At the 1926 Conference of Prime Ministers of Great Britain and the British Dominions, the Balfour Declaration was adopted, in which Great Britain and the Dominions recognized that these states had "equal status and are not dependent on each other in any aspect of their internal or foreign policy, despite the fact that they are brought together by a common loyalty to the Crown and free membership in the British Commonwealth of Nations."
The legal status of the Commonwealth was established on December 11, 1931, and until 1947 it represented a kind of union of states, each of which was united with Great Britain by a personal union (that is, the British monarch was recognized as the head of the dominions).
Development
Membership in the Commonwealth is open to all countries that recognize the main goals of its activities. There must also be past or present constitutional links between the candidate for accession and the UK or another Commonwealth member. Not all members of the organization have direct constitutional ties to Great Britain - some of the South Pacific states were governed by Australia or New Zealand, and Namibia was governed by South Africa. In 1995, Cameroon became a member of the Commonwealth. Only part of its territory was under British control under the mandate of the League of Nations (-) and under the trusteeship agreement with the UN (1946-1961).
There is only one member of the Commonwealth for whom this rule has been violated. Mozambique, a former colony of Portugal, was admitted to the Commonwealth following the triumphant restoration of South Africa's membership and Mozambique's first democratic elections. Mozambique was asked for by its neighbors, all of whom were members of the Commonwealth and wanted to help Mozambique overcome the damage caused to the country's economy due to its confrontation with the white minority regimes in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and South Africa. The heads of state of the Commonwealth nevertheless decided that the Mozambique issue should be considered as special and not creating a precedent for the future.
Failed membership
Termination of membership
Each Commonwealth country enjoys the unconditional right to unilaterally withdraw from it.
Although heads of government of Commonwealth member countries have the right to suspend participation individual countries in the work of the bodies of the Commonwealth, the possibility of exclusion from the Commonwealth is not defined by any documents. At the same time, states of the Commonwealth (Commonwealth Realms) that proclaim themselves to be republics automatically leave the Commonwealth unless they ask the remaining members to maintain their membership in the Commonwealth. Ireland did not make such a request, since at the time of its proclamation of a republic in 1949 this provision did not yet exist. The issue of Ireland joining the Commonwealth has been raised several times, but this proposal does not enjoy support among the local population, who continue to associate the Commonwealth with British imperialism. The Irish Republic became the first state to leave the Commonwealth and not regain its membership.
Suspension of participation in Commonwealth affairs
IN last years There were several cases of suspension of the participation of Commonwealth members “in the activities of Commonwealth Councils” (in meetings of leaders and ministers of member countries) for obvious violations of democratic governance norms. This measure does not terminate that State's membership in the Commonwealth.
This measure was taken in relation to Fiji in and after the military coup in this country and in relation to Pakistan from to and from November for a similar reason.
Nigeria did not participate in the meetings from to. A similar measure was taken in relation to Zimbabwe (the reason was the electoral and land reforms of the government of Robert Mugabe).
Structure of the Commonwealth
Marlborough House, headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat
Traditionally, the head of the Commonwealth is declared to be the British monarch, currently Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. As head of the Commonwealth, she does not perform any formal functions and her role is daily activities organization is only symbolic. In 17 Commonwealth states, the British monarch is still the de jure head of state, but also does not perform formal functions.
The post of head of the Commonwealth is not a title and is not inherited. When there is a change of monarch on the British throne, the heads of government of the Commonwealth member countries will have to make a formal decision on the appointment of a new head of the organization.
The administrative management of the Commonwealth is carried out by the Secretariat, whose headquarters have been located in London since 1965. Since 2008, the head of the Secretariat has been Kamalesh Sharma (India).
The anniversary of the creation of the Commonwealth - Commonwealth Day - is celebrated in Great Britain on the second Tuesday of March, and official name The British government's Foreign Office (similar to the Foreign Office) is still the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Foreign and Commonwealth Office ).
