Let me just say this calmly in bold print. France and England were NOT the only countries with colonies! I'm not kidding. Need proof? The following is a excerpt of Palau's colonization history.
"Foreign governance of our islands officially began when Pope Leo XIII asserted Spain's rights over the Caroline Islands in 1885. In 1899, Spain sold the Carolines to Germany. Following Germany's defeat in World War I, the islands passed to the Japanese under a mandate by the League of Nations. Following Japan's defeat in World War II, the Carolines, Marianas and Marshall islands became United Nations Trust Territories under US administration with Palau being named as one of six island districts. On October 1, 1994, Palau gained its independence upon the signing of the Compact of Free Association with the United States."
So that means my character for Palau was NOT raised by England or France. If you don't want your character to be a "Mary sue Island" here's some advice: Research, study, don't have every boy falling in love with them, and Be Realistic.
All my love, Blueberries and Oranges