HISTORY OF THE BRITISH COMMONWEALTH

HISTORY OF THE BRITISH COMMONWEALTH


The British Commonwealth (also known as the Commonwealth of Nations) is an association of fifty-three independent states. These states became members of the Commonwealth on a voluntary basis. Most member nations are former colonies of Great Britain. However, one member, Mozambique, hasn't had direct ties to Great Britain: it used to be a Portuguese colony.

Members of the Commonwealth are different and have a diverse background: they are poor or highly-developed. But they share many ties in history, culture, and language. The Commonwealth gives an opportunity to become closer to share experience in building democracy, developing their economies and watching human rights.

Queen Elizabeth II, the British Monarch, is the head of the Commonwealth. Sixteen members of the Commonwealth are called Commonwealth Realms. In these countries the Queen of the United Kingdom is the head of state but her role is symbolic. The political power in these countries belongs to the Prime Minister. Other members of the Commonwealth are simply republics or monarchies. The Commonwealth regularly holds meetings and conferences in which ministers of health, education, finance, law, and other politicians participate. They discuss different issues: social, economic, and political development of countries, as well as world epidemics, access to markets, migration, illiteracy, human rights watch, and others.