Common wealth of nations

The common wealth is a voluntary association of the independent countries of the former British Empire i.e It is made up of Britain and countries that were at one point in time or the other British colonies or its depenents

The commonwealth of Nations is made of former colonies of Britain itself at the centre of the Union.

The original members of the Union are Canada, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Ireland.

The Queen of England is the Symbolic Head of the Free Association of the independent member states.

The statute of Westminster of 1931 gave legal recognition to the independent status of the member states.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMON WEALTH

1. The prospective country must have at one point in time or the other been British colony or its dependent.
2. The prospective member country must have attained full political independence.
3. Intending member country must be prepared to accept or recognize the British Crown as the permanent Head of the Commonwealth.
4. The intending member country must be prepared to accept other member nations as equals and refrain from racial discrimination.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE COMMON WEALTH

1. To co-operate and find solutions to problems confronting her member-nations in the areas of education, trade, finance, medicine, agriculture, science, sports and international affairs.
2. To foster friendly relations among member-nations.
3. To respect and protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of member nations
4. Promotion of sports among member states so that it will enhance the spirit of friendship and co-operation.
5. To contribute to the economic development of member-states through the offering of financial, material, manpower and technical aids.

EVALUATION

1. Account for the historical background of the Commonwealth of Nations.
2. State the qualifications for the membership of the Commonwealth of Nations.
3. List the aims and objectives of the Commonwealth of Nations.