States included in the British Commonwealth. My Coins' Collection (Commonwealth of Nations) - My coins - British Commonwealth of Nations. This is a very large organization

(English) Commonwealth of Nations), briefly called simply Commonwealth(English) The Commonwealth) - uniting mainly countries that were previously part of British Empire. These countries, located on five continents, are linked to the UK by a common historical past and common declared values, such as democracy, equality, human rights and freedoms. Despite the difference in social, political and economic structure, members of the Commonwealth are pursuing development friendly relations and full cooperation, recognizing the British monarch as the symbolic head of their unity.

History of the Commonwealth of Nations.

The modern Commonwealth of Nations was founded in 1949, but its roots go back to the late 19th century. As early as 1884, British diplomats began to speak of the British Empire as the Commonwealth of Nations. Despite the name change, this organization was still not the voluntary association of equal states that it is today. The colonial territories were still under complete British control.

In the twentieth century, the colonies with a predominant European population - Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa, the status of dominions was granted - virtually independent states, while they became members of the British Commonwealth of Nations. When India and Pakistan gained independence in 1947, and a year later Sri Lanka, they agreed to join the existing association of five states in order to become more familiar with their experience government controlled. After a republican form of government was established in India and it ceased to be subordinate to the British monarchy, it was necessary to radically reconsider fundamental principles organizations. The "British Commonwealth of Nations" was renamed the "Commonwealth of Nations", and the London Declaration adopted in 1949 marked the beginning of the organization's existence in its modern form as a voluntary association of free and independent states.

During the second half of the twentieth century, numerous British colonies gained independence and almost all of them decided to join the Commonwealth of Nations. The number of organization members has grown from eight countries to 53. The last two countries to join, Mozambique and Rwanda, had no previous ties to the British Empire. However, not all countries participate in the Commonwealth continuously. When South Africa adopted a republican form of government in the early 1960s, the new government's bid was rejected due to human rights violations. Following the end of the apartheid regime, South Africa was allowed to renew its membership in 1994. Pakistan left in 1972 to protest the Commonwealth's recognition of Bangladesh as an independent state, but rejoined the organization in 1989. Due to human rights violations, Zimbabwe's membership was suspended in 2002. The Gambia left the Commonwealth in 2013, calling this organization an institution of neo-colonialism, but four years later, on February 8, 2018, it returned. Finally, in 2016, the Maldives announced its decision to leave the Commonwealth due to the organization's interference in its internal affairs.

Goals and objectives of the Commonwealth of Nations.

The original purpose of the Commonwealth of Nations was to maintain the stability of the system of international trade built by the British Empire, and later it helped ensure a smooth transition from colonial trade and economic relations to new capitalist ones. During cold war The Commonwealth was used by Britain as an additional channel of counteraction communist movements in their former colonies in third world countries. Nowadays the commonwealth is a peculiar international forum, in which highly developed economies (such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Singapore and New Zealand) and many of the world's poor countries are striving to reach an agreement based on consensus.

At a meeting of Commonwealth heads of state in Singapore in January 1971, a declaration of principles was adopted confirming the organization's commitment to international peace and order, promoting personal freedom, promoting equality and combating discrimination; the fight against poverty, ignorance and disease; development of international trade and cooperation. The Commonwealth's current priorities, as stated in the 2003 Asorok Declaration, are to promote democracy, good governance, human rights, gender equality and a fairer sharing of the benefits of globalization.

Membership criteria.

The existing criteria for membership are defined in the Kampala Communiqué adopted at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. This document removed the requirement that applicants must be formerly part of the British Empire. In fact, two Commonwealth members, Mozambique and Rwanda, were never part of the British Empire.

The main criteria for admission to the Commonwealth are as follows:

• the applicant country must generally have a historical constitutional association with an existing member of the Commonwealth, unless in exceptional circumstances in which case applications must be considered on a case-by-case basis;
• the applicant country must accept and respect the core values, principles and priorities of the Commonwealth;
• the applicant country must demonstrate a commitment to: democracy and democratic processes; the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary; and the protection of human rights, freedom of expression and equality of opportunity;
• the applicant country must accept Commonwealth rules and conventions, such as the use in English as a means of intra-commonwealth communication and recognize Queen Elizabeth II as the head of the Commonwealth.

Organization structure.

Head of the Commonwealth.

