What is the Commonwealth of Nations?
The Commonwealth of Nations is a voluntary association of 56 countries, most of which were once part of the British Empire. Its members work together on issues such as democracy, trade, education and development.
The modern Commonwealth was formed in 1949 with the London Declaration, which allowed countries that became republics, such as India, to remain members.
Members range from large countries such as India, Canada and Australia to small island nations. Some members, such as Mozambique, Rwanda, Gabon and Togo, were never British colonies.
Leadership and events
King Charles III is the Head of the Commonwealth. The role is not hereditary, but leaders agreed in 2018 that Charles would succeed Queen Elizabeth II.
The Commonwealth Games, held every four years, bring together athletes from member countries.
Commonwealth Day is celebrated on the second Monday in March.
Some Commonwealth countries, called Commonwealth realms, also have the British monarch as their head of state.
The Commonwealth Secretariat, based at Marlborough House in London, supports member countries and organizes meetings. Heads of government meet every two years at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, known as CHOGM, held in different member countries.