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Commonwealth countries are diverse: they are among the world’s biggest, smallest, richest and poorest countries. Together they work to pursue common goals and values.
The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal countries. It is home to 2.7 billion people, and includes both advanced economies and developing countries. 33 of our members are small states, including many island nations.
About us. The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal countries. It is home to 2.5 billion people, and includes both advanced economies and developing countries. 33 of our members are small states, including many island nations.
The modern Commonwealth of Nations was born. King George VI was the first Head of the Commonwealth, and Queen Elizabeth II became Head when he died. But the British king or queen is not automatically Head of the Commonwealth. Commonwealth member countries choose who becomes Head of the Commonwealth.
Map of Commonwealth countries. View and download a map of the 56 Commonwealth member countries. Download a PDF version.
Many small and developing Commonwealth countries are among those with the lowest ecological footprints worldwide. Commonwealth countries are among the highest performing in the Ibrahim Index of African Governance and make up 7 of the top 10 nations.
The Commonwealth is an association of 56 countries working towards shared goals of prosperity, democracy and peace. The Commonwealth Secretariat is the intergovernmental organisation which co-ordinates and carries out much of the Commonwealth's work, supported by a network of more than 80 organisations.
In 2024, the Commonwealth celebrates its 75th anniversary. Since its founding in 1949, the modern Commonwealth has grown in both scale and influence with 56 member countries, spanning six continents and representing a third of the world's population.
Singapore in the Commonwealth . Singapore has won the annual Commonwealth Essay Competition nine times since it was launched in 1983. Scholarships for postgraduate study in integrative sciences and engineering are awarded by Singapore to citizens of other Commonwealth countries under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan. Find out more
The Commonwealth Charter expresses the commitment of member states to the development of free and democratic societies and the promotion of peace and prosperity to improve the lives of all the people of the Commonwealth.
