* West Africa: The Portuguese had explored the coast of West Africa as early as the 15th century, and by the late 1700s, Europeans had established trading posts and colonies along the coast.
* Southern Africa: The Dutch had established a colony at the Cape of Good Hope in the 17th century, and by the late 1700s, the British had also established a presence in the region.
Asia
* South Asia: The Portuguese had established a presence in India in the 16th century, and by the late 1700s, the British, French, and Dutch had also established colonies in the region.
* Southeast Asia: The Portuguese had also explored Southeast Asia in the 16th century, and by the late 1700s, the Dutch and British had established colonies in the region.
* East Asia: The Portuguese had reached China in the 16th century, and by the late 1700s, the British and French had also established trading posts in China.
Americas
* North America: Europeans had explored the coast of North America as early as the 10th century, and by the late 1700s, the British, French, and Spanish had established colonies in the region.
* South America: The Spanish and Portuguese had explored the coast of South America as early as the 15th century, and by the late 1700s, they had established colonies throughout the continent.
Australia
* The Dutch had explored the coast of Australia in the 17th century, and by the late 1700s, the British had established a colony in New South Wales.