Diplomatic relations
The states belonging to the Commonwealth maintain ordinary diplomatic relations among themselves through High Commissioners ( High Commissioners), having the rank of ambassadors. Diplomatic relations between the Commonwealth countries and other states are carried out as usual.
(English) Commonwealth of Nations), briefly called simply Commonwealth(English) The Commonwealth) - uniting mainly countries that were previously part of the British Empire. These countries, located on five continents, are linked to the UK by a common historical past and common declared values, such as democracy, equality, human rights and freedoms. Despite the differences in social, political and economic structure, the members of the Commonwealth are committed to developing friendly relations and full cooperation, recognizing the British monarch as the symbolic head of their unity.
History of the Commonwealth of Nations.
The modern Commonwealth of Nations was founded in 1949, but its roots go back to the late 19th century. As early as 1884, British diplomats began to speak of the British Empire as the Commonwealth of Nations. Despite the name change, this organization was still not the voluntary association of equal states that it is today. The colonial territories were still under complete British control.
In the twentieth century, the colonies with a predominant European population - Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa - were granted the status of dominions - effectively independent states, while they became members of the British Commonwealth of Nations. When India and Pakistan gained independence in 1947, and a year later Sri Lanka, they agreed to join the existing association of five states in order to become more familiar with their experience government controlled. After a republican form of government was established in India and it ceased to be subordinate to the British monarchy, it was necessary to radically reconsider fundamental principles organizations. The "British Commonwealth of Nations" was renamed the "Commonwealth of Nations", and the London Declaration adopted in 1949 marked the beginning of the organization's existence in its modern form as a voluntary association of free and independent states.
During the second half of the twentieth century, numerous British colonies gained independence and almost all of them decided to join the Commonwealth of Nations. The number of organization members has grown from eight countries to 53. The last two countries to join, Mozambique and Rwanda, had no previous ties to the British Empire. However, not all countries participate in the Commonwealth continuously. When South Africa adopted a republican form of government in the early 1960s, the new government's bid was rejected due to human rights violations. Following the end of the apartheid regime, South Africa was allowed to renew its membership in 1994. Pakistan left in 1972 to protest the Commonwealth's recognition of Bangladesh as an independent state, but rejoined the organization in 1989. Due to human rights violations, Zimbabwe's membership was suspended in 2002. The Gambia left the Commonwealth in 2013, calling this organization an institution of neo-colonialism, but four years later, on February 8, 2018, it returned. Finally, in 2016, the Maldives announced its decision to leave the Commonwealth due to the organization's interference in its internal affairs.
Goals and objectives of the Commonwealth of Nations.
The original purpose of the Commonwealth of Nations was to maintain the stability of the system of international trade built by the British Empire, and later it helped ensure a smooth transition from colonial trade and economic relations to new capitalist ones. During cold war The Commonwealth was used by Britain as an additional channel of counteraction communist movements in their former colonies in third world countries. Nowadays, the Commonwealth is a kind of international forum in which highly developed economies (such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Singapore and New Zealand) and many of the world's poor countries are striving to reach an agreement based on consensus.
At a meeting of Commonwealth heads of state in Singapore in January 1971, a declaration of principles was adopted confirming the organization's commitment to international peace and order, promoting personal freedom, promoting equality and combating discrimination; the fight against poverty, ignorance and disease; development of international trade and cooperation. Currently priority tasks The Commonwealth, as stated in the 2003 Asorok Declaration, is about promoting democracy, good governance, human rights, gender equality and a fairer sharing of the benefits of globalization.
Membership criteria.
The existing criteria for membership are defined in the Kampala Communiqué adopted at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. This document removed the requirement that applicants must be formerly part of the British Empire. In fact, two Commonwealth members, Mozambique and Rwanda, were never part of the British Empire.
