What is the Commonwealth? - BBC What's New

Summary

The Commonwealth is an association of 54 countries, home to 2.5 billion people, a third of the world’s population. It was established in 1949, initially comprising former British colonies. The organization focuses on promoting values such as democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Over the years, countries like Mozambique and Rwanda joined without a British colonial history, while some, such as South Africa and Zimbabwe, have left due to human rights concerns. The Commonwealth plays a significant role in fostering development, with events like the Commonwealth Games highlighting its unity across nations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Commonwealth is a group of 54 countries with 2.5 billion people, almost a third of the world's population.
• 😀 60% of the Commonwealth's population is under the age of 30, making it a youthful organization.
• 😀 The modern Commonwealth was formed in 1949 with eight members, including one African country, South Africa.
• 😀 Initially, all Commonwealth members were former British colonies; Mozambique joined in 1995, followed by Rwanda in 2009.
• 😀 To join the Commonwealth, countries must share the values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, as outlined in the 2012 Commonwealth Charter.
• 😀 Countries that break the Commonwealth Charter, like South Africa in 1964 over apartheid, may be removed but can rejoin later, as seen with South Africa in 1994.
• 😀 Nigeria and The Gambia have also left and rejoined the Commonwealth after facing similar issues.
• 😀 Zimbabwe withdrew from the Commonwealth in 2003 under President Robert Mugabe due to breaches of the Commonwealth Charter and has not been readmitted.
• 😀 Supporters of the Commonwealth argue it helps countries develop and collaborate on international goals, while critics view it as a legacy of British colonialism with little power.
• 😀 The Commonwealth is led by the head (currently Queen Elizabeth II) and daily operations are managed by the Secretary General, Patricia Scotland, the first female head.

Q & A

What is the Commonwealth, and how many countries are part of it?

The Commonwealth is a collection of 54 countries that are home to 2.5 billion people, nearly a third of the world’s population.

What is significant about the Commonwealth's demographic?

60% of the Commonwealth population is under the age of 30, making it a notably young organization.

When was the modern Commonwealth formed, and what was its initial size?

The modern Commonwealth was formed in 1949 with eight members, with only South Africa being located on the African continent at that time.

Which countries were the first to join the Commonwealth without having been former British colonies?

Mozambique was the first non-British colony to join in 1995, followed by Rwanda in 2009.

What are the values outlined in the Commonwealth Charter of 2012?

The Commonwealth Charter emphasizes values like democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

What happens when a country violates the Commonwealth’s principles?

Countries that violate the Commonwealth's values may face expulsion or pressure, as seen with South Africa, which left in 1964 due to apartheid policies and rejoined in 1994.

Which countries have left the Commonwealth and later rejoined?

Countries like Nigeria and The Gambia have left and rejoined the Commonwealth after addressing concerns about their governance.

Why did Zimbabwe withdraw from the Commonwealth in 2003, and has it been readmitted?

Zimbabwe withdrew in 2003 due to violations of the Commonwealth Charter under Robert Mugabe’s leadership and has not been readmitted.

What is the stance of some critics regarding the Commonwealth?

Some critics argue that the Commonwealth is a legacy of Britain’s colonial past and lacks real power or influence.

What was the stance of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on the Commonwealth?

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stated in July that the Commonwealth must acknowledge its past, even if uncomfortable, acknowledging its colonial history.

Who currently leads the Commonwealth, and what is her role?

The Commonwealth is currently led by Secretary General Patricia Scotland, who is the first female to hold this position, managing the organization on a daily basis.

What event brings together athletes from Commonwealth countries every four years?

The Commonwealth Games, a massive sporting event held every four years, brings athletes from all Commonwealth countries together.