10 Facts About The Commonwealth

1. The Commonwealth is one of the world's oldest political association of states.

2. The Commonwealth had its origins in the British Empire but its latest members, Rwanda and Mozambique, were never part of the Empire.

3. The Commonwealth is head of state of 16 The Commonwealth countries, referred to as Commonwealth realms.

4. The Commonwealth is a name for countries which were part of the British Empire before they became independent.

5. The Commonwealth has published the Anthem, performed by the Commonwealth Youth Orchestra, with and without an introductory narrative.

6. The Commonwealth Boxing Council has long maintained Commonwealth titles for the best boxers in the Commonwealth.

7. The term "The Commonwealth" was officially adopted to describe the community.

8. The Commonwealth has adopted a number of symbols that represent the association of its members.

9. The Commonwealth is not a private club of the governments or the secretariat.

10. The Commonwealth dates back to the first half of the 20th century with the decolonisation of the British Empire through increased self-governance of its territories.