This is the name given to the places that, taking into account the point from which the reference is made, are located behind the sea. It is a word used since ancient times, and has been related to other areas related to the sea and coasts. Overseas territory is called those portions of land that are separated from their main territory by the ocean; usually, that label is given to the islands that belong to a state higher. In France, its overseas territories are called overseas departments, and they enjoy the same political status as their metropolitan equivalents.
In ancient times, this term had a rather general connotation. It was widely used to talk about the trips that took place in the Indian Sea, a name previously given to the Indian Ocean. One of his first appearances was in the book of the Great Overseas Conquest; on the other hand, it was popularized as a consequence of Marco Polo's travels. In relation to Spain and the early colonization of the American continent, the use of the term became almost exclusive to the aforementioned situation. This is because, with the return of Columbus from his first trip, the Catholic kings, in celebration of the new territory apparently discovered, set out to register it as the New Indies.; finally, it was determined as the American overseas.
In the world, there are only two nations that have recognized land areas outside their main territory as part equivalent to their metropolitan areas. In general, these are spaces colonized centuries ago and that are a vital part of the political, economic and social development for the country.
