Countries of the Commonwealth

These territories take part in Commonwealth activities and benefit from technical assistance. Over the years three countries left the Commonwealth but then rejoined at a later date. South Africa left in 1961 because of Commonwealth opposition to its racist policies - it rejoined as a multiracial democracy in 1994. Pakistan left in 1972 but rejoined in 1989.

Fiji Islands left in 1987, but rejoined in 1997. Most member countries have either been under British rule at some point, or have been associated with another Commonwealth country. However, Mozambique joined the association in 1995, even though it had no such association.

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