Which country established the first permanent European settlement in North America?

Spain established the first permanent European settlement in North America with the founding of St. Augustine in 1565. This city, located in present-day Florida, was established by Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés and remains the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the continental United States.

The significance of St. Augustine lies in its role as a military outpost and a base for further Spanish exploration and colonization in the region. The settlement was part of Spain's broader efforts to expand its influence in the New World, particularly in areas where competition with other European powers, such as France and England, was increasing.

While France established early settlements in North America, notably in Canada, and England created colonies along the Atlantic coast that would later grow into significant settlements, these did not occur before Spain’s establishment of St. Augustine. Portugal, on the other hand, focused its explorations and settlements primarily in South America, Africa, and Asia rather than North America.