Until 1949, the head of all eight members of the British Commonwealth of Nations was King George VI of the United Kingdom. India, however, despite the establishment of a republican form of government, stated its desire to continue full membership in the Commonwealth. At the Fourth Conference of Heads of Government, members of the organization decided to meet it halfway by adopting the London Declaration, in which they agreed that in the Commonwealth the king would be given a new role - not as a general head, but as “a symbol of the free association of independent states and as such the head of the Commonwealth.”

The title "Head of the Commonwealth" has become part of the royal title in each of the 16 states that recognize the King of the United Kingdom as their monarch. However, the title is not hereditary - after the death of the monarch, the heir to the crown does not automatically become the head of the Commonwealth.

Currently the title is eldest daughter George VI, Queen Elizabeth II. At the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Charles, Prince of Wales was appointed as her official successor.

Meeting of heads of government of the Commonwealth countries.

The main forum for decision-making of this organization is the Meeting of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth Countries, convened every two years. The heads of government of the participating countries, including (among others) prime ministers and presidents, meet for several days to discuss issues of mutual interest. The Heads of Government Meeting is the successor to the Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Meetings and, earlier, to the Imperial and Colonial Conferences held since 1887. Regular meetings of ministers of finance, ministers of justice, ministers of health, etc. are also convened. Members of the organization in debt cannot send their representatives to either the meeting of heads of government or ministerial meetings.

The head of government of the state hosting the Meeting is called the current Chairman of the Commonwealth and retains this position until the next Meeting. At the Heads of Government Meeting, held from 18 to 20 April 2018 in London, the current Chair was British Prime Minister Theresa May, a position she will remain in until the next Meeting, to be held in 2020 in Rwanda.

Commonwealth Secretariat.

The Commonwealth Secretariat is the principal intergovernmental body and central agency of the Commonwealth of Nations. The Secretariat was founded by a decision of the Prime Ministerial Meeting in June 1965 to promote cooperation among members; organizing meetings at top level Commonwealth countries; providing assistance and advisory support on policy development and its implementation in the member countries of the Commonwealth. The Secretariat also provides technical support to governments to promote the socio-economic development of their countries and promote the fundamental political values ​​of the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth Secretariat has observer status in General Assembly United Nations. It is located in Marlborough House in London, UK, in the former royal residence, granted to him by Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the Commonwealth.

The Secretariat is headed by the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, who is elected by the heads of government of the Commonwealth for a term of four years no more than twice. The General Secretary and his two deputies supervise the work of eleven branches and three special units members of the Secretariat.

Commonwealth Games.

The Commonwealth Games are international sporting competitions between member countries of the Commonwealth of Nations. The competition was first held in 1930 and has since been held every four years in different cities Commonwealth. The Commonwealth Games were known as the British Empire Games from 1930 to 1950, the British Empire and Commonwealth Games from 1954 to 1966, and the British Commonwealth Games from 1970 to 1974. The 2018 Commonwealth Games took place from 4 to 15 April in Gold Coast, Australia.

The organizing country must include at least 10 sports disciplines in the games program, including: athletics, badminton, boxing (men only), grass bowling, netball (women only), rugby sevens (men only), water sports, hockey, squash and weightlifting. In addition, the games program may include sports such as archery, gymnastics, judo, rowing, basketball, cycling, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, triathlon.

Commonwealth Day.

Commonwealth Day is an annual holiday held in honor of the anniversary of the Commonwealth of Nations. This day was first celebrated in 1902, on January 22, the birthday of Queen Victoria, and was then called Empire Day. Its original purpose was to be "a symbol of the unity of feeling... for those ideals of freedom, justice and tolerance which the British Empire stands for throughout the world." In 1958, Empire Day was renamed Commonwealth Day, and in 1974 its date was moved to the second Monday in March.

Commonwealth Day is a public holiday in some Commonwealth countries, but not in the UK itself. On this day, a multi-faith service is held in Westminster Abbey, usually attended by Queen Elizabeth II as Head of the Commonwealth, along with the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, as well as representatives from each member state. The Queen makes an address to the Commonwealth countries, which is broadcast around the world.

The era of kings and emperors gave way to republics and parliamentary monarchies, and the few kings that remained in power are today significantly limited in their rights. But not the British Queen Elizabeth II. The monarch of Great Britain, in addition to his own country, is the head of 15 other independent states, including Canada and Australia. And this is not a simple formality, as it might seem at first glance.

