In international law three categories of Political status are usually recognized: 1. * Independent countries e.g.: France, Canada 2. * Internal independent countries which are under the protection of another country in matters of defense and foreign affairs, e.g.: Netherlands Antilles, the Faroe Islands, British Virgin Islands etc. 3. * Colonies and other dependent political units e.g. Puerto Rico. There are, furthermore, several unrecognized countries and independence, secessionist, autonomy and nationalist movements throughout the world. See list of unrecognized countries.