The British Empire comprised the dominions, colonies, protectorates, mandates and other territories ruled or administered by the United Kingdom, that had originated with the overseas colonies and trading posts established by England in the late 16th and early 17th centuries.  At its height the British Empire was the largest empire in history and, for over a century, was the foremost global power.

By 1922 A.D. the British Empire held sway over a population of about 458 million people, which was one-quarter of the world's entire population. The Empire covered more than 13,000,000 square miles (33,670,000 square kilometers), which approximately comprised a quarter of the Earth's total land area.

At the peak of its power it was often said that "the sun never sets on the British Empire" because its span across the globe ensured that the sun was always shining on at least one of its numerous territories.