Commonwealth of Nations facts for kids
The Commonwealth of Nations, often called the Commonwealth, is a group of 56 countries from all over the world. Most of these countries used to be part of the British Empire. The main parts of the Commonwealth are the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Commonwealth Foundation. These groups help member countries work together.
The Commonwealth started in the early 1900s. This was when many parts of the British Empire began to govern themselves. It was first called the British Commonwealth of Nations in 1926. This was made official by the United Kingdom in 1931. The modern Commonwealth of Nations was officially formed in 1949. This made all member countries "free and equal."
The head of the Commonwealth is Charles III. He is also the king of 15 member countries, known as the Commonwealth realms. Other members are republics or have their own monarchs. The position of Head of the Commonwealth is not automatically passed down.
Member countries do not have to follow strict rules from each other. But they share a common language, English, and similar history and culture. People from Commonwealth countries may get special benefits in some member countries. For example, in the United Kingdom. Countries in the Commonwealth send "high commissioners" to each other instead of ambassadors. The Commonwealth Charter explains their shared values. These include democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. The Commonwealth Games also help promote these values.
Contents
History of the Commonwealth
How the Commonwealth Began
The idea of the Commonwealth started to grow as parts of the British Empire became more independent. In 1884, Lord Rosebery called the changing British Empire a "Commonwealth of Nations." Leaders from Britain and its colonies started holding meetings in 1887. These meetings later became the Imperial Conferences in 1911.
The Commonwealth grew from these conferences. In 1917, Jan Smuts suggested the name "the British Commonwealth of Nations." This term was first used officially in the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921. It replaced "British Empire" in the oath for members of the Irish Free State parliament.
Becoming Official: The Commonwealth's Formal Start
In 1926, the Balfour Declaration stated that the United Kingdom and its dominions were "equal in status." They were not controlled by each other in their own affairs. They were united by loyalty to the Crown and freely joined as members of the British Commonwealth of Nations. The name "Commonwealth" was officially adopted for this group.
These agreements were made formal by the Statute of Westminster in 1931. This law applied to Canada right away. But Australia and New Zealand had to agree to it later. Newfoundland, another dominion, did not agree to it. It later joined Canada in 1949.
Countries Becoming Independent and Governing Themselves
After World War II, the British Empire slowly changed. Many of its parts became independent countries. Most of these joined the Commonwealth. Some became Commonwealth realms, keeping the British monarch as their head of state. Others became republics. There are still 14 British overseas territories that have ties to the United Kingdom. In April 1949, the word "British" was removed from the Commonwealth's name. This showed its new, more equal nature.
Some former British colonies and territories did not join the Commonwealth. These include Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Sudan, and Kuwait.
Queen Elizabeth II gave the Commonwealth a new purpose in 1953. She saw it as a group built on "friendship, loyalty, and the desire for freedom and peace." At first, British politicians hoped the Commonwealth would keep British influence strong. But they became less enthusiastic as their policies were questioned at Commonwealth meetings.
Republics Joining the Commonwealth
In 1949, Ireland became a republic and left the Commonwealth. Other dominions wanted to become republics but still stay in the Commonwealth. This was a big topic at a meeting in London in April 1949. The London Declaration allowed India to remain in the Commonwealth when it became a republic in 1950. India agreed to accept the British Sovereign as a "symbol of the free association" and "Head of the Commonwealth."
The London Declaration is seen as the start of the modern Commonwealth. After India, other countries became republics or had their own monarchs. They still remained part of the Commonwealth.
The "New Commonwealth" and Its Meaning
The term New Commonwealth became popular in the UK in the 1960s and 1970s. It referred to countries that had recently become independent. These were mostly non-white and developing nations. The United Kingdom and the older dominions were sometimes called the "Old Commonwealth" or "white Commonwealth."
Considering Europe and the Commonwealth
In the 1950s, European countries were planning what became the European Union. At the same time, new African countries were joining the Commonwealth. Britain considered inviting Scandinavian and other European countries to join the Commonwealth. This would have made it a larger economic group.
In 1956, during the Suez Crisis, France's prime minister suggested that France join the Commonwealth. These ideas did not happen after the crisis ended.
How the Commonwealth Works
Head of the Commonwealth
_(cropped)_(3-to-4_aspect_ratio).jpg)
According to the London Declaration, Charles III is the head of the Commonwealth. When the monarch passes away, the next king or queen does not automatically become the Head of the Commonwealth. However, in 2018, Commonwealth leaders agreed that Prince Charles would take over this role after his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. This position is mostly symbolic. It represents the free connection between independent member countries. Most members (36) are republics, and five have their own monarchs.