The main criteria for admission to the Commonwealth are as follows:
- the applicant country must generally have a historical constitutional association with an existing member of the Commonwealth, unless in exceptional circumstances in which case applications must be considered on a case-by-case basis;
- the applicant country must accept and respect the core values, principles and priorities of the Commonwealth;
- the applicant country must demonstrate a commitment to: democracy and democratic processes; the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary; and the protection of human rights, freedom of expression and equality of opportunity;
- the applicant country must accept Commonwealth rules and conventions, such as the use in English as a means of intra-commonwealth communication and recognize Queen Elizabeth II as the head of the Commonwealth.
Organization structure.
Head of the Commonwealth.
Until 1949, the head of all eight members of the British Commonwealth of Nations was King George VI of the United Kingdom. India, however, despite the establishment of a republican form of government, stated its desire to continue full membership in the Commonwealth. At the Fourth Conference of Heads of Government, members of the organization decided to meet it halfway by adopting the London Declaration, in which they agreed that the king would be given a new role in the Commonwealth - not general chapter, but “a symbol of the free association of independent states and as such the head of the Commonwealth.”
The title "Head of the Commonwealth" became part of royal title in each of the 16 states that recognize the King of the United Kingdom as their monarch. However, the title is not hereditary - after the death of the monarch, the heir to the crown does not automatically become the head of the Commonwealth.
Currently the title is eldest daughter George VI, Queen Elizabeth II. At the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Charles, Prince of Wales was appointed as her official successor.
Meeting of heads of government of the Commonwealth countries.
The main forum for decision-making of this organization is the Meeting of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth Countries, convened every two years. The heads of government of the participating countries, including (among others) prime ministers and presidents, meet for several days to discuss issues of mutual interest. The Heads of Government Meeting is the successor to the Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Meetings and, earlier, to the Imperial and Colonial Conferences held since 1887. Regular meetings of ministers of finance, ministers of justice, ministers of health, etc. are also convened. Members of the organization in debt cannot send their representatives to either the meeting of heads of government or ministerial meetings.
The head of government of the state hosting the Meeting is called the current Chairman of the Commonwealth and retains this position until the next Meeting. At the Heads of Government Meeting, held from 18 to 20 April 2018 in London, the current Chair was British Prime Minister Theresa May, a position she will remain in until the next Meeting, to be held in 2020 in Rwanda.
Commonwealth Secretariat.
The Commonwealth Secretariat is the principal intergovernmental body and central agency of the Commonwealth of Nations. The Secretariat was founded by a decision of the Prime Ministerial Meeting in June 1965 to promote cooperation among members; organizing summits of Commonwealth countries; providing assistance and advisory support on policy development and its implementation in the member countries of the Commonwealth. The Secretariat is also providing technical support governments to promote the socio-economic development of their countries and promote the fundamental political values of the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth Secretariat has observer status in General Assembly United Nations. It is located at Marlborough House in London, UK, a former royal residence granted to it by Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the Commonwealth.
The Secretariat is headed Secretary General Commonwealth, who is elected by the heads of government of the Commonwealth for a term of four years no more than twice. Secretary General and his two deputies supervise the work of eleven branches and three special units members of the Secretariat.
Commonwealth Games.
The Commonwealth Games are international sporting competitions between member countries of the Commonwealth of Nations. The competition was first held in 1930 and since then has been held every four years in different cities of the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth Games were known as the British Empire Games from 1930 to 1950, the British Empire and Commonwealth Games from 1954 to 1966, and the British Commonwealth Games from 1970 to 1974. The 2018 Commonwealth Games took place from 4 to 15 April in Gold Coast, Australia.
The organizing country must include at least 10 sports disciplines in the games program, including: athletics, badminton, boxing (men only), grass bowling, netball (women only), rugby sevens (men only), aquatic species sports, hockey, squash and weightlifting. In addition, the games program may include sports such as archery, rhythmic gymnastics, judo, rowing, basketball, cycling, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, triathlon.
Commonwealth Day.
Commonwealth Day is an annual holiday held in honor of the anniversary of the Commonwealth of Nations. This day was first celebrated in 1902, on January 22, the birthday of Queen Victoria, and was then called Empire Day. Its original purpose was to be "a symbol of the unity of feeling... for those ideals of freedom, justice and tolerance which British Empire advocates all over the world." In 1958, Empire Day was renamed Commonwealth Day, and in 1974 its date was moved to the second Monday in March.
