French colonization refers to the establishment of French settlements and territories in various parts of the world from the 16th to the 20th centuries. This expansion included regions in North America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia. Notable colonies included New France in North America and French Indochina in Southeast Asia, where the French sought to exploit resources and spread their culture. The French often engaged in trade, agriculture, and missionary work in their colonies. They established a complex relationship with indigenous populations, which included both cooperation and conflict. The legacy of French colonization is still evident today in the languages, cultures, and political structures of many former colonies.