Commonwealth

:Alternative meanings: the Commonwealth of Nations or Commonwealth of Independent States

International or Multinational

Commonwealth of Nations

When capitalised, "Commonwealth" refers to the Commonwealth of Nations - formerly the "British Commonwealth" - a loose confederation of nations formerly members of the British Empire (with one exception, ie: Mozambique). The Commonwealth's membership includes both republics and monarchies and the (appointed, not hereditary) head of the Commonwealth of Nations is Queen Elizabeth II. She also reigns as monarch directly in a number of states, known as Commonwealth Realms, notably the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Jamaica and others.

Related Topics:
Commonwealth of Nations - Confederation - British Empire - Mozambique - Queen Elizabeth II - Commonwealth Realm - United Kingdom - Australia - Canada - New Zealand - Jamaica

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Commonwealth of Independent States

The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) is a loose alliance or confederation consisting of 12 of the 15 former Soviet Republics. Its creation signaled the dissolution of the Soviet Union, its purpose being to "allow a civilized divorce" between the Soviet Republics. The CIS has developed as forum by which the member-states can co-operate, and even integrate, in areas of economics, defense and foreign policy.

Related Topics:
Commonwealth of Independent States - Alliance - Former Soviet Republics - Soviet Union - Soviet Republics - Economics - Defense - Foreign policy

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