Read each question carefully. Determine the best answer to the question from the four answer choices provided. A map shows North American areas settled by colonial powers by 1660. French settlements were located along the St. Lawrence River and the Bay of Fundy. English settlements were located along the coast of New England and around Chesapeake Bay. Dutch settlements were located on Long Island and along the Hudson River and the Delaware Bay. Spanish settlements were located in a horizontal inland band east of the Florida panhandle.

Based on the information illustrated on the map, what might be considered a disadvantage of the Spanish settlements?

A. The scarcity of important natural resources.
B. The shortage of fertile farmland.
C. The lack of access to any major waterway.
D. The distance from other colonies.