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r1 - The History of the Commonwealth (1)

The Commonwealth originated from the British Empire and evolved into an organization of free and equal members in 1949. It includes 53 diverse countries, with a significant youth population, and promotes shared values and cooperation among its members. Key historical events include Ghana's membership in 1957, South Africa's departure and return, and the establishment of the Commonwealth Secretariat in 1965.

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8 views

r1 - The History of the Commonwealth (1)

The Commonwealth originated from the British Empire and evolved into an organization of free and equal members in 1949. It includes 53 diverse countries, with a significant youth population, and promotes shared values and cooperation among its members. Key historical events include Ghana's membership in 1957, South Africa's departure and return, and the establishment of the Commonwealth Secretariat in 1965.

Uploaded by

contehfuadsamba
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R1 | Commonwealth Games Resource 98

R1: The History of the Commonwealth

In the beginning...

The Commonwealth was born out of the British Empire, which at one time included countries in Asia, Africa, the
Pacific, the Caribbean and the Americas.

The early years

In 1931 it was called the British Commonwealth of Nations, but in 1949 leaders decided to transform it into an
organisation of ‘free and equal members’, and the modern Commonwealth was created.

Ghana became a member in 1957. It was the first of many African countries to join the Commonwealth as
independent nations in the 1950s and 1960s.

In 1961 South Africa left the Commonwealth because of its policy of segregating white and black people.
Commonwealth leaders supported the struggle against white minority rule.

In 1965 the Commonwealth Secretariat was created. It is based in Marlborough House in London to promote
shared values across member countries. The Commonwealth Secretariat encourages members to get together to
talk about their concerns and ideas.

Many other countries, big and small, from all parts of the globe and with different cultures, languages and faiths
are now part of the Commonwealth. In 2018, The Gambia rejoined the Commonwealth, almost five years after
leaving the organisation.

In the 1990s countries like Namibia, Cameroon and Mozambique, which were never part of the British Empire, also
joined.

In 1994 South Africa returned to the Commonwealth as a multi-racial and democratic country, under the leadership
of Nelson Mandela.

The Head of the Commonwealth is Queen Elizabeth II. She is also Head of State for 16 Commonwealth member
countries. Other countries are republics or have their own monarch. The next Head of the Commonwealth will be
decided by the heads of the Commonwealth countries.

About 60% of the people in the Commonwealth are under 30 years old. The Commonwealth Youth Council helps
young people to work together and share their ideas with decision makers.

about 30% of the world’s people live in the Commonwealth? That’s nearly two and a half billion adults and children!

The Commonwealth is a vibrant family of 53 countries spread across every continent and ocean.

The people of the Commonwealth are a diverse group. Some live in very small islands like Nauru in the Pacific, and
some live in big countries like India in Asia.

Commonwealth people work together by sharing ideas and experiences, skills and knowledge.

It is about friendship and respect between individuals and nations.

All countries in the Commonwealth are independent and equal nations.

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