Commonwealth of Nations

Commonwealth of Nations, association of Britain and over 40 former colonies, now independent states, and their dependencies. Although not governed by a constitution or specific treaty, member states are linked by economic and cultural interests. The British monarch is recognized as the symbolic head of the commonwealth. Commonwealth prime ministers and other officials meet at periodic conferences and exchange views on international, economic, and political affairs of mutual interest. Member states range in size from Canada, Australia, and India to Tonga and Fiji. Ireland has withdrawn from the commonwealth.