Wikipedia: The Commonwealth

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The Commonwealth is an international organization formed by the United Kingdom and most of its former colonies. The Queen of England is the nominal head of the organization (in practice, the organisation is served by a secretariat headed by a secretary-general). It was formerly known as the British Commonwealth, and many still mistakenly call it by that name.

It mainly restricts itself to encouraging community between nations and to placing moral pressure on members who violate international laws, such as human rights laws, and abandon democratically elected government. Fiji and Pakistan have had their membership suspended because of military coups removing democratic regimes.

The Commonwealth countries also share sporting and cultural links, notably including the sport of cricket. A multi-sport championship called the [Commonwealth Games]? is held every four years, and as well as the usual athletic disciplines that includes sports popular throughout the Commonwealth such as bowls.

It is the successor of the British Empire, that was largely dismantled after World War II, in part due to the influence of the famous Indian pacifist Mohandas Gandhi.

Commonwealth Members:

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