Islamic Timeline of RevelationOpen on the timeline →British Empire
The British Empire comprised the colonies, protectorates and other territories ruled by Britain, and at its height in the 1920s it was the largest empire in history. It included India, much of Africa, Canada, Australia and many islands. Most territories gained independence after 1945; the handover of Hong Kong in 1997 is often taken as its end.
Key facts
| Dates | c. 1583 – 1997 CE |
|---|---|
| Region | Europe & colonial empires |
| Continent | Europe, Asia, Africa, Americas, Oceania |
| Capital | London |
| Religion(s) | Anglican Christianity (established Church of England) |
| Peak extent | ≈ 35.5 million km² (c. 1920 CE) – source |
Note on dates: Start dates vary (from the late 16th century); 1583, the claim to Newfoundland, is a common marker.
Before & after
Preceded by
Ashanti Empire Sokoto Caliphate Zulu Kingdom Kingdom of England Mahdist State Kingdom of Buganda Kingdom of Kandy Kingdom of Dagbon Kingdom of Nri Bunyoro-Kitara Talpur dynasty Mthwakazi (Ndebele kingdom) Fante Confederacy Isaaq Sultanate Dervish State Orange Free State South African Republic (Transvaal) Powhatan Confederacy Kingdom of Fiji
Followed by
Sources
Dates follow widely used reference works; many ancient dates are approximate or debated. Neutral summary for general reference.