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM)
The most important meeting for the Commonwealth is the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). This meeting happens every two years. Leaders from member countries, like prime ministers and presidents, meet to talk about important issues. CHOGM is a continuation of earlier meetings that started in 1887. There are also regular meetings for ministers of finance, law, and health.
The leader of the country hosting the CHOGM becomes the chair-in-office (CIO). They hold this position until the next CHOGM. The president of Rwanda is the current chair-in-office, after hosting the 2022 meeting.
Commonwealth Secretariat
The Commonwealth Secretariat started in 1965. It is the main group that helps member governments work together. It helps with discussions and cooperation. The Secretariat organizes Commonwealth meetings and helps develop policies. It also gives advice and helps countries with their social and economic growth. It supports the Commonwealth's main values.
The Secretariat is led by the Commonwealth secretary-general. This person is chosen by the Commonwealth leaders for up to two four-year terms. The current secretary-general is Patricia Scotland, Baroness Scotland of Asthal, from Dominica.
Commonwealth Citizens and High Commissioners
Commonwealth countries used to see each other's citizens as "British subjects." Now, each Commonwealth country has its own citizenship laws. Some members treat citizens from other Commonwealth countries better than citizens from non-Commonwealth countries. For example, the United Kingdom and some Caribbean countries allow Commonwealth citizens living there to vote.
Commonwealth countries also have special diplomatic rules. Instead of sending ambassadors to each other, they send high commissioners. If you are a Commonwealth citizen in a country where your own country doesn't have an embassy, you might be able to get help from the British embassy.
Who Can Join the Commonwealth?
Over time, the rules for joining the Commonwealth have changed. In 1931, only dominions could be members. In 1949, the London Declaration allowed republics to join. They just had to recognize King George VI as the "Head of the Commonwealth."
In 1961, a new rule was added: members had to respect racial equality. This led to South Africa leaving the Commonwealth for a time. The Singapore Declaration in 1971 added more principles. These included world peace, liberty, human rights, equality, and free trade.
In 1991, the Harare Declaration said leaders would work to apply these principles. The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) was created in 1995. It can decide if members are meeting the requirements.
The main rules for joining now are:
- Members must agree to the Harare principles.
- They must be fully sovereign states (independent countries).
- They must recognize King Charles III as Head of the Commonwealth.
- They must accept English as the main language for Commonwealth communication.
- They must respect what their people want regarding Commonwealth membership.
Usually, new members need to have a direct link to an existing member, often by being a former British colony. However, some countries have joined without this direct link. Mozambique joined in 1995, even though it was a former Portuguese colony. Rwanda joined in 2009, having been a Belgian territory. In 2022, Togo and Gabon, both former French territories, also joined.
Current Members
.jpg)
The Commonwealth has 56 countries across all continents. Together, they have about 2.4 billion people. This is almost a third of the world's population. Most of these people (94%) live in Asia or Africa. India and Pakistan have the largest populations. Tuvalu is the smallest member, with about 12,000 people.
The total land area of Commonwealth nations is about 31.5 million square kilometers. This is about 21% of the world's land. Canada and Australia are the largest Commonwealth nations by land area.
Sometimes, a member country might fall behind on paying its membership fees. They are then called a "member in arrears." They are not invited to some meetings. Currently, there are no members in arrears.
Economy of Member Countries
In 2019, all Commonwealth members together had a total economic output (GDP) of over $9 trillion. Most of this comes from the four largest economies: India, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
Countries Wanting to Join
In 1997, Commonwealth leaders agreed on rules for new members. A country should usually have a historical link to a current member. It must also agree to Commonwealth values and use English for communication.
South Sudan has shown interest in joining. Israel and Palestine are also possible future members.
The Gambia left the Commonwealth in 2013 but rejoined in 2018.
Other places that could join if they become fully independent include British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. Even though Hong Kong is now part of China, it still takes part in some Commonwealth groups.
When a Member is Suspended
Members can be suspended from the Commonwealth's main groups if they seriously or repeatedly break the Harare Declaration rules. This often happens if they don't have a democratic government. The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) decides on suspensions. Suspended members cannot attend meetings of leaders and ministers, but they are still members of the organization.
- Nigeria was suspended from 1995 to 1999.
- Pakistan was suspended twice, in 1999 and 2007, after military takeovers.
- Zimbabwe was suspended in 2002 and then left in 2003. It applied to rejoin in 2018.
- Fiji was suspended twice after military takeovers. Its suspension was lifted in 2014.
- Gabon was partially suspended in 2023 after a military takeover.
Leaving the Commonwealth
Membership in the Commonwealth is voluntary. Countries can choose to leave at any time.
- Ireland was the first to leave in 1949.
- Pakistan left in 1972 but rejoined in 1989.
- Zimbabwe left in 2003.
- The Gambia left in 2013 and rejoined in 2018.
- The Maldives left in 2016 but rejoined in 2020.
