Short answer: a term like dependency province isn't standard. Typically we'd talk about a dependent territory or a province in a country.
What is a dependent territory?
A dependent territory is a region that does not have full sovereignty. It is under the constitutional authority or protection of a larger country. It may govern itself locally and have its own laws on many matters, but the parent country handles key issues like defense and foreign policy for that territory.
What is a province?
A province is a main subnational unit within a sovereign state or a federation. Provinces usually have their own local government and some powers, but they are part of the larger nation and do not act as independent countries.
Is there such a thing as a dependent province?
Not as a standard term. If you see it, it likely means one of two things: a dependent territory or a province within a federal state. Use the correct term to avoid confusion.
Examples
- Dependent territories: Puerto Rico (United States), Bermuda (United Kingdom), Greenland (Denmark) illustrate territories with local rule but dependence on a parent country.
- Provinces: Ontario and Quebec are provinces of Canada; they have their own legislatures under the Canadian constitution.
Key takeaway: A dependent territory lacks full sovereignty; a province is a subnational unit inside a sovereign state with its own government under national law.