New France was a French colony in North America that existed from the early 16th century until 1763. It included areas that are now parts of Canada and the United States, with its capital in Quebec City. The colony was established to exploit resources, trade fur, and spread Catholicism among Indigenous peoples. The territory of New France expanded over time, reaching as far west as the Mississippi River and south to the Gulf of Mexico. It was divided into several regions, including Canada, Acadia, and Louisiana. The colony faced challenges from both British expansion and conflicts with Indigenous nations, ultimately leading to its decline.