Commonwealth Day is a public holiday in some Commonwealth countries, but not in the UK itself. On this day, a multi-faith service is held in Westminster Abbey, usually attended by Queen Elizabeth II as Head of the Commonwealth, along with the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, as well as representatives from each member state. The Queen makes an address to the Commonwealth countries, which is broadcast around the world.
At the 1926 Conference of Prime Ministers of Great Britain and the British Dominions, the Balfour Declaration was adopted, in which Great Britain and the Dominions recognized that these states had "equal status and are not dependent on each other in any aspect of their domestic or foreign policy, despite the fact that they are brought together by a common loyalty to the Crown and free membership in the British Commonwealth of Nations."
The legal status of the Commonwealth was established on December 11, 1931, and until 1947 it represented a kind of union of states, each of which was united with Great Britain by a personal union (that is, the British monarch was recognized as the head of the dominions).
Development
Membership in the Commonwealth is open to all countries that recognize the main goals of its activities. There must also be past or present constitutional links between the candidate for accession and the UK or another Commonwealth member. Not all members of the organization have direct constitutional ties to Great Britain - some of the South Pacific states were governed by Australia or New Zealand, and Namibia was governed by South Africa. In 1995, Cameroon became a member of the Commonwealth. Only part of its territory was under British control under the mandate of the League of Nations (-) and under the trusteeship agreement with the UN (1946-1961).
There is only one member of the Commonwealth for whom this rule has been violated. Mozambique, a former colony of Portugal, was admitted to the Commonwealth following the triumphant restoration of South Africa's membership and the holding of Mozambique's first democratic elections. Mozambique was asked for by its neighbors, all of whom were members of the Commonwealth and wanted to help Mozambique overcome the damage caused to the country's economy due to its confrontation with the white minority regimes in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and South Africa. The heads of state of the Commonwealth nevertheless decided that the Mozambique issue should be considered as special and not creating a precedent for the future.
Failed membership
Termination of membership
Each Commonwealth country enjoys the unconditional right to unilaterally withdraw from it.
Although heads of government of Commonwealth member countries have the right to suspend the participation of individual countries in the work of Commonwealth bodies, the possibility of exclusion from the Commonwealth is not defined by any documents. At the same time, states of the Commonwealth (Commonwealth Realms) that proclaim themselves to be republics automatically leave the Commonwealth unless they ask the remaining members to maintain their membership in the Commonwealth. Ireland did not make such a request, since at the time of its proclamation of a republic in 1949 this provision did not yet exist. The issue of Ireland joining the Commonwealth has been raised several times, but this proposal does not enjoy support among the local population, who continue to associate the Commonwealth with British imperialism. The Irish Republic became the first state to leave the Commonwealth and not regain its membership.
Suspension of participation in Commonwealth affairs
In recent years, there have been several cases of suspension of the participation of Commonwealth members “in the activities of Commonwealth Councils” (meetings of leaders and ministers of member countries) for obvious violations of democratic governance norms. This measure does not terminate that State's membership in the Commonwealth.
This measure was taken in relation to Fiji in and after the military coup in this country and in relation to Pakistan from to and from November for a similar reason.
Nigeria did not participate in the meetings from to. A similar measure was taken in relation to Zimbabwe (the reason was the electoral and land reforms of the government of Robert Mugabe).
Structure of the Commonwealth
Marlborough House, headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat
Traditionally, the head of the Commonwealth is declared to be the British monarch, currently Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. As the head of the Commonwealth, she does not perform any formal functions and her role in the daily activities of the organization is only symbolic. In 17 Commonwealth states, the British monarch is still the de jure head of state, but also does not perform formal functions.
The post of head of the Commonwealth is not a title and is not inherited. When there is a change of monarch on the British throne, the heads of government of the Commonwealth member countries will have to make a formal decision on the appointment of a new head of the organization.
