Population Requirements for U.S. Territory Statehood

There is no fixed population threshold for a U.S. territory to become a state. Statehood requires congressional action via an enabling act or constitutional amendment, plus a referendum in the territory. Historical examples:

• Hawaii (1959): Adopted a state constitution; 93.2% voted for statehood; Congress passed enabling/admission acts.
• Alaska (1959): Similar process as the 49th state.

Current territories (Puerto Rico, USVI, Guam, CNMI) lack congressional representation. Their path to statehood remains politically undetermined, with no specific population number established by law.