Commonwealth of Nations

The Commonwealth of Nations, usually known as The Commonwealth, is an association of independent sovereign states, almost all of which are former territories of the British Empire.

Related Topics:
Association - Sovereign state - British Empire

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It was once known as the British Commonwealth of Nations or British Commonwealth, and some still call it by that name, either for historical reasons or to distinguish it from the other commonwealths around the world, such as the Commonwealth of Australia and the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

Related Topics:
Commonwealth - Commonwealth of Australia - Commonwealth of The Bahamas

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Queen Elizabeth II, who is the Head of State of 16 Commonwealth Realms, is the Head of the Commonwealth; this title, however, does not imply any political power over member nations, and merely means the Queen is the titular "head" of the organization, in the same way the Secretary General is the titular head of the United Nations. It is not clear who will replace the Queen as head of the Commonwealth when she dies, as the title is not automatic for British monarchs.

Related Topics:
Queen Elizabeth II - Commonwealth Realm - Head of the Commonwealth - Secretary General

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The Commonwealth is primarily an organization in which countries with diverse economic backgrounds have an opportunity for close and equal interaction. The primary activities of the Commonwealth are designed to create an atmosphere of economic cooperation between member nations, as well as the promotion of democracy, human rights, and good governance in them.

Related Topics:
Organization - Economic - Democracy - Human rights - Governance

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The Commonwealth is not a political union of any sort, and does not allow the United Kingdom to exercise any power over the affairs of the organization's other members. While some nations of the Commonwealth, known as Commonwealth Realms, recognize the British Monarch as their head of state, the majority do not.

Related Topics:
United Kingdom - Commonwealth Realm - British Monarch - Head of state

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