The Commonwealth cannot force a member to leave. However, South Africa was not allowed to continue as a member in 1961. This was because of its policy of apartheid, which many members opposed. South Africa rejoined in 1994 after its first multi-racial elections.
When Hong Kong became part of China in 1997, it stopped being a Commonwealth territory. Only independent countries can be full members. However, Hong Kong still takes part in some Commonwealth-related groups.
What the Commonwealth Does
Goals and Activities
The Commonwealth's goals were first set out in the 1971 Singapore Declaration. These include working for world peace, promoting democracy and individual liberty, fighting against racism, poverty, and disease, and supporting free trade. Later, they added opposing discrimination based on gender and caring for the environment. These goals were strengthened in the Harare Declaration in 1991.
Today, the Commonwealth's main goals are to promote democracy and development. The 2003 Aso Rock Declaration added to these goals. It states that members are committed to "democracy, good governance, human rights, gender equality, and a more equitable sharing of the benefits of globalisation." The Commonwealth works on topics like democracy, education, human rights, and youth.
How the Commonwealth Works on its Goals
In 2010, some people worried that the Commonwealth was not speaking out enough about human rights. A group of important people suggested that the Commonwealth needed to do more to make sure members followed human rights and democratic rules. They suggested creating a new position to track human rights issues. They also recommended ending laws against homosexuality in many Commonwealth countries and banning forced marriage.
In 2013, the new Charter of the Commonwealth was signed. It states that the Commonwealth opposes "all forms of discrimination."
Commonwealth Economy
Trade Among Members
The Commonwealth does not have a single trade agreement for all members. However, studies show that trade between Commonwealth members is often 50% higher than with non-members. Smaller and less wealthy countries tend to trade more within the Commonwealth. In 2005, leaders agreed to encourage free trade between members on a country-by-country basis.
After the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union in 2016, some suggested that the Commonwealth could be a new focus for trade. However, it is not clear if this would bring enough economic benefits or if other members would agree.
The Commonwealth Family
_(2).jpg)
Commonwealth countries share many connections beyond just governments. There are over a hundred non-governmental groups. These groups focus on sports, culture, education, law, and charity. They work across the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth Secretariat checks and approves these groups. They must agree to follow the Commonwealth Charter. About 80 organizations are officially approved. These include the Association of Commonwealth Universities, which helps students study in other Commonwealth countries. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association connects parliaments across the Commonwealth.
Commonwealth Foundation
The Commonwealth Foundation is an organization that works with Commonwealth governments. It helps strengthen civil society. Its goals are to promote democracy, good governance, human rights, and gender equality. It also works on ending poverty and supporting sustainable development. The Foundation also promotes arts and culture.
The Foundation started in 1965. Most Commonwealth members are part of it. It is located in Marlborough House in London.
Commonwealth Games
The Commonwealth Games are a big sports event held every four years. The 2018 Games were in Australia, and the 2022 Games were in Birmingham, England. The 2026 Games are still looking for a host. Besides common sports like running and swimming, the Games also include sports popular in the Commonwealth, like bowls, netball, and rugby sevens. The Games started in 1930 as the Empire Games. They were designed to be "the Friendly Games." Their goal is to improve relationships between Commonwealth countries and celebrate their shared sports and culture.
The Games are the most well-known Commonwealth activity. Interest in the Commonwealth often grows when the Games are happening. There have been discussions about whether sports should be linked to the Commonwealth's political concerns. For example, some countries boycotted the 1986 Games because of issues related to apartheid in South Africa.
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) looks after the graves of 1.7 million service members. These individuals died in the First and Second World Wars while fighting for Commonwealth countries. The commission started in 1917. It has built 2,500 war cemeteries and maintains graves at 20,000 other sites globally.
Commonwealth war cemeteries often look similar. They have a Cross of Sacrifice and a Stone of Remembrance. The CWGC marks all graves the same way. This is true no matter the person's rank, country, race, or religion. Six Commonwealth members fund the commission. The United Kingdom provides 75% of the funding.
Commonwealth of Learning
The Commonwealth of Learning (COL) is an organization that helps share knowledge about open learning and distance education. It helps developing countries get better access to good education and training.
Commonwealth Local Government Forum
The Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF) connects local governments, their national groups, and government ministries in Commonwealth countries. CLGF works to support democratic values and good local governance. It is the official group for local government in the Commonwealth.
CLGF brings together different levels of government involved in local policy. Its members include local government groups and individual local authorities. CLGF helps members support each other within and between regions.
Commonwealth Culture
Commonwealth countries share similar cultures in sports and literature. They also have similar political systems. These shared traits come from their history as part of the British Empire. Important symbols of the Commonwealth include the English language, the Commonwealth Flag, and Commonwealth Day.
