How was it possible that “the sun never set on the british empire” given the fact that great britain was just a tiny little island country?

Great Britain was an Imperialist Nation, meaning they conquered other countries and claimed them for themselves. So, after conquering so much land with their strong military the sun never set on all of the nation because it was so widespread.

The goods the europeans wanted the most were gold, jewels, silk, perfumes, and especially spices.