The Commonwealth of Nations

THE COMMONWEALTH OF NATIONS

1. What is the Commonwealth?

The Commonwealth of Nations (CN), usually known as the Commonwealth, is a voluntary association of 54 independent sovereign states, the majority of which are former colonies of the United Kingdom.

2. When was it created? When did it gain most of its members?

The formal organization of the Commonwealth developed from the Imperial Conferences, such as one in 1926 where the independence of dominions ( Canada, Australia, New Zealand, The Irish Free State) was recognized. It was formalized by the Statute of Westminster in 1931.

It gained most of its member after World War II.

3. When did the following countries gain dominion status and became almost completely autonomous: Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Irish Free State.

Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Irish Free State officially gained the status of dominion the Statute of Westminster in 1931.

4. Why was it created?

After World War II the British Empire was too expensive to maintain, the Commonwealth was in some way a substitute for it. One of its aims was to help in democratization in developing countries. You can Also to help one another through different programs, e.g. educational – students exchange, health education – prevention of diseases, birth control. It also aimed at helping the economy to grow through trading.

5. What is the position of the Queen in the Commonwealth?

The British monarch is the Head of the Commonwealth. She has a symbolic function that unifies and keeps he Commonwealth together.

6. Are British dependent territories part of the Commonwealth? How many are there?

Thee are 17 of the but they are not a part of the Commonwealth as they not independent.

7. Can any country “opt out “ of the organization?

Yes, the Commonwealth is a voluntary association.

8. Did all former British colonies joined the Commonwealth?

No, Burma and Aden are the only former colonies not to have joined the Commonwealth upon independence.

9. What is the role of the Commonwealth Secretariat? When it was created?

The Commonwealth Secretariat coordinated policy for the Commonwealth. Its headquarter is in London.

10. In what areas the Commonwealth countries cooperate?

- Economy, agriculture, health education, education, engineering, human rights.

*Every participating country pays a fee – the amount of the fee depends on the wealth of the country.


11. Are there any “summit meetings” of important officials from the Commonwealth countries?

Commonwealth Conference are held every 2 years. It’s a meeting of the Prime Ministers or Heads of State. Problems are discussed and settled. Also financial meetings are held regularly.

12. How did Britain managed to compromised its membership in EU and the Commonwealth?

Lome Convention was introduced. The Lom Convention is a trade and aid agreement between the European Union (EU) and 71 African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries, first signed in February 1975 in Lom, Togo. It allowed Britain to trade quoted amounts without breaking the EU rules.

Commonwealth Day is celebrated every year on second Monday in March. The Head of the State gives a speech to all Commonwealth nations on this day.

Commonwealth Games are held every 4 years, its a multinational sport event held from 1930. Around 5000 athletes participate in it.


Flag of the Commonwealth