Commonwealth
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.
Member countries | Commonwealth
independent countries make up the Commonwealth in Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Pacific. 33. of the world’s 42 small states are Commonwealth members, each with a population of 1.5 million or less. 2.7 billion. citizens live in Commonwealth countries, with more than 60 per cent aged 29 or under. Commonwealth countries are diverse ...
Our history | Commonwealth
Commonwealth celebrates 50 years. 26 April 1999 marked the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of London where leaders agreed that Commonwealth members are “free and equal members of the Commonwealth of Nations, freely co-operating in the pursuit of peace, liberty and progress”. 1999.
About us | Commonwealth
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. Our member governments have agreed to shared goals like development, democracy and peace.
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM)
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2024 took place in Apia, Samoa from 21-26 October 2024. It was the first CHOGM to be held in a Pacific Small Island Developing State. Leaders of Commonwealth countries meet every two years for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), hosted by different member countries on a rotating basis.
Map of Commonwealth countries | Commonwealth
View and download a map of the 56 Commonwealth member countries.
Facts | Commonwealth
The combined GDP of Commonwealth countries in 2021 was US$13.1 trillion and is estimated to reach $19.5 trillion in 2027, almost doubling in ten years from $10.4 trillion in 2017. Bilateral costs for trading partners in Commonwealth countries are on average 19 per cent less than between those in non-member countries.
Our work | Commonwealth
Download the Commonwealth Secretariat Strategic Plan 2021/22 - 2024/25. 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 ...
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM)
The Samoan way of life was gloriously on display as the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) welcomed leaders from the 56 member countries in Apia today. The powerful voices and rhythmic dancing of performers thrilled the audience, showcasing the rich culture of Samoa. Read news CHOGM Samoa 2024 formally ...
Jamaica | Commonwealth
11,000 square kilometres. Capital city. Kingston. Joined the Commonwealth. 1962, following independence from Britain. Jamaica is a large island in the Caribbean Sea. It lies 630 kilometres north-east of mainland Central America. Its close neighbours are Haiti, to the east, and Cuba, to the north. There are mountains and plateaus to the interior ...