The administrative management of the Commonwealth is carried out by the Secretariat, whose headquarters have been located in London since 1965. Since 2008, the head of the Secretariat has been Kamalesh Sharma (India).
The anniversary of the creation of the Commonwealth - Commonwealth Day - is celebrated in the UK on the second Tuesday in March, and the official name of the British Government's Foreign Office (analogous to the Foreign Office) is still the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Foreign and Commonwealth Office ).
Diplomatic relations
The states belonging to the Commonwealth maintain ordinary diplomatic relations among themselves through High Commissioners ( High Commissioners), having the rank of ambassadors. Diplomatic relations between the Commonwealth countries and other states are carried out as usual.
TYPOLOGY OF COUNTRIES. FORMS OF GOVERNMENT
BRITISH COMMONWEALTH
States within the Commonwealth . This - special shape government system in member countries of the Commonwealth (British), which recognize the Queen of Great Britain as head of state.
In 1931, Great Britain, which began to lose dependent territories, united its former and present colonies as part of the British Commonwealth of Nations, since 1947 it became known as the Commonwealth.
By the beginning of 2007, the Commonwealth included 53 independent states and territories dependent on Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand, which were home to 1.7 billion people (30% of the world population).
The Head of the Commonwealth is the Queen of Great Britain. Most member countries of the Commonwealth are republics (32), 6 - monarchies(Brunei, Lesotho, Malaysia, Swaziland, Samoa, Tonga), 16 countries recognize the Queen of Great Britain as head of state, that is, they are formally constitutional monarchies. The Commonwealth includes countries that are formally equal, but differ in level economic development, ethnic, religious composition population.
Commonwealth member countries have single state language- English, similar systems of legislation, education, public service. All states belonging to the Commonwealth have full sovereignty in their internal and external affairs. Commonwealth does not have a single constitution, no union-contractual agreements, no official attributes; it doesn't appear on international arena(for example, at the UN, in any international actions, etc.). The decisions of its annual conferences are invalid for a country that does not vote for them.
Members of the Commonwealth may be excluded from its composition for actions contrary to the charter (military coups, human rights violations, civil wars ), and also have unconditional right of unilateral exit. Thus, in 1972, the Pakistan, was readmitted in 1989, expelled in 1999, and readmitted in 2004. Expelled in 1961 for apartheid policies. South Africa, which rejoined in 1994. Fiji expelled in 1987, renewed in 1997, suspended in 2006, expelled in 1995 Nigeria, then readopted in 1999, dropped by Zimbabwe in 2002.
The Commonwealth finances and organizes for its members international programs on protection environment, education, scientific and technical cooperation, takes measures to increase mutual trade, etc.
Member countries of the British Commonwealth
|
№ |
Commonwealth member countries |
Head of State |
Year of entry |
Notes |
|
1. |
Antigua and Barbuda |
Queen Elizabeth II |
1981 |
|
|
2. |
Australia |
Queen Elizabeth II |
1931 |
Dependent territories: o. Norfolk, Territory of the Coral Sea Islands, Heard and McDonald Islands, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Fr. Christmas, Ashmore and Cartier Islands |
|
3. |
Bahamas |
Queen Elizabeth II |
1973 |
|
|
4. |
Bangladesh |
The president |
1972 |
|
|
5. |
Barbados |
Queen Elizabeth II |
1966 |
|
|
6. |
Belize |
Queen Elizabeth II |
1981 |
|
|
