What describes a country or area under the control of another country?

A colony is defined as a country or area that is under the political control of another country, often established through settlement or conquest. Historical examples include regions in the Americas, Africa, and Asia that were ruled by European powers during the age of imperialism. Colonies typically involved the resettlement of people from the controlling country and often led to the exploitation of local resources and labor.

While territory denotes a defined area, it does not imply control by another country. A protectorate is a political entity that maintains its own government but is under the influence or protection of a more powerful state, whereas a dominion generally refers to a territory that is self-governing but still recognized as part of a larger empire or state. These distinctions highlight how a colony is specifically characterized by the direct control exerted by a foreign power, making it the most accurate descriptor in this context.