Colonies in Empire: Total War are territories acquired overseas, in a theatre outside of a faction's home region. About 5 to 6 different factions have colonies at the start of the Grand Campaign. Regions obtained in foreign theatres operate much in the same way as regions in the home theatre, providing tax income and revolting if its residents are unhappy. There are two key differences: possessing at least one region in a foreign theatre grants an additional minister in the government's cabinet, responsible for the respective theatres (for up to two additional ministers in total), and should all the regions of a faction in a home theatre be taken by an opponent, the faction is still removed from the game regardless of its colonial possessions (which, in turn, automatically declare independence or revolt).
Major Factions[]
Great Britain[]
Starts with Rupert's Land, Bahamas, and Jamaica in America, and no regions in India (except in Darthmod, in which they begin with Calcutta, Bengal). They do have the Thirteen Colonies as a protectorate, however, and they can be controlled following a pre-requisite mission.To gain control of the Thirteen Colonies, the British player has to capture the regions Georgia, Cherokee Territory, and New France.
Spain[]
Starts with Cuba, Hispaniola, and Florida in America, and no regions in India. They do have New Spain as a protectorate, though, and given that New Spain dominates Mexico, Central, and South America, it may be wise to gain their control as quickly as possible in the early game. To gain control of New Spain, the Spanish player has to capture the regions Trinidad & Tobago, Texas, and Curacao.
France[]
Starts with New France, Newfoundland, Acadia, French Guyana, the Windward Islands, and Upper Canada, in America. They have no regions in India at the start, although Darthmod gives them Cottack, Orissa and Ciccars. Despite the abundance of colonies in the American theater, they are not well developed, and could fall easily should an early war with Britain or the Native tribes arise. They have Louisiana as a protectorate, though, which controls Upper and Lower Louisiana and can be controlled by the French player should they choose to follow the pre-requisite mission. To gain control of Louisiana, the French player has to capture the regions Michigan Territory, Algonquin Territory, and Cherokee Territory.
United Provinces[]
Starts with Curacao, and the Dutch Guyana in America, but also has Ceylon in India, which could ensure that the Dutch have no end of money flow. Dutch Guyana could easily be taken by the French, however.
Minor Factions[]
Portugal[]
Starts with Goa in India, but no colonies in the American theater. Goa is not well-defended, and could simply be forced to surrender by an invader unless upgraded fast.