THE COMMONWEALTH OF NATIONS

For over 55 years, The Queen has been Head of the Commonwealth. This is an important symbolic and unifying role. As Head, Her Majesty personally reinforces the links by which the Commonwealth joins people together from around the world. At present there are over 2 billion people living in Commonwealth states, around 30% of the total population of the world.

One of the ways of strengthening these connections is through regular Commonwealth visits. During her reign, The Queen has visited every country in the Commonwealth (with the exception of Cameroon, which joined in 1995 and Rwanda, which joined in 2009) and made many repeat visits. One third of The Queen's total overseas visits are to Commonwealth countries, which at present numbers 54 member states, although the count varies depending on the politics of individual countries, e.g. Zimbabwe left the Commonwealth in 2003 over concerns over the rule of its President, Robert Mugabe.

The Queen keeps in touch with Commonwealth developments through regular contact with the Commonwealth Secretary-General and his Secretariat. This is the Commonwealth's central organisation. Based in London, it co-ordinates many Commonwealth activities, usually linked to education, development as well as sport and culture. Her Majesty also has regular meetings with Heads of Government from Commonwealth countries.

What do you think?

Is the Commonwealth a remnant of the former British imperialism?

Or does it provide benefits for those involved?

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