A briefing for journalists | April 2020 Fast Facts: The Commonwealth

Overview Headline facts The Commonwealth is made up of 54 independent The Commonwealth’s population is 2.4 billion, of countries working together to pursue common goals which more than 60 percent is aged 29 or under. that promote development, democracy and peace. Worldwide, one in three young people aged Our combined population is 2.4 billion, of which more between 15 and 29 live in Commonwealth than 60 per cent is aged 29 or under. countries: about 640 million out of 1.8 billion.1 The Commonwealth spans the globe and includes The Commonwealth has observed over 160 both advanced economies and developing countries. elections in nearly 40 countries since It encompasses Africa (19 countries), Asia (8), the 1980. Caribbean and Americas (13), Europe (3), and the Pacific (11). The combined gross domestic product of Commonwealth countries is estimated at US$11.6 The Commonwealth’s strength lies in its shared trillion in 2018 and predicted to reach US$13 values and diversity. Thirty-two of our members are trillion in 2020.2 small states, usually with a population under 1.5 million, and 25 members are small island developing Bilateral costs for trading partners in states. Commonwealth countries are on average 21 per The Pacific nation of is the smallest cent less than between those in non-member 3 Commonwealth member country with a population of countries. A real Commonwealth Advantage. just over 12,000. The most populous member country Half of the top 20 global emerging cities are in the is with over 1.2 billion people. Commonwealth: New Delhi, Mumbai, Nairobi, Kuala Lumpur, Bangalore, Johannesburg, Kolkata, Cape 4 Our organisations Town, Chennai and Dhaka. The Commonwealth is connected by an active Many small and developing Commonwealth network of more than 80 intergovernmental, civil countries are among those with the lowest society and professional organisations, including: ecological footprints worldwide.5 Commonwealth countries are among the highest o – supporting member countries performing in the Ibrahim Index of African 6 o Commonwealth Foundation – supporting Governance and make up 7 of the top 10 nations. civil society In Sub-Saharan Africa, Commonwealth countries o – promoting distance learning and education make up 7 of the top 10 highest performing countries for gender equality.7 o Federation – promoting sports development

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1 Commonwealth Secretariat Youth Development Index 2016 5 , , India, , , , 2 Commonwealth Secretariat calculations using International , , , , are in Monetary Fund’s World Economic Outlook top 30 for lowest footprint per capita WWF - Happy Planet Index 3 Commonwealth Trade Review 2020 (forthcoming) 6 The Commonwealth scores 60.0 next to an average Africa score of 4 Cities in low- and middle- income countries predicted to become 50.0. Top ranked Commonwealth countries are , global leaders in terms of business activity, human capital and , , , , and Rwanda innovation in 10-20 years AT Kearney Emerging Cities Outlook Ibrahim Index of African Governance 2017 2014 7 Rwanda, Namibia, South Africa, Mozambique, , Botswana and Global Gender Gap Report 2017 A briefing for journalists Fast Facts: The Commonwealth

Our values History and membership We the People of the Commonwealth “Recognising that in an era of changing economic The modern Commonwealth was formed on 26 April circumstances and uncertainty, new trade and 1949 when the leaders of , , India, economic patterns, unprecedented threats to , Pakistan, South Africa, and peace and security, and a surge in popular the adopted the demands for democracy, human rights and Declaration. The declaration defined the broadened economic opportunities, the potential Commonwealth as a “free association” of of and need for the Commonwealth – as a independent member countries. compelling force for good and as an effective Between April 2019 and April 2020 we celebrated 70 network for co-operation and for promoting years of the Commonwealth. The modern development – has never been greater.” Commonwealth was born on 26 April 1949 with the signing of the London Declaration. thecommonwealth.org/charter All members have an equal say, regardless of their size or economic status. This ensures that even the smallest countries have a voice in shaping the Commonwealth. In the past two decades, countries which have joined include Mozambique, Cameroon Commonwealth Day is celebrated by young people, and Rwanda. schools, communities and civil society organisations re-joined in February 2018 and Maldives on the second Monday in March every year. It is an re-joined in February 2020. opportunity to promote understanding on Commonwealth values.

