Which powers have created the most extensive colonial empires?

The great geographical discoveries became a prerequisite for the creation of the colonial system, when the leading European countries began to establish their dominance over the rest of the world.

The major colonial powers, first of all, were the countries with access to the sea and a developed naval merchant fleet.

The largest colonial empires in history were England, Spain, Portugal, later France, the Netherlands, Belgium and the United States.

By the way, Great Britain still owns the colony. This is Gibraltar, which Spain disputes with it. BUT now the colonies are called softer – “overseas territories”.