The population of the Commonwealth countries is around 2.5 billion
1) 56 that comprise the commonwealth
2) 32 small states are members of the commonwealth
Of the 56 member states, 21 are from Africa, 8 from Asia, 13 from the Caribbean and Americas, 3 from Europe and 11 are from the Pacific. Here’s a list of the member states from each region:
1) The 21 Commonwealth member states include Botswana, Cameroon, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Kingdom of Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Togo, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania and Zambia.
2) In Asia, there are 8 Commonwealth member Countries. These are Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, Singapore and Sri Lanka
3) The 13 Commonwealth member countries from the Caribbean and Americas are Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and The Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago.
4) In Europe, the 3 commonwealth member states are Cyprus, Malta and The United Kingdom.
5) Across the Pacific, there are 11 commonwealth member countries which include Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
What is Unique about the Small States in the Commonwealth?
Small states are typically defined as countries whose population is 1.5 million people or less. However, the Commonwealth definition of small states also includes countries with larger population but have similar characteristics with small states. Such countries include; Jamaica, Namibia, Papua New Guinea, Botswana and Lesotho. With this definition, the small states represent 32 of 56 Commonwealth member countries.
Some of the unique characteristics that make the small states vulnerable include their dependence on trade, their geographical positioning, their limited development finances and the fact that they suffer disproportionate impacts of climate change and natural disasters.
The History of the Commonwealth
The genesis of the Commonwealth goes back to the British Empire, through which Britain ruled over many countries across the world. As countries across the British Empire started gaining different levels of independence, Imperial conferences were held with the leaders from these semi-autonomous countries, with the first meeting held in 1887.
At the Imperial Conference of 1926 attended by Britain and its semi-independent countries, or dominions as they were referred to then, it was agreed that all of these countries were equal as members of this community, and even though they still owed allegiance to the British King or Queen, the United Kingdom no longer ruled over them. It is this community that was referred to as the Commonwealth or the British Commonwealth.
Over time, dominions and territories formerly under the British Empire gained their full independence. In 1947, India gained its independence and desired to become a republic with no allegiance to the British Queen or King, but also desired to maintain its membership in the Commonwealth.
It is in response to this that in 1949, at a Commonwealth meeting of Prime Ministers that the London declaration was made, allowing republics and other countries to be part of the Commonwealth.
Who Heads the Commonwealth?
The Head of the Commonwealth is chosen by the Commonwealth’s member countries. The current head of the Commonwealth is King Charles III following the death of Queen Elizabeth II who had been head of the Commonwealth for over 70 years. This decision was made following the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting which held that while the role remained non-hereditary, His Royal Highness Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, which was his title then, would become the next Head of the Commonwealth.
King Charles III becomes only the third Head of the Commonwealth, with the previous heads being King George VI who was first and Queen Elizabeth II being the second and longest serving Head of the Commonwealth.
Eligibility to the Commonwealth
As currently constituted, the Commonwealth is voluntary association of 56 independent countries that are equal. Although it has its roots in the British Empire, states applying for membership of the modern Commonwealth need not have been part of the British Empire to be eligible.
In November 2007, following a meeting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government in Uganda, the following was agreed as the core membership criteria:
i) Applicant countries, as a general rule, should have a historic constitutional association with a current member country of the Commonwealth unless the circumstances are exceptional.
ii) Exceptional cases as envisaged above shall be considered on an individual basis
iii) Applicant countries must not only accept but also comply with the fundamental values, priorities and principles of the Commonwealth outlined in its declarations, including the 1971 Declaration of Commonwealth Principles and those in subsequent declarations by the Commonwealth.
iv) Applicant countries must show commitment to: the rule of law and independence of the judiciary; democracy and democratic processes, including representative legislatures and free and fair elections; protection of human rights, freedom of expression, and equality of opportunity; and good governance, including a well-trained public service and transparent public accounts.
v) Applicant countries should take up Commonwealth norms and conventions. These include the use of English as the chosen language for inter-commonwealth relations
Member countries that change their formal constitutional status, need not to reapply for membership as long as they continue meeting all other membership criteria.
What motivates a country to join the Commonwealth?
Being part of a mutually supportive community of independent and sovereign states, Commonwealth member countries are aided by over 80 Commonwealth organizations.
Commonwealth member countries are supported by the Commonwealth Secretariat to achieve democracy, peace and development.
Member countries receive support to help them build inclusive institutions, promote human rights and justice and strengthen governance. Different commonwealth
Member countries receive support to help them build inclusive institutions, promote human rights and justice and strengthen governance. Different commonwealth
undertakings help member states to empower the youth, boost trade, grow their economies and to tackle challenges such as debt, inequality and climate change.
Decision makers in member countries receive support and technical assistance to help them deliver policies and to draw up legislation. Software, research and systems are also provided to assist with resource management. To assist members in solving national problems, observers and experts are deployed to offer impartial advice and solutions.
By bringing together many heads of government, their voices are amplified and this helps in achieving collective action on challenges that are global.
Undertakings by the Commonwealth promote both the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.