Commonwealth Charter A Common Future The Commonwealth’s principles and values have been agreed over the years by our Heads of Government The Commonwealth’s annual theme for 2021 is and articulated in communiqués such as the Harare Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Declaration and the Declaration. Innovating, Transforming. On 14 December 2012, leaders agreed the The theme for the 2021 Commonwealth Heads of Commonwealth Charter which sets out 16 core shared principles to which all member countries have Government Meeting (CHOGM), for Commonwealth committed. The charter covers: Day and for the work of the Commonwealth more Article 1. Democracy generally is: Delivering a Common Future: Article 2. Human Rights Connecting, Innovating, Transforming. Article 3. International Peace and Security Article 4. Tolerance, Respect and Understanding Article 5. Freedom of Expression This theme was chosen because Commonwealth Article 6. Separation of Powers Article 7. Rule of Law countries are connected by deep-rooted networks Article 8. Good Governance of friendship and goodwill. Article 9. Sustainable Development Article 10. Protecting the Environment Article 11. Health, Education, Food and Shelter Article 12. Gender Equality Article 13. Young People in the Commonwealth Article 14. The Needs of Small States Article 15. The Needs of Vulnerable States Article 16. The Role of Civil Society A briefing for journalists Fast Facts: The Commonwealth

Our structure Heads of Government summit Every two years the leaders of our 54 countries gather for the Commonwealth Heads of Government The Head of the Commonwealth is Queen Elizabeth II. Meeting (CHOGM). A major global event, this The Queen, who has fulfilled her symbolic role as intergovernmental summit is an opportunity for Heads Head for over 60 years, is also head of state of 16 to address shared challenges and set new priorities. Commonwealth countries; other member countries Decisions are reached by consensus with statements are either republics or have their own monarchy. reflecting the views of all those present. Responsibility for hosting the summit is shared by member countries. The next Heads of Government Commonwealth Secretary-General Meeting will be hosted by Rwanda. Past meetings were in United Kingdom (2018), (2015), Sri The Commonwealth Secretary-General promotes and Lanka (2013), Australia (2011), Trinidad protects the Commonwealth’s fundamental values, and Tobago (2009), Uganda (2007). represents the Commonwealth globally, and manages the Commonwealth Secretariat. She or he is appointed by leaders and can serve a maximum of two four-year terms. Ministerial meetings Commonwealth Secretary-General , Government ministers responsible for foreign affairs, who was born in , became Secretary-General finance, law, youth development, women’s affairs, on 1 April 2016 having been appointed by health and education meet regularly to discuss issues Commonwealth Heads of Government at their of shared concern and agree areas for action. meeting in Malta in November 2015. Policy priorities agreed at Commonwealth meetings will typically be promoted by member governments at other international forums and intergovernmental Commonwealth Secretariat organisations, such as the African Union and the Caribbean Community. The Commonwealth Secretariat works with governments to deliver on priorities agreed by Commonwealth Heads of Government. We bring policy-makers together and provide guidance and Ministerial Action Group technical assistance to member countries. The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group deals Based at in London, the with serious or persistent violations of the Secretariat is staffed by professionals from across the Commonwealth’s shared principles. It is made up of a Commonwealth. Our programme work encompasses rotating group of foreign ministers from nine areas such as democracy, rule of law, human rights, countries. governance, economic and social development, small The Group engages proactively and constructively states and youth development. with countries where Commonwealth values are at The Commonwealth Secretariat, alongside the risk. It meets to assess the nature of any Secretary-General, represents the interests of contraventions and works with countries to agree on member countries, especially small and developing a course of action to restore democracy and states who can sometimes be overshadowed by constitutional rule. larger, more powerful countries. Suspension is one of the actions that can be taken by In 2015 the Commonwealth Secretariat celebrated its the Group. This means that a country is prevented 50th anniversary, having been established in 1965. from taking part in Commonwealth activities and it will no longer be eligible for technical assistance. No country has ever been expelled from the Commonwealth.