The British Colonial Empire was a vast network of territories and colonies controlled by Great Britain from the late 16th century until the mid-20th century. It included regions in North America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. The empire expanded through exploration, trade, and military conquest, significantly influencing global politics, economics, and culture. At its height in the 19th century, the empire was often described as "the empire on which the sun never sets," due to its extensive reach across different time zones. Key territories included India, Canada, and parts of Australia, each contributing to Britain's wealth and power during this period.