Colonies were a great source of wealth and power
north america
In eastern North America, the Dutch, English and the French governments had established colonies in the eastern coasts of North America. This answer excludes Spanish colonies in eastern Mexico.
Spain
Spain, France, and England
Spain set up most of the colonies, since Portugal was initially prevented from doing so, except in Brazil.
In North America,
In North America,
The result was that Spain ended up controlling more of North and South America than all the other countries.
Spain was the first country to claim land in North America.
In North America,
no
An odd question; the colonies didn't do any exploring -- other countries did that. The colonies were set up because of exploration. Spain found Florida first that is why St. Augustine is the one of the oldest permanent settlements in North America.