The Commonwealth is a family of 54 countries from all over the world coming from the Pacific, Africa, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean and Americas.

It represents 2 billion people, that's to say 1 people out of 3!

About one third of the world’s population lives in a country which is a member of the Commonwealth.

It is also called the Commonwealth of Nations.

The organization was first known as the British Commonwealth of Nations because almost all the member countries were one day associated with the British Empire.

The Commonwealth includes the United Kingdom and most of its former dependencies and dominions. 

All member countries are free and equal partners with Great Britain in the association. 

When a dependency becomes a sovereign country, it can choose whether or not to be a member. 

The Commonwealth has no written constitution and the members have no legal obligation towards one another.

All Commonwealth countries accept Queen Elizabeth II as the head of the Commonwealth. 

They also have representatives called High Commissioners.

A Commonwealth Secretariat was established in 1965 in London. 

The Commonwealth countries share certain beliefs, or principles. 

In 1971 they issued a statement of these principles: they all support international peace, the liberty of the individual, equal rights for all citizens and the removal of poverty, ignorance, and disease.

History

In the 17th century, the British Empire ruled colonies throughout the world. 

The empire reached its greatest size and strength in the 1800s. But little by little, the colonies began to gain independence. 

Canada became a dominion in the 1860s: it gained the right to govern itself.

Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa became dominions before World War I.

After World War I, some colonies became independent countries but they also wanted to remain a part of the British Empire.

However, they wanted to be considered equal members.

In 1931 the British accepted their special status in a new law and the idea of a “British Commonwealth of Nations” was born.

The adjective British was dropped from official use in 1946. The modern Commonwealth began with the entry of India and Pakistan in 1947 and Sri Lanka (at that time called Ceylon) in 1948.

Commonwealth members continued to grow with former colonies becoming independent. 

It was also possible for members to leave the organisation: that's what the Irish Republic decided to do in 1948, South Africa in 1961, and Pakistan in 1972. 

Pakistan rejoined the Commonwealth in 1989 and South Africa in 1994. 

Countries can also be suspended if their political regime becomes undemocratic. It was the case of Fiji in 2009 because it is under military rule.

In 1995 Mozambique became the first country to join the Commonwealth whithout having been part of the British Empire or under the control of any member.

Today, they organize sports events every 4 years. 

They took place in Australia in 2018, in Birmingham, England in 2022 and in Glasgow, Scotland in August 2026.

The next  ones will take place in India in 2030, with Gujarat's largest city Ahmedabad hosting the centenary edition of the

multi-sport event.

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