The monarchs of Sweden, Spain, Denmark, the Netherlands and other European kingdoms perform largely representative functions without playing a significant role in the political life of their states. The British monarch, who has been Elizabeth II for more than 65 years, although she has limitations in her power in the form of the British Parliament, nevertheless has a number of key capabilities.

For example, the Queen has the right to reject the candidacy of a prime minister who, in her opinion, is not suitable for the state. There are also two known cases in British history when Elizabeth II personally appointed a prime minister. In addition, the Queen can dissolve Parliament with the support of 2/3 of the House of Commons.

The British Queen is the head of the armed forces of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (this is the full name of the country that we often simply call Great Britain). It is she who has the right to declare war or make peace, and also to direct active army to places of hostilities.

Every week, the Queen hosts the current Prime Minister for an “exchange of views.” Of course, the content of these conversations is not disclosed, but judging by regular meetings, the relationship between the British Queen and the country's Prime Minister is much deeper than it might seem from the outside. In addition, in Great Britain there is a Privy Council, which daily serves the Queen Required documents for studying. The Queen of Great Britain is the head of the Anglican Church. And finally, the British monarch has immunity. A civil suit or criminal case cannot be filed against the person of the monarch.

Elizabeth II is the head of state not only of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and all colonies belonging to the country, but also of 15 other states that are officially independent. These countries were former colonies of the British Empire, but after gaining independence, the British monarch officially remained the head of state.

The British Queen is the head of the Commonwealth of Nations, which, in addition to these 15 countries, includes India, South Africa, Pakistan and many others. In all other members of the Commonwealth of Nations, the British Queen is not the head of state. Among these 15 states there are both the largest countries in the world by area, for example, Canada, and very small ones. Elizabeth II appoints governors general, who are her representatives in these countries. In addition to many other rights, the British Queen leads the armed forces of all these countries, through the same governors general. So, let's take a look at the possessions of the British queen:

Australia

This state with a population of 24.8 million people (according to statistics for 2018) occupies an entire continent. And although in last years There is an active debate on turning Australia into a republic, the Queen is still the head of state.

Antigua and Barbuda

An island nation in the Caribbean with a population of approximately 93,500 people (2016 estimate).

Bahamas

State located on the islands in Atlantic Ocean, in whose territory 321,800 people live (according to 2014 estimates).

Barbados

Barbados is a Caribbean island nation with a population of approximately 277,800 (2010 estimate).

Belize

A Central American state with a population of 347,370 people (as of 2015).

Grenada

A small island nation in the Caribbean with a population of 107,800 (2010 estimate).

Canada

This second largest country in the world is a former colony of Great Britain and, despite its independence, the British Queen is the head of state, and her powers here are much broader than in Great Britain itself. The population of this country is 36.6 million people (as of 2017).

New Zealand

New Zealand is located on the islands east of Australia and has a population of approximately 4.85 million (2018 estimate).

Papua New Guinea

Island state in Pacific Ocean with a population of 7.3 million (2013 estimate).

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Another independent state in Caribbean with a population of 104,200 (as of 2010).

Saint Kitts and Nevis

About 50,000 people live on the territory of this state in the Caribbean Sea (as of 2010).

Saint Lucia

A small state in the Caribbean with a population of 160,900 people (as of 2010).

Solomon islands

These islands in the Pacific Ocean are home to 515,800 people (2009 census).

Tuvalu

The tiny islands in the Pacific Ocean are home to about 11,200 people (as of 2011).

Jamaica

Jamaica is located on an island of the same name in the Caribbean Sea and is home to 2.93 million people (2014 estimate).

IN total, together with the population of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the colonial lands, Elizabeth II has more than 140 million subjects worldwide.

The American British Colonies' War of Independence ended, as we know, with a victory for the colonies. The British Empire lost 13 colonies, leaving only Canada on the North American continent.

In this regard, the formation of two various points views on Britain's future policy towards overseas possessions. Supporters of one advocated the expansion of British influence in India and the Far East, while supporters of the second believed that expanding influence was certainly necessary, but it was necessary to allow the development of self-government in the colonies in order to prevent a repetition of the War of Independence of the North American colonies.

