The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 54 independent and equal sovereign states. The Commonwealth is home to 2.5 billion people and includes both advanced economies and developing countries. Thirty-two of our members are small states, many of which are island nations. Our shared values and principles are inscribed in the Commonwealth Charter.

Member countries are supported by a network of more than 80 intergovernmental, civil society, cultural and professional organisations.

The last country to join the commonwealth is Rwanda.

Member countries

54

Independent countries make up the Commonwealth in Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Pacific.

32

Of the world’s 42 small states are Commonwealth members, each with a population of 1.5 million or less.

2.5 billion

Citizens live in Commonwealth countries, with more than 60 per cent aged 30 or under.