7. |
Botswana |
The president |
1966 |
|
|
8. |
Brunei |
Sultan |
1984 |
|
|
9. |
Great Britain |
Queen Elizabeth II |
Dependent territories: Anguilla, Bermuda, British territories in Indian Ocean, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn, Hendenson Island. St. Helena and administratively subordinate islands of Tristan da Cunha and Christmas, South. Georgiy and Yuzh. Sandwich Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands |
|
|
10. |
Vanuatu |
The president |
1980 |
|
|
11. |
Ghana |
The president |
1957 |
|
|
12. |
Guyana |
The president |
1966 |
|
|
13. |
Gambia |
The president |
1965 |
|
|
14. |
Grenada |
Queen Elizabeth II |
1974 |
|
|
15. |
Dominica |
The president |
1978 |
|
|
16. |
Samoa |
head of state for life - Chief Malietoa Tanumafili II |
1970 |
|
|
17. |
Zambia |
The president |
1964 |
|
|
18. |
Zimbabwe |
The president |
1980 |
Membership suspended in 2002, expelled in 2003. |
|
19. |
India |
The president |
1947 |
|
|
20. |
Cameroon |
The president |
1995 |
|
|
21. |
Canada |
Queen Elizabeth II |
1931 |
|
|
22. |
Kenya |
The president |
1963 |
|
|
23. |
Cyprus |
The president |
1961 |
|
|
24. |
Kiribati |
The president |
1979 |
|
|
25. |
Lesotho |
King |
1966 |
|
|
26. |
Mauritius |
The president |
1968 |
|
|
27. |
Malawi |
The president |
1964 |
|
|
28. |
Malaysia |
Sultan |
1957 |
|
|
29. |
Maldives |
The president |
1982 |
|
|
30. |
Malta |
The president |
1964 |
|
|
31. |
Mozambique |
The president |
1995 |
|
|
32. |
Namibia |
The president |
1990 |
|
|
33. |
Nauru |
The president |
1968 |
|
|
34. |
New Zealand |
Queen Elizabeth II |
1931 |
Tokelau, as well as the Self-Governing States in Free Association with New Zealand - the Cook Islands and Niue |
|
35. |
Nigeria |
The president |
1960 |
Removed in 1995, readmitted in 1999. |
|
36. |
Pakistan |
The president |
1989 |
Withdrew in 1972, readmitted in 1989, expelled after the 1999 military coup, readmitted in 2004. |
|
37. |
Papua New Guinea |
Queen Elizabeth II |
1975 |
|
|
38. |
Swaziland |
King |
1968 |
|
|
39. |
Seychelles |
The president |
1976 |
|
|
40. |
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
Queen Elizabeth II |
1979 |
|
|
41. |
Saint Kitts and Nevis |
Queen Elizabeth II |
1983 |
|
|
42. |
Saint Lucia |
Queen Elizabeth II |
1979 |
|
|
43. |
Singapore |
The president |
1965 |
|
|
44. |
Solomon Islands |
Queen Elizabeth II |
1978 |
|
|
45. |
Sierra Leone |
The president |
1961 |
|
|
46. |
Tanzania |
The president |
1961 |
|
|
47. |
Tonga |
King |
1973 |
|
|
48. |
Trinidad and Tobago |
The president |
1962 |
|
|
49. |
Tuvalu |
Queen Elizabeth II |
1978 |
|
|
50. |
Uganda |
The president |
1962 |
|
|
51. |
Fiji |
The president |
1997 |
Withdrew in 1987, readmitted in 1997, suspended in 2006 after military coup |
|
52. |
Sri Lanka |
The president |
1948 |
|
|
53. |
South Africa |
The president |
1994 |
Issued in 1961, accepted again in 1994. |
|
54. |
Jamaica |
Queen Elizabeth II |
1962 |
The Commonwealth of Nations is an association of independent states that includes Great Britain and many of its former dominions, colonies and protectorates. Countries included in this union do not have political power on top of each other. It began in 1887, the Balfour Declaration was adopted in 1926, and the status of the Commonwealth was established on December 11, 1931 (by the Statute of Westminster). After which the Commonwealth resembled a kind of union of countries united with Great Britain by a personal union.
Where it all began
The foundation was laid back in the 19th century, and in the early thirties of the 20th century, a statute was adopted defining the rights of a member state of the organization. According to the 1931 document, the British monarch is the head of each country that has recognized the Statute of Westminster and is part of the British Commonwealth of Nations.
