1. The Commonwealth - origins: (the origins of the Commonwealth goes back to the 18^th century when the USA became independent; Britain was afraid that other colonies would do the same; to protect its powerful international position, British Empire was transformed into the British Commonwealth):

• 1839 – report on discontent in the Canadian colonies,

• 1850s – the system of responsible government (the country ruled itself but it recognised British monarch as the head of the country),

• after I World War the British Commonwealth:

• Australia,

• New Zealand,

• South Africa,

• the Irish Free State,

(after II World War some countries in Africa wanted to be independent – they started fighting and the United Kingdom decided to give them freedom),

• after II World War the Commonwealth of Nations:

• 1947 – India and Pakistan became independent (there were some religious conflicts between them: Hindus and Moslems)

(the United Kingdom gave the choice to be in the Commonwealth or not to be in it)

• colonies that did not join: Burma, Yemen,

• colonies that joined, then left: Rhodesia, Pakistan, South Africa, Ireland,

• last entry was in 2009 – Rwanda.

2. The Commonwealth now – it is the free association of about 50 independent states:

• without written law,

• without elected parliament,

• without supreme body,

• the Queen of the United Kingdom is the head of the Commonwealth (but she doesn’t decide for others),

• there is big British influence on education, law, parliamentary procedures.

(the Commonwealth give the help to other countries which are in this organisation when they need it)

3. The symbol of the Commonwealth:

4. Commonwealth countries are:

• kingdoms: Malaysia, Tonga, Brunei, Lesotho,

• republics (most of them): India, Ghana, Malta, Cyprus,

• dominions (the head of them is British monarch but they ruled itself): Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Jamaica.

5. Commonwealth secretariat:

• it is based in London,

• it is staffed by people from all countries,

• cost is paid by member governments – contribution on the basis of income and population:

• main countries which cover costs are:

• the United Kingdom: 30%,

• Canada: 16%,

• Australia: 8%,

• poor countries pay very little,

• it promotes consultation, distribution of information,

• it organises meetings, conferences, training courses.

6. There are some events connected with the Commonwealth. The most popular is Commonwealth Games. It is the third largest event in the world. There are some rules connected with this event: only members of the Commonwealth can participate in it.

7. The Commonwealth has different foundations:

• Commonwealth Foundation:

• it is intergovernmental organisation,

• it was established by heads of governments in 1965,

• the main aim of it is to support development of professional organisations,

• Commonwealth Business Council (promotion of trade).

8. The aim of the Commonwealth:

The aim of this organisation is to eliminate discrimination, aggression and inequality and to promote world peace and cooperation in trade and development.