Gradually, reforms began to be carried out, as a result of which the differences became even more obvious between those colonies in which the development of territories was carried out by settlers from Britain and where there were already prospects for the development of self-government, and those territories where, after the conquest, direct forms of British rule were established.

Despite a lot of differences, both colonies are more or less independent public education with the local government, which had the right to pursue independent policies.

This approach gave impetus to the development of parliamentary forms of government in the colonies and the opportunity to establish the rule of law. The latter was greatly facilitated by the spread of the English language and its use in the administrative and educational spheres.

While the mother country was discussing the development of self-government in the colonies, Canada took the initiative into its own hands and in 1837, Upper and Lower Canada rebelled. The main demand was to secure the rights of colonial self-government, which were first established by American revolutionaries 60 years ago.

Representatives of the authorities reacted quite quickly and in 1839 Lord Durham, Governor General of the British North America, made a proposal to form a government cabinet in the colonies, similar to the British one.

This colonial assembly and responsible to it executive branch received the right to exercise control over internal politics, however, Great Britain retained the right to cast a decisive vote in the following areas colonial policy:

• control over public lands,
• form of colonial constitutions,
• foreign policy,
• international trade,
• defense.

All these restrictions were lifted before the end of the First World War.

Development

The term "Commonwealth of Nations" was first used by British Prime Minister Lord Roseberry in 1884. Officially, the basis of the new colonial policy and the status of the Commonwealth were established at the colonial conference held in 1887 in London.

The most developed colonies acquired the status of dominions. Now they have become, de jure, autonomous quasi-state entities, and de facto - independent states. However, this did not in any way affect their entry into the British Commonwealth of Nations - an association designed to unite the vast British Empire.

Among the first dominions to emerge were Canada, the Commonwealth of Australia and New Zealand, later the Union of South Africa, the Dominion of Newfoundland and Ireland.

One of the most significant stages in the history of the Commonwealth was the Second World War. After its end, or rather, since 1946, from the “British Commonwealth of Nations” this association became simply the “Commonwealth of Nations”.

Events in India, which gained independence in 1947 and established a republican form of government on its territory, prompted a thorough revision of the provisions on the existence of the Commonwealth.

In addition to changing the name, the goals of the association’s activities were also adjusted: now humanitarian missions are put at the forefront, educational activities And so on. Within the framework of the Commonwealth, states that differ in their level of development and the nature of their economy have the opportunity to cooperate at a new level as equal partners.

According to the new agreements, each of the Commonwealth countries has the unconditional right to unilaterally withdraw from the organization.

Participating countries

The Commonwealth currently includes 17 countries (not counting Great Britain), which are also called Commonwealth Realms. The total population of the Commonwealth countries is about 1.8 billion, which is approximately 30% of the total population of the planet. Formally, the head of these states is recognized as the British monarch, who is represented by the governor-general.

This does not prevent the majority of member countries from recognizing the authority of the British Crown, which in no way affects their status within the Commonwealth. It is not initially political organization and therefore Great Britain has no right to interfere in the politics of its members.

Not all countries that are part of the Commonwealth today had colonial ties with the British Empire. The first of these countries to join the organization was Mozambique. The Commonwealth has never included: Burma and Aden, Egypt, Israel, Iraq, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman. There have been cases of secession from the Commonwealth (Zimbabwe), including with the subsequent restoration of membership. For example, this happened with Pakistan and South Africa.

Structure of the British Commonwealth

The head of the Commonwealth of Nations is the British monarch, currently held by Elizabeth II. The post of head of the Commonwealth is not a title and is not inherited. When the monarch changes, the head of government of the Commonwealth member countries will have to make a formal decision on the appointment of a new head of the organization.

Administrative management is carried out by the Secretariat, whose headquarters have been in London since 1965. Since 2008, the Commonwealth Secretariat has been headed by Kamalesh Sharma (India).

• Free electronic encyclopedia Wikipedia, section "Commonwealth of Nations".
• Free electronic encyclopedia Wikipedia, section "British Empire".
• Free electronic encyclopedia Wikipedia, section "Overseas Territories".
• Great Soviet Encyclopedia
• Encyclopedia Around the World

Great Britain remained a huge colonial empire for quite a long time, but in the nineteenth century its political course was revised. British Commonwealth nations - a voluntary union of several countries, initially concluded in order to change relations with the colonies of the empire. The association operates successfully today, however, the original principles of work and modern politics differ significantly.

