The
British Empire comprised the
dominions,
colonies,
protectorates,
mandates and other
territories ruled or administered by the
United Kingdom. It originated with the
overseas possessions and
trading posts established by
England between the late 16th and early 18th centuries. At its height, it was the
largest empire in history and, for over a century, was the foremost
global power. By 1922 the British Empire held sway over about 458 million people, one-fifth of the world's population at the time. The empire covered more than , almost a quarter of the Earth's total land area. As a result, its political,
legal,
linguistic and
cultural legacy is widespread. At the peak of its power, the phrase "
the empire on which the sun never sets" was often used to describe the British Empire, because its expanse around the globe meant that the sun was always shining on at least one of its territories.