The Beginning

Most of the countries in the Commonwealth were once ruled by Britain. This is why English is the common language. In 1931, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa (which had once been ruled by Britain, but were now independent) decided to join Britain in a club called the Commonwealth of Nations.

The Birth of the Modern Commonwealth

In 1947, India and Pakistan became independent after a long struggle against Britain. Two years later India decided that it also wanted to stay in the Commonwealth as a republic and agreed to accept the British king or queen as a symbol. The Commonwealth became ‘a free association of independent nations.’ The modern multi-racial Commonwealth was born.

First Black African Country Joins

In 1957, Ghana, in west Africa, became independent of British rule. Its leader Kwame Nkrumah decided to join the Commonwealth. In the 1960s and 1970s, many other countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the Pacific became independent. Some had fought wars for their freedom. Yet almost all joined the Commonwealth.

Fighting Against Racism

In 1961, South Africa left the Commonwealth because of its racist policies of apartheid. In 1971, Commonwealth leaders agreed to work for racial justice and supported the struggle of South Africans against white minority rule. The Commonwealth strongly opposes racism.

Talking to Each Other

In 1965, the Commonwealth Secretariat in London became the headquarters of the Commonwealth. This encouraged the member countries to talk to each other and help those who needed it. Although the Secretariat is based in the UK, the people who work there come from all parts of the Commonwealth.

Freedom for South Africa

In 1994, South Africa returned to the Commonwealth as a multi-racial democracy under the leadership of Nelson Mandela. He famously said: “The Commonwealth makes the world safe for diversity.” This means that the Commonwealth is a good example of how different people from different countries can work together for good things.

Other Countries Join

Namibia joined in 1990, Cameroon and Mozambique joined in 1995 and Rwanda in 2009.

The 21st Century and Beyond

Many other countries with different cultures, languages and faiths now want to be part of the Commonwealth club. Big countries, small countries, rich countries, poor countries are all treated the same. This is quite an achievement!