The Commonwealth of Nations, often simply referred to as the Commonwealth, is a voluntary association of 56 sovereign states, mainly former British Empire territories, united by shared values in democracy, human rights, and sustainable development.
Its roots go back to the 17th-century term meaning “common well-being,” and it evolved into a formal association in the 20th century. Let’s dive in!
Why is it called the Commonwealth?
The term ‘Commonwealth’ actually came from the era of Oliver Cromwell, when the infamous Lord Protector’s fledgling republic was nicknamed ‘The Commonwealth of England’. The term, quite literally, means ‘common well-being’.
What are Commonwealth key dates?
- 1926: The Balfour Declaration recognised the sovereignty of Dominions like Canada, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand.
- 1931: Statute of Westminster legally solidified Dominion autonomy, though some only implemented it years later.
- 1949: The London Declaration inaugurated the modern Commonwealth, dropping “British” and welcoming republics and realms alike.
How is the Commonwealth structured?
- Head of the Commonwealth: A symbolic, non-political role currently held by King Charles III, separate from any constitutional authority in member states.
- Secretariat: Based at Marlborough House, London, and led by Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey (the first African woman in this role), elected in June 2025.
- Charter Principles: Rooted in the 1971 Singapore Declaration and later reaffirmed (e.g., Harare 1991), outlining democracy, human rights, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and economic cooperation.
What is a Commonwealth Realm?
A ‘Commonwealth Realm’ is a country which had Queen Elizabeth II as its constitutional monarch. Despite this association, it should be noted that these countries are all self-governing, sovereign states and united only in their (entirely voluntary) connection with the British monarchy.
What are the Commonwealth countries?
With 56 members, it goes without saying that the Commonwealth comprises a large part of the world and its population, with states from Europe, Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, the Americas and the Pacific. That’s around 2.5 billion people. With so many members, it goes without saying that there are plenty of incredible places to visit.
Visit the whitest sand beach in the world, the incredible Great Barrier Reef and lush rainforests of Australia, explore the crystal-clear glacial lakes and mountains of Canada or go on a safari adventure in South Africa – the possibilities are endless.
What are the Commonwealth Games?
There’s even a Commonwealth Games, a multi-sport event similar to the Olympics, that occurs every four years and involves all members of the Commonwealth. The games began in 1930 in Canada and have been ongoing ever since.
Currently, the 2026 Games are actively preparing: The King’s Baton Relay was launched on 10 March 2025, with stops starting in Trinidad & Tobago, moving through all regions, and featuring bespoke batons for each of the 74 Commonwealth Games Associations.
What are the Commonwealth’s priorities for the future?
- Democracy, human rights & good governance remain central, as reaffirmed in successive declaration frameworks.
- Climate action & sustainable development, highlighted in messages from King Charles III for 2025 Commonwealth Day.
- Trade ‘togetherness’ and digital/green transitions, championed at the 2025 Trade Ministers meeting.
- Youth empowerment, gender equality, education, healthcare and local government capacity-building, supported through Commonwealth foundations and agencies.
If you want to learn more about British history, take one of our excellent guided walking tours and follow in Churchill’s historical footsteps in London, and more!