Historical background

After the British colonies achieved recognition of independence in America, only the territory of Canada remained under the rule of the crown. This entailed a revision of English policy towards a more loyal external political course, as well as the possibility of autonomy for the colonies under the rule of local politicians.

The first colony where parliament appeared and local government, however, under the control of British representatives, it became. At the same time, Great Britain reserved the right to make a final decision on a number of political issues - this concerned, first of all, control of land, external political activity and trade relations, defense issues and the actual norms of the local constitution in the territory of the colony. But all restrictions were removed before the end of the First World War.

Fundamental Principles

The main principles of the Commonwealth of Nations were first drawn up at the end of the nineteenth century, as part of a colonial conference held in London. The most developed colonial territories within the British Empire, after changing the course of foreign policy, were supposed to become autonomous entities, however, in reality this looked like recognition of the independence of the countries within Great Britain. The first dominions were Canada, Australia, as well as New Zealand, Ireland, and Newfoundland.

A significant stage in the history of the association was the Second World War. After the end of hostilities, the sign of belonging to Great Britain was removed from the name of the British Commonwealth of Nations. The subsequent declaration of Indian independence and the establishment of a republic on its territory led to the need to revise the basic principles. The main areas of activity were humanitarian missions, including educational ones, which should not influence domestic policy countries All members of the union were provided equal rights- regardless of the level of the economy. Each participant can leave the Commonwealth voluntarily at any time. and also take advantage of the opportunity to temporarily suspend membership.

Members of the Commonwealth

There are currently fifty-three countries within the Commonwealth, including Great Britain. The total population of the participating countries is almost 1.8 billion, which is about thirty percent of the world population. Formally, the head of the seventeen former colonies, which are called the Commonwealth Kingdoms, is ruled by the British monarch, but this does not prevent some countries from denying the power of Britain without changing their own status within the union.

Not all countries that are part of the Commonwealth today were former colonies of the British Empire - for example, Mozambique.

Management and control

The head of the Commonwealth of Nations is the British monarch, Elizabeth II, but this is a symbolic position that does not imply actual functions. The post of head of this association is not inherited - in the event of a change of monarch, the new head will be elected at a meeting of all members of the Commonwealth. Administrative work the union is controlled by the Secretariat, main office which is located in London.

TYPOLOGY OF COUNTRIES. FORMS OF GOVERNMENT

BRITISH COMMONWEALTH

States within the Commonwealth . This is a special form government structure in member countries of the Commonwealth (British), which recognize the Queen of Great Britain as head of state.

In 1931, Great Britain, which began to lose dependent territories, united its former and present colonies as part of the British Commonwealth of Nations, since 1947 it became known as the Commonwealth.

By the beginning of 2007, the Commonwealth included 53 independent states and territories dependent on Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand, which were home to 1.7 billion people (30% of the world population).

The Head of the Commonwealth is the Queen of Great Britain. Most member countries of the Commonwealth are republics (32), 6 - monarchies(Brunei, Lesotho, Malaysia, Swaziland, Samoa, Tonga), 16 countries recognize the Queen of Great Britain as head of state, that is, they are formally constitutional monarchies. The Commonwealth includes countries that are formally equal, but differ in the level of economic development and the ethnic and religious composition of the population.

Commonwealth member countries have single state language- English, similar systems of legislation, education, public service. All states belonging to the Commonwealth have full sovereignty in their internal and foreign affairs. Commonwealth does not have a single constitution, no union-contractual agreements, no official attributes; it does not act in the international arena (for example, at the UN, in any international events, etc.). The decisions of its annual conferences are invalid for a country that does not vote for them.

Members of the Commonwealth may be excluded from its composition for actions contrary to the charter (military coups, violation of human rights, civil wars ), and also have unconditional right of unilateral exit. Thus, in 1972, the Pakistan, was readmitted in 1989, expelled in 1999, and readmitted in 2004. Expelled in 1961 for apartheid policies. South Africa, which rejoined in 1994. Fiji expelled in 1987, renewed in 1997, suspended in 2006, expelled in 1995 Nigeria, then readopted in 1999, dropped by Zimbabwe in 2002.

The Commonwealth finances and organizes for its members international programs on protection environment, education, scientific and technical cooperation, takes measures to increase mutual trade, etc.

Member countries of the British Commonwealth