What countries led European colonization?

European colonization was primarily led by several key countries, including Spain, Portugal, France, the Netherlands, and England. Spain and Portugal were among the earliest colonizers, establishing vast empires in the Americas, Africa, and Asia during the 15th and 16th centuries. France and England expanded their influence in North America, the Caribbean, and parts of Africa and Asia, particularly from the 17th century onward. The Netherlands also played a significant role, particularly in the East Indies and parts of the Americas.