North America:
- British Colonies: The British Empire established colonies along the eastern coast of North America, including major settlements such as Jamestown (1607), Plymouth (1620), and Boston (1630).
- French Colonies: The French established colonies in Canada, with significant settlements such as Quebec City (1608) and Montreal (1642).
- Spanish Colonies: Spain colonized various parts of North America, including Florida, the Southwest (New Mexico), and California. Notable Spanish settlements include St. Augustine (1565) and Santa Fe (1610).
South America:
- Spanish Colonies: Spain established extensive colonies throughout South America, including major cities like Lima (1535), Buenos Aires (1536), and Rio de Janeiro (1565).
- Portuguese Colony: Portugal colonized Brazil, which became one of the largest and most prosperous colonies in South America. Its major settlement was Rio de Janeiro.
Africa:
- British Colonies: The British established colonies in various parts of Africa, including Sierra Leone (1787), Gold Coast (Ghana), and Nigeria.
- French Colonies: France established colonies in West and North Africa, including Senegal, Algeria, and Morocco.
- Belgian Colony: Belgium colonized the Congo Free State (present-day Democratic Republic of Congo), which became notorious for its harsh exploitation of the local population.
Asia:
- British Colonies: The British Empire had extensive colonial possessions in Asia, including India, Burma (Myanmar), Malaya (Malaysia), and Singapore.
- French Colonies: France established colonies in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.
- Dutch Colonies: The Dutch colonized present-day Indonesia and had trading posts in India, Sri Lanka, and Japan.
Oceania:
- British Colonies: The British established colonies in Australia (New South Wales in 1788) and New Zealand.
- French Colonies: France colonized New Caledonia and Tahiti.