Commonwealth how many countries

New Zealand also has a direct interest in ensuring the Pacific region is economically prosperous and environmentally secure. We work to raise the profile of issues facing small Pacific countries in particular during meetings and conversations with Commonwealth officials. The Commonwealth acts as a collective voice and can advocate for small countries, helping to raise international awareness of issues affecting them.

It engages with the World Bank, the UN, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and other international organisations on behalf of small states. Read more about how the Commonwealth helps small states external link.

We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our website, to analyze our website traffic, and to understand where our visitors are coming from. You can find out more information on our Privacy Page. Our work with the UN International security Disarmament UN sanctions Human rights The Commonwealth Multilateralism matters Covid response and recovery New Zealand is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, an organisation of 54 countries — most with a shared history as part of the former British Empire.

About the Commonwealth The Commonwealth of Nations was formed in to maintain an association between countries that had once been part of the British colonies, but which were considered 'free and equal'. What does the Commonwealth do? The Commonwealth Charter In the Commonwealth adopted a charter setting out the values of the organisation and the commitments members are expected to make.

Commonwealth governance and organisations Commonwealth Secretariat The Commonwealth Secretariat in London manages the work of the Commonwealth and is the central point for all member governments.

Our member governments have agreed to shared goals like development, democracy and peace. Our values and principles are expressed in the Commonwealth Charter.

The Commonwealth's roots go back to the British Empire. But today any country can join the modern Commonwealth. The last country to join the Commonwealth was Rwanda in The Commonwealth is often described as a 'family' of nations. At the heart of this family are 3 intergovernmental organisations:. The British Commonwealth refers to a collection of countries associated with the same political affiliation, meaning that the Commonwealth of Nations is intended to bring countries together and provide them with a foundation for economic growth, financial prosperity, and just overall success for all nations involved.

The majority of English speaking countries are part of the British Commonwealth. The British Commonwealth is an older name with its roots originating back in when the Commonwealth started forming. From there, the British Commonwealth started going by the Commonwealth of Nations, and you will commonly see it shortened as the Commonwealth.

The reason that the British Commonwealth altered the name was that the member countries started to include territories under the rule of the British Empire, but not physically near or within Britain. From there, other countries and even the entire continent of Australia became part of the Commonwealth. The very first title of this political association amongst various countries was the British Commonwealth of Nations. A document called the Balfour Declaration was signed in , and it marked the official start of the British Commonwealth of Nations.

During the Imperial Conference, there was a gathering of political figures at an event held by the prime ministers across the British Empire at the time.

The Balfour Declaration brought to light the consensus that all British Empire countries were on par with the United Kingdom , which had not been the case beforehand. The U.