1. Spain: Spain's empire was one of the largest in the world, spanning over 20 million square kilometers at its peak. It included most of Central and South America, parts of North America, the Philippines, and several islands in the Pacific and Caribbean.
2. Portugal: Portugal's empire was also vast, covering over 10 million square kilometers. It included Brazil, parts of Africa (Angola, Mozambique), India (Goa), and several other territories in Asia and South America.
3. France: The French empire was the second largest in Europe, covering over 13 million square kilometers at its peak. It included vast territories in Africa (Algeria, Senegal, Ivory Coast), Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos), and the Caribbean (Haiti, Guadeloupe, Martinique).
4. United Kingdom: The British Empire was the largest in history, covering over 28 million square kilometers. It included India, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, parts of Africa (Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa), and many other territories around the globe.
5. Netherlands: The Dutch empire was relatively smaller but significant. It included Indonesia (the Dutch East Indies), Suriname (Dutch Guiana), and several Caribbean islands (Aruba, Curacao).
6. Belgium: Belgium's empire was small but influential. It included the Belgian Congo (present-day Democratic Republic of Congo), Rwanda, and Burundi.
7. Germany: Germany's overseas empire was acquired relatively late compared to other European powers. It included German East Africa (present-day Tanzania), German Southwest Africa (present-day Namibia), Togo (the Togoland), Cameroon, and several Pacific islands.