Sports in the Commonwealth
Many Commonwealth nations play similar sports. These sports are often seen as very British. They developed under British rule. Examples include cricket, football, rugby, field hockey, and netball. These connections are strong between the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa in rugby, cricket, netball, and field hockey. They are also strong with Caribbean nations in cricket and netball, and with India in cricket and hockey.
Canada is different. It mostly plays North American sports like baseball, basketball, and ice hockey. However, Canada still has small groups of people who enjoy traditional Commonwealth sports. Canada also hosted the very first Commonwealth Games in 1930.
These shared sports have created friendly rivalries between nations. These rivalries have often shaped their relationships. For countries like India, Australia, and New Zealand, sports have helped define their national identity. Playing these sports is seen as a sign of sharing a certain Commonwealth culture. For example, cricket being taught in schools in Rwanda shows the country's move towards Commonwealth membership.
The Commonwealth Games are the clearest example of these sports ties. They include regular sports like athletics and swimming. But they also feature sports popular in the Commonwealth, such as netball and squash. The Games also promote Commonwealth values. They have historically celebrated shared military efforts. They fully include parasport and disability sport. The Commonwealth Games Federation supports the rights of LGBT people.
The most recent Games were held in 2022 in Birmingham, England.
Literature in the Commonwealth
The shared history of British influence has led to a lot of writing in many languages. This is known as Commonwealth literature. The Association for Commonwealth Literature and Language Studies has branches worldwide. It holds a big meeting every three years.
In 1987, the Commonwealth Foundation started the annual Commonwealth Writers' Prize. This prize encourages new fiction from the Commonwealth. It helps these books reach more readers. Prizes are given for the best book and best first book. There are also regional prizes. The famous Booker Prize used to be only for authors from Commonwealth countries. Now, writers of any nationality can win if they write in English and their books are published in the UK. Today, the Commonwealth Foundation gives out the annual Commonwealth Short Story Prize.
Many writers from Commonwealth countries have become famous around the world. These include:
- Olive Schreiner from South Africa (The Story of an African Farm, 1883)
- Katherine Mansfield from New Zealand (short stories, 1911)
- R. K. Narayan from India (started publishing in the 1930s)
- Jean Rhys from the Caribbean (Wide Sargasso Sea, 1966)
- Alan Paton from South Africa (Cry, the Beloved Country, 1948)
- Doris Lessing from Zimbabwe (Nobel Prize in Literature, 2007)
- Salman Rushdie from India (Midnight's Children, 1981)
- V. S. Naipaul from Trinidad (Nobel Prize in Literature, 2001)
- Chinua Achebe and Wole Soyinka (Nobel Prize in Literature, 1986) from Nigeria
- Nadine Gordimer (Nobel Prize in Literature, 1995) and J. M. Coetzee (Nobel Prize in Literature, 2003) from South Africa
- Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o from Kenya
- Derek Walcott (Nobel Prize in Literature, 1992) from Saint Lucia
- Patrick White (Nobel Prize in Literature, 1973) from Australia
Political Systems in the Commonwealth
.jpg)
Because of their shared history, most Commonwealth countries have similar legal and political systems. Many use the Westminster system of democracy. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association helps parliaments work together. The Commonwealth Local Government Forum promotes good governance for local officials. Most Commonwealth members use common law, which is based on English law. The Latimer House Principles (2003) support the idea of separation of powers.
The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council is the highest court for 14 Commonwealth countries.
Symbols of the Commonwealth
The Commonwealth has symbols that represent its members. The English language is seen as a shared heritage. It is also required for communication within the Commonwealth. The flag of the Commonwealth is a gold globe surrounded by rays on a dark blue background. It was adopted in 1976. That same year, the organization agreed to celebrate Commonwealth Day on the second Monday in March.
How People See the Commonwealth
In 2009, a survey was done in seven member countries. It found that most people did not know much about the Commonwealth's activities, except for the Commonwealth Games. They also did not seem to care much about its future. Support for the Commonwealth was higher in developing countries than in developed ones. It was lowest in the United Kingdom.
Commonwealth Anthem
In 2009, for the Commonwealth's 60th anniversary, "The Commonwealth Anthem" was created. Its words come from the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Images for kids
-
The official flag of the Commonwealth of Nations.
-
A map showing the member states of the Commonwealth.
-
The logo of the Commonwealth of Nations.
See also
- Anglosphere
- English-speaking world
- List of Commonwealth of Nations countries by GDP
- List of Commonwealth of Nations prime ministers
- Representatives of the Commonwealth of Nations
- Commonwealth Caribbean
- La Francophonie
- Community of Portuguese Language Countries, an equivalent grouping of Portuguese-speaking countries and territories
- Organization of Ibero-American States
- List of multilateral free-trade agreements
- List of country groupings
