What two European countries dominated exploration in the 15th century?

In the 15th century, Portugal and Spain were the two European countries that dominated exploration. Portugal, under the leadership of figures like Prince Henry the Navigator, advanced maritime technology and established trade routes along the West African coast. Spain, fueled by the voyages of Christopher Columbus and others, sought new territories and wealth, leading to significant discoveries in the Americas. Together, these nations laid the groundwork for European colonial expansion and global trade networks.