Guide Note:The Commonwealth is a voluntary group of 53 sovereign states. It is an international organization in which countries with varying backgrounds work towards common goals as stated in the Singapore Declaration. In 1991 the Harare Declaration allowed action to be taken against members who go against these principles. Queen Elizabeth II is the Head of the Commonwealth. She is recognized as the symbol of the free association of the members. The Queen’s position is only symbolic and the Secretary-General is the executive officer. The Queen is also the Head of State of the Commonwealth realms Each state is independent and Elizabeth II holds a separate title in each kingdom but they all contain the words “Head of the Commonwealth". Criteria for membership include: members must accept and comply with the Harare principles, be sovereign states, recognize the monarch of the Commonwealth realms as Head of the Commonwealth, English is the official form of communication, respect the wishes of the Commonwealth membership. Requirements are under review and new members will not be accepted until 2009.
Fast Facts:
- AKA: Commonwealth of Nations, British Commonwealth
- Established: 1926
- Replaces British Empire
- Head of Commonwealth: Queen Elizabeth II
- Secretary-General: Kamalesh Sharma
- Headquarters: Marlborough House, London, England
- Members: 53 sovereign states
- The Queen's position is symbolic
- United Kingdom doesn't rule over any members
- Membership closed while requirements are reviewed
