1. British Empire
The British Empire was the largest empire in history, spanning over 13 million square kilometers (5 million square miles). It included territories in Africa (including present-day Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Egypt), Asia (including present-day India, Pakistan, Burma, and Malaysia), and the Americas (including present-day Canada, the Caribbean, and Guyana).
2. French Empire
The French Empire was the second largest empire in 1900, covering over 10 million square kilometers (4 million square miles). It included territories in Africa (including present-day Algeria, Senegal, and Madagascar), Asia (including present-day Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos), and the Americas (including present-day French Guiana and Martinique).
3. Russian Empire
The Russian Empire was the third largest empire in 1900, encompassing over 22 million square kilometers (8 million square miles). It included territories in Europe (including present-day Russia, Poland, and Finland), Asia (including present-day Siberia and Central Asia), and North America (including present-day Alaska).
4. Spanish Empire
The Spanish Empire was the fourth largest empire in 1900, spanning over 10 million square kilometers (4 million square miles). It included territories in Africa (including present-day Equatorial Guinea), Asia (including present-day the Philippines and Guam), and the Americas (including present-day Mexico, Central America, and much of South America).
5. Portuguese Empire
The Portuguese Empire was the fifth largest empire in 1900, covering over 2 million square kilometers (800,000 square miles). It included territories in Africa (including present-day Angola, Mozambique, and Guinea-Bissau), Asia (including present-day Macao and East Timor), and the Americas (including present-day Brazil).