1. North America:
- Paleo-Indians: The earliest known human settlers in North America were Paleo-Indians, who arrived during the last Ice Age around 15,000 to 10,000 years ago. They migrated across the Bering Land Bridge from Asia and gradually spread throughout the continent.
- European Settlers: The term "first settlers" is often used in the context of European colonization of the Americas. Starting in the 16th century, European explorers and settlers arrived in North America and established permanent colonies. Notable examples include the Pilgrims, who founded the Plymouth Colony in 1620, and the Jamestown Colony, founded in 1607.
2. Australia:
- Aboriginal Australians: The first settlers of Australia were Aboriginal Australians, who arrived at least 50,000 years ago. They are believed to have reached the continent via land bridges and seafaring migrations from Southeast Asia.
- British Settlers: In the context of European colonization, British settlers were the first to establish a permanent colony in Australia. The First Fleet, carrying convicts and British officials, arrived in Port Jackson (Sydney) in 1788, marking the beginning of European settlement in Australia.
3. New Zealand:
- Māori: The first settlers of New Zealand were the Māori people, who arrived from Polynesia around the 10th to 13th centuries. They were skilled navigators who voyaged across the Pacific Ocean and established several settlements in New Zealand.
- European Settlers: European settlement in New Zealand began in the late 18th century, with the arrival of British explorer James Cook in 1769. Permanent European settlements were established in the early 19th century, primarily by British, Irish, and Scottish settlers.
4. Brazil:
- Indigenous Peoples: Brazil's first settlers were various indigenous tribes, who inhabited the region before the arrival of Europeans. These tribes had diverse cultures and languages.
- Portuguese Settlers: Portuguese explorers landed in Brazil in 1500, and the Portuguese Empire established a permanent settlement in 1532. Portuguese settlers played a significant role in shaping Brazil's culture and society.
It's important to note that the term "first settlers" is often associated with the arrival of non-indigenous populations in colonized territories. However, the indigenous peoples who inhabited these regions prior to colonization should be recognized as the original settlers and custodians of the land.