At the same time, the document established the legal status of the dominions, and also put into effect the decisions of the conferences of 1926 and 1930. As a result, the dominions were actually recognized independent states, completely equal with Britain, the laws of England also could not apply to them without their consent.
In 1947, the situation changed: with the transformation of India into a republican country and the resulting refusal to recognize the British monarch as head of state, the foundations of unification had to be radically revised. The name, as well as the goals of the organization, changed - humanitarian missions became priority, educational projects etc.
On this moment countries belonging to the Commonwealth of Nations (53 in number) demonstrate different approach to government management. Of these, only 16 are Commonwealth Kingdoms that recognize Elizabeth II as head of state.
States included in the association
The path to the current situation in the 21st century was long. States joined and left the union, suspended membership and resumed it (the example of Fiji, whose membership was suspended by the union due to problems with democracy in the country, is especially instructive here).
However, the process is still ongoing, shaping and changing the modern Commonwealth of Nations. The list of countries is given according to the information on the official website:
- Antigua and Barbuda;
- Bangladesh;
- Botswana;
- Canada;
- Fiji (reinstated as a full member on 26 September 2014);
- Guyana;
- Kenya;
- Malawi;
- Malta;
- Namibia;
- Nigeria;
- Rwanda;
- Seychelles;
- Solomon islands;
- Saint Kitts and Nevis;
- Tonga;
- Uganda;
- Vanuatu;
- Australia;
- Barbados;
- Brunei;
- Cyprus;
- Ghana;
- India;
- Kiribati;
- Malaysia;
- Mauritius;
- Nauru;
- Pakistan;
- Saint Lucia;
- Sierra Leone;
- South Africa;
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines;
- Trinidad and Tobago;
- Great Britain;
- Zambia;
- Bahamas;
- Belize;
- Cameroon;
- Dominica;
- Grenada;
- Jamaica;
- Lesotho;
- Maldives;
- Mozambique;
- New Zealand;
- Papua New Guinea;
- Samoa;
- Singapore;
- Sri Lanka;
- Swaziland;
- Tuvalu;
- Tanzania.
The countries included in the Commonwealth of Nations are united not only by treaties and acts, but also culturally and linguistically: in 11 countries English is one of the official languages, and in another 11 it is the only official language.
Commonwealth Government
As stated on the official website, this is a voluntary association of countries with common values. Queen Elizabeth II formally heads the British Commonwealth of Nations (the list of member countries of this organization is one of the largest in the world), while current administrative leadership is carried out by the Secretariat.
According to the form of government within the union, the distribution is as follows: 32 states are republics, 5 are national monarchies, and 16 recognize the head of the British Queen, represented in each country by a governor-general. However, she does not perform any formal functions or responsibilities.
Business
The list of countries that makes up the Commonwealth of Nations is impressive - states are divided into four different categories, according to the World Bank classification (the ranking is updated annually, reflecting gross national income per capita for the previous year). Of these, 11 have a high level of income, 14 have an above-average income, 18 have a below-average income, and 10 have low level GNI.
Union countries are leaders in many industries around the world: mining is one example precious stones and metals, information Technology, tourism.
Formation of the Commonwealth
The first countries to join the association were Great Britain, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa. They joined the Commonwealth of Nations in 1931. Pakistan and India joined the union in 1947. Sri Lanka - in 1948. Together they form a list of states - the oldest members of the association.
Ghana joined them in 1957.
In the sixties, the British Commonwealth of Nations received new additions: Nigeria (1960), Sierra Leone and Tanzania (1961), Uganda (1962), Kenya (1963), Zambia (1964) joined the union. ). Next - Guyana, Botswana and Lesotho (1966), Swaziland (1968)
Bangladesh joined the union in 1972, Papua New Guinea in 1975.
