A "colony" refers to a territory or area that is controlled and governed by a foreign power. This often involves the settlement of people from the controlling nation in the new area, leading to cultural and economic influences. Colonies can be established for various reasons, including resource extraction, trade, or strategic advantage. Historically, many countries, such as Great Britain and Spain, established colonies across the world, impacting indigenous populations and local economies. The process of colonization often resulted in significant changes to the social, political, and environmental landscape of the colonized regions.