Answer:
Spain
Step-by-step explanation:
The European country that occupied North America the longest and had the biggest empire, despite being sparsely populated, was Spain. Spain's empire in the Americas was extensive, including modern-day Mexico, Central America, most of South America, and parts of what is now the southwestern United States. Spain's empire lasted for more than three centuries, from the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492 until the early 19th century, when many of its colonies gained their independence. However, it is important to note that other European powers, such as France and Great Britain, also established significant colonial empires in North America during this time period.