas Departments (territories) such as New Caledonia -- a large island in the South Pacific.

The Yukon Territory is not a province of Canada (like a state); residents of the Yukon have told me they regularly reject provincial status. Puerto Rico has territorial status vis a vis the United States.

Canada and Australia had territorial (dominion) status within the British Empire; India had colonial status.

After American independence (1787), the Northwest Territory (a) existed, and (b) ultimately became the states of Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois.

So territorial status is a step upward from colonial status.

Answer 2

A territory is a defined region with a unique government or political setting, while a colony is a region; controlled or ruled by another region, or a settlement of foreigners. I hope this fits the case you are studying