The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of former British colonies, dependencies and other territories - and Mozambique, which has no historical ties to Britain.

Founded in 1931, it was only after India's and Pakistan's independence in 1947 that the Commonwealth defined its modern shape. It dropped the word British from its name (formerly known as the British Commonwealth of Nations), however the British monarch remained the official head of the Commonwealth - recognised by its members as the "symbol of their free association".

The Commonwealth comprises of 53 independent countries, representing around 30% of the world population, and serves to forster international co-operation and trade links between people around the world.

The heads of goverment of member states hold Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings (CHOGM) every two years to discuss issues of common interest. Athletes from the Commonwealth nations compete very four years in the Commonwealth Games.

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