<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><mads xmlns="http://www.loc.gov/mads/" xmlns:mods="http://www.loc.gov/mods/v3" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.loc.gov/mads/
mads.xsd"><authority><topic authority="http://AATesaurus.cultura.gencat.cat/aat/getty_en">freely associated states</topic></authority><related type="broader"><topic>political administrative bodies by degree of independence</topic></related><variant type="other"><topic>freely associated state</topic></variant> <note xml:lang="en"><![CDATA[ States that are allied with another, usually larger power by a Compact of Free Association or other agreement, by which the states retain international sovereignty and control over their territory but receive benefits, such as protection or economic cooperation. An example is the Marshall Islands, associated with the nation, the United States. ]]></note></mads>