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Charles V was born on February 24, 1500. He became King of Spain in 1516, which means he was 16 years old when he ascended to the throne.
Charles V was a significant figure in European history. He inherited a vast empire that included not only Spain but territories in Italy, the Netherlands, and the Americas, amongst other areas. In addition, in 1519, he was elected Holy Roman Emperor, a position he held until his abdication in 1556. The vast extent of his dominions led to the saying "the empire on which the sun never sets," indicating that the sun was always shining on at least one of his territories.
This period in European history is characterized by significant events like the Protestant Reformation and the exploration and colonial expansion into the Americas. Charles V's reign was marked by religious, political, and military struggles, including conflicts with France and the Ottoman Empire, as well as internal revolts such as the German Peasants' War and later the Schmalkaldic War against Protestant princes in the Holy Roman Empire.
It is also worth noting that Charles V's abdication was unusual for the period; he split his realms, passing the Habsburg Netherlands and Spain to his son Philip II of Spain, and the title of Holy Roman Emperor to his brother Ferdinand. His decision to abdicate was, in part, due to the immense pressures and workload of ruling such a sprawling empire as well as his deteriorating health.