Which one is it?

Question

Ive heard both, and both from teachers and a lot of internet sources as well, so is it: the sun never sets on the British Empire or Spanish Empire?

Answer 1

"The sun never sets on the British Empire," is how the phrase runs, but it was equally true for the Spanish.

In fact Wikipedia features a very similar phrase pertaining to the Spanish Empire: "El imperio en el que nunca se pone el sol", meaning "an empire on which the sun never sets."

So I guess either or both is correct!

Answer 2

The sun never sets on the British Empire.

At the peak of its power, it was often said that "the sun never sets on the British Empire" because its span across the globe ensured that the sun was always shining on at least one of its numerous colonies or subject nations.

Answer 3

It's the British Empire..why they ever said it for Spain, I'll never understand. England's colonial holdings were worldwide for 500 years, leading to the sun "never setting" on anything not British. Spain could never say that.

Answer 4

British - while ruling in Britain, they were simultaneously ruling in India and other countries in the vicinity of America. Therefore, it was never dark all at the same time over all British holdings.

Answer 5

It was the British, but not anymore.