what countries are part of the british commonwealth

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade regularly liaises with the Secretariat through our High Commission in London. It also works to find solutions to sensitive political and economic issues faced by members. The Secretariat can provide governments with policy advice and practical assistance. The Commonwealth Secretariat in London manages the work of the Commonwealth and is the central point for all member governments.

Central to the charter are the beliefs in democracy, human rights and the rule of law.Ĭommonwealth governance and organisations Commonwealth Secretariat In 2012 the Commonwealth adopted a charter setting out the values of the organisation and the commitments members are expected to make. There are a large number of organisations and networks under the umbrella of the Commonwealth that carry out and support this work. This includes helping countries with small business development, legislation, election monitoring, and human rights, particularly promoting the role and rights of young people and of women. The Commonwealth works on behalf of member countries to promote peace and prosperity. The Head of the Commonwealth is His Majesty King Charles III.

We share many cultural elements that come from our similar colonial past, including the English language, some sports, and similar systems of law, education and government. Fifteen members have the British monarch as their head of state (including New Zealand), five have their own monarch and 36 are republics.ĭespite differences, Commonwealth countries have a sense of kinship and unity and are often described as a ‘family of nations’. It’s a diverse group with members among the largest, smallest, wealthiest and poorest countries in the world. The Commonwealth of Nations was formed in 1949 to maintain an association between countries that had once been part of the British colonies, but which were considered 'free and equal'.Ĭommonwealth countries span the globe and, with a combined population of 2.5 billion, include almost a third of the world’s population.

What countries are part of the british commonwealth