35
The Non-Self-Governing
Territories
When the United Nations was founded in 1945, most of Africa, parts
of Southeast Asia, and many Pacific Islands fell under the category of
Non-Self-Governing Territories (NSGTs). By 2005, over eighty of these
Territories had become self-governing. In 2014, there were sixteen
NSGTs. According to the UN Web site,“In 1945, 750 million people—
almost a third of the world’s population—lived in Territories that were
non-self-governing, dependent on colonial powers. Today, fewer than
2 million people live in such Territories.”
Chapter Three
Wo r d s t o U n d e r s ta n d
controversial
: having to do with sharply opposing views.
factions
: smaller groups within larger groups that have
opposing ideas.
referendum
: a vote of the entire electorate on a question or
questions put before it by the government or similar body.
Chapter Three




