Which European country was the first to establish a permanent settlement in the Americas?

The first European country to establish a permanent settlement in the Americas was Spain, which founded St. Augustine in Florida in 1565. This settlement is recognized as the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement within the continental United States. Spain's exploration and colonization efforts in the Americas began with Christopher Columbus's voyage in 1492, leading to extensive Spanish claims in the New World throughout the 16th century. Establishing St. Augustine allowed Spain to secure its presence in North America and offered a strategic location for trade and defense against other European powers.

In contrast, while other nations such as England, France, and Portugal did explore and establish colonies in the Americas, none established a permanent settlement prior to Spain's St. Augustine. England's earliest permanent settlement came later with Jamestown in 1607, France primarily focused on trade and alliances with Native Americans in places like Quebec after Spain's initial ventures, and Portugal's interests in the New World were more centered on Brazil, which did not result in a permanent settlement until after Spain's early establishments.