There are eight playable leaders in Colonization: two each for the English, French, Dutch, and Spanish colonies. Each leader has two traits, or characteristics that yield a special bonus. One of the traits is unique to that leader, and the other is shared by both leaders of a particular nation. For example, George Washington of the English colonies is Tolerant and Disciplined. John Adams, the other English leader, is also Tolerant, but instead of being Disciplined, he is Libertarian, a trait that no other leader has.
In addition to the leaders for European colonies, there are a few others: chiefs of native tribes and European kings. In total, there are eight different native tribes which inhabit the New World, each with their own leader and two traits, and four Kings, one for each European country.
Note: There are 20 leaders, all listed below, and the information on this page is accurate as of Colonization v1.00.
| Image | Name | Trait 1 | Trait 2 |
| New England | |||
 | John Adams | Libertarian +25% Liberty Bells in all settlements | Tolerant -25% Crosses needed for immigration |
 | George Washington | Disciplined -50% soldier equipment required | |
| New France | |||
 | Samuel de Champlain | Enterprising +100% native conversion rate from Missions | Cooperative Natives are more tolerant regarding territorial encroachment 50% less time needed living among natives to learn a new skill |
 | Louis de Buade de Frontenac | Militaristic Free promotion of Grenadier I for Mounted and Gunpowder Units | |
| New Netherlands | |||
 | Adriaen van der Donck | Charismatic +100% time between requests for tax increases | Mercantile Market prices are less sensitive |
 | Peter Stuyvesant | Industrious +25% Hammers in all settlements | |
| New Spain | |||
 | Simon Bolivar | Determined +100% effect of Liberty Bells on Rebel Sentiment | Conquistador +25% Strength in combat versus natives |
 | Jose de San Martin | Resourceful 50% less XP needed for promotions | |
| Apache | |||
 | Mangas Coloradas | Impressionable +100% native conversion rate from Missions Free promotion of Grenadier I for Mounted, Melee, and Gunpowder Units | Indulgent -50% cost of purchasing land Free promotion of Formation for Mounted, Melee, and Gunpowder Units |
| Arawak | |||
 | Agueybana | Impressionable +100% native conversion rate from Missions Free promotion of Grenadier I for Mounted, Melee, and Gunpowder Units | Gracious +100% gold at first European contact Free promotion of Ranger I for Mounted, Melee, and Gunpowder Units |
| Aztec | |||
 | Montezuma | Prosperous Yields +300% Treasure when settlements are captured Free promotion of Minuteman I for Mounted, Melee, and Gunpowder Units | Gracious +100% gold at first European contact Free promotion of Ranger I for Mounted, Melee, and Gunpowder Units |
| Cherokee | |||
 | Oconostota | Impressionable +100% native conversion rate from Missions Free promotion of Grenadier I for Mounted, Melee, and Gunpowder Units | Gracious +100% gold at first European contact Free promotion of Ranger I for Mounted, Melee, and Gunpowder Units |
| Inca | |||
 | Huayna Capac | Prosperous Yields +300% Treasure when settlements are captured Free promotion of Minuteman I for Mounted, Melee, and Gunpowder Units | Mentor -50% time needed living among natives to learn a skill Free promotion of Mountaineer I for Mounted, Melee, and Gunpowder Units |
| Iroquois | |||
 | Logan | Indulgent -50% cost of purchasing land Free promotion of Formation for Mounted, Melee, and Gunpowder Units | Mentor -50% time needed living among natives to learn a skill Free promotion of Mountaineer I for Mounted, Melee, and Gunpowder Units |
| Sioux | |||
 | Sitting Bull | Impressionable +100% native conversion rate from Missions Free promotion of Grenadier I for Mounted, Melee, and Gunpowder Units | Mentor -50% time needed living among natives to learn a skill Free promotion of Mountaineer I for Mounted, Melee, and Gunpowder Units |
| Tupi | |||
 | Cunhambebe | Prosperous Yields +100% Treasure when settlements are captured Free promotion of Minuteman I for Mounted, Melee, and Gunpowder Units | Indulgent -50% cost of purchasing land Free promotion of Formation for Mounted, Melee, and Gunpowder Units |
| England | |||
 | English King | none | none |
| France | |||
 | French King | none | none |
| The Netherlands | |||
 | Dutch King | none | none |
| Spain | |||
 | Spanish King | none | none |