And finally, the list of countries is completed by Namibia (1990), Mozambique and Cameroon (1995), Rwanda (2009)
Population
In terms of population, the Commonwealth of Nations has 2.2 billion people. India is expected to lead with 1236.7 million. Far behind it are Pakistan, Nigeria and Bangladesh, which are approximately at the same level - 179.2 million, 168.8 million and 154.7 million, respectively. In fourth place, oddly enough, is Great Britain (all numbers and data are taken from the official website of the Commonwealth) - its population, according to the latest data, is 62.8 million people.
The vast country is inhabited by only 34.8 million, while the mainland of Australia belongs to 23.1 million people.
Healthcare and life expectancy
But in the area of health and well-being, everything is quite expected - the highest average is in Australia and Singapore (82 years), Canada and New Zealand (81 years), in the UK, Cyprus and Malta (80 years). On last place Sierra Leone - only 45 years old (according to 2012 data).
The same country leads in the mortality rate of children and newborns, as well as mothers (according to data for 2010-2012). Moreover, Sierra Leone is a state with one of the most high levels fertility in the Commonwealth.
Mozambique and Rwanda
Over the decades, various acts have been adopted and other documents drawn up regulating the actions of the association, what is possible and what is not. There is no single document, like a constitution. The basis for entry is the connection with Great Britain - the road to membership in the Commonwealth is open to former colonies, protectorates and dominions. There were two exceptions to this rule, however: Mozambique, a former colony of Portugal, and Rwanda, a former colony of Belgium and Germany.
The first of them is one of the poorest countries in the world. Mozambique is a state that is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations “not by right, but by grace.” He was included after all the neighboring members of the association expressed a request for Mozambique to join (this is one of the theories).
The background is that after independence in 1975, major reforms were introduced and most of the Portuguese settlers were expelled. Started Civil War, accompanied by serious casualties among the population and migration large quantity refugees.
The war ended only in 1992 - it is not surprising that the country was in decline. Membership in the Commonwealth as a whole is beneficial for the state - this statement is also true for Rwanda, which also managed to survive difficult times (including genocide).
Role and goals in relation to its members
Today, the countries belonging to the British Commonwealth of Nations operate in two directions - disseminating the principles and norms of democracy and promoting development. It is the second largest, after the UN, international union. English plays a very important unifying role, especially since now this language has become one of the ways of business communication.
Great Britain and others carry out various humanitarian missions within the union and provide support in economic and other areas. Although all member countries of the Commonwealth are technically independent, such assistance helps to influence those who provide it on those who need it.
Britain's role within the union
Throughout history, from the formation of the union onwards, the role and attitude of Great Britain towards this union has changed. In the first half of the 20th century, it was mentioned only as Over time, the priorities of politicians shifted towards the European Union, which looked very promising. However, in light latest trends In the EU, the idea of strengthening and developing ties may look increasingly attractive given how extensive the list of states that forms the Commonwealth of Nations is.
The behavior of Great Britain towards Australia can also be interpreted in support of this course. In this country, supporters of the republican form of government have very strong positions, and talk about leaving the Commonwealth occurs regularly.
Visits to Australia by members of the British royal family, as well as the 2011 wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, played a role in increasing prestige. According to statements made by British diplomats in 2011, these visits negated the possibility of Australia becoming a republic in the near future.
A visit from Queen Elizabeth II and the royal wedding have piqued Australian interest, but officials also said Australian society will eventually seek to move away from the queen's authority, even if that power is only symbolic.
A statement from the British Foreign Office indicated that demographic changes in the country are leading to a reduction in the number of citizens who in one way or another feel connected to England. At the same time, a large percentage of the population believes that the creation of a republic is an integral stage in the formation of a state.
Some other countries belonging to the Commonwealth of Nations, however, support the idea of closer cooperation. Similar proposals have already been made, but did not receive majority support due to fears of Great Britain's imperial ambitions.
The probability of integration is still low - too different levels development does not contribute to the complementarity of manufactured products, rather countries those at a lower level compete because they produce the same or similar goods. Nevertheless, they benefit from support from more developed ones. A serious disadvantage of the Commonwealth, however, is considered to be that it does not have strong mechanisms of influence on its members - the only option is to suspend membership in the organization.
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