Our Family

The Commonwealth is a global network of 56 countries and almost 2.5 billion people, 60 percent of whom are under 30 years old. Often described as a ‘family’ of nations, the Commonwealth spans every geographical region, religion and culture. Over 70 years in existence, it is home to some of the world’s largest and smallest nations, including both advanced economies and developing countries.

The Commonwealth exists to foster international co-operation and trade links between people all over the world. Every two years, leaders of Commonwealth countries meet to discuss issues affecting the Commonwealth and the wider world at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Her Majesty The Queen is Head of the Commonwealth. Throughout Her Majesty’s reign, the Commonwealth has grown from just eight nations to 56 member countries. During this time, The Queen has played a unique part as a symbol of unity and strength at the heart of the Commonwealth. At the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London, Commonwealth leaders confirmed The Prince of Wales as the future Head of the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth has members on the UN Security Council, two members of the G7, five members of the G20 and representation in every major regional economic group in the world.

"For an organisation that has sometimes appeared to be searching for a purpose, it may now be finding one – as a pioneer for the game-changing solutions some of its 52 members are desperately crying out for”

– The Guardian

Commonwealth
Fashion

It is estimated that the Commonwealth Fashion Industries contribute over 150 billion USD to Commonwealth economies.

Key Statistics

(provided by the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council)

People

The Commonwealth has a 2.4 billion population of which 60 per cent are under 30 years old. It represents a billion middle-class consumers. Economy The combined gross domestic product of Commonwealth countries is predicted to reach US$13 trillion post 2020 (pre-COVID). The Commonwealth represents 40% of the global workforce and half of the top 20 global emerging cities.

Ease of Doing Business

The Commonwealth is an association of 56 countries with well-established trading relationships with partners that share a common language, democratic principles and rule of law. Bilateral costs for trading partners in Commonwealth countries are on average 19 percent less.

Climate Change &
Sustainability

31 of the Commonwealth’s members are small states, and 23 are Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which are among the most vulnerable to the impact of climate change or developmental challenges. The Commonwealth is an advocate for change, giving each state an equal voice.