akibun 0 Posted March 23, 2003 Share Posted March 23, 2003 Hello! How is everyone. I have another question Can someone explain simple about what is The Commonwealth (group of countries)? I try to find but it is not easy to understand it. Thanks Link to post Share on other sites
Markie 0 Posted March 24, 2003 Share Posted March 24, 2003 Great Britain at one point in history had the most powerful navy in the world. Through this they were able to conquer and control many lands in the Americas, Asia and Africa. Later most of these countries became independent, including U.S.A. and Canada. Some countries, like the U.S.A. had to fight for independence, and some became independent peacefully by agreement. Some places are still under British control today, for example the Falkland Islands. When the countries became independent, Britain invited them to maintain a special relationship with them. Canada, Australia and New Zealand are examples of those who have maintained this relationship. Other countries chose to cut these links completely, for example, the U.S.A. The Commonwealth is Great Britain and all the places outside Great Britain under British control (called colonies) and all the places which used to be under British control but are now independent (former colonies) which chose to join this Commonwealth and maintain a special relationship with Great Britain and other members. The special relationship was for co-operation but mainly for trade. Members would give lower import taxes to each other. They also organize sports competitions with each other to foster closer co-peration and friendship. Hong Kong was also a member of the Commonwealth before 1997 and my father even took part in the Commonwealth Games once. But after 1997 we withdrew from the Commonwealth. Link to post Share on other sites
zwelgen 0 Posted March 24, 2003 Share Posted March 24, 2003 Just to add a bit more to Markie, the Commonwealth is an international organisation. Its members are ultra diverse and from all over the world, big countries and small countries. The only member that isnt a former Brittish colony is Mozambique which was invited to become a member because it helped the Commonwealth with many things during apartheid Sth Africa and other issues on the African continent. The members meet once a year (you might have seen the acronym CHOGM Commonweath Heads of Government Meeting) and part of this meeting is a weekend retreat. This is an informal time where country leaders can speak candidly and informally with other leaders and this opportunity is unique in international organisations. The Commonwealth does much more than trade too. There are probably close to 100 programs that include internships, aid and development programs as well as strange things like loaning animals for zoos etc. Spot the politics student! Link to post Share on other sites
Ocean11 0 Posted March 24, 2003 Share Posted March 24, 2003 And Britons are often amazed and rather touched that such a thing still exists... Link to post Share on other sites
Markie 0 Posted March 24, 2003 Share Posted March 24, 2003 Interesting, that about Mozambique. So what was it? Formerly Portuguese? Link to post Share on other sites
mogski 0 Posted March 24, 2003 Share Posted March 24, 2003 Commonwealth? That's the name for the Queens Salary isn't it? Taking portions of the taxes paid by each and every indivudual of Commonwealth nations to have for her own so she can buy those boring plaid "frocks" and super ugly hats. Link to post Share on other sites
badmigraine 0 Posted March 24, 2003 Share Posted March 24, 2003 Mogs and I belong to the "Commonpoorth". This is an international society devoted to trading beers and used girlfriends on a poor man's budget. The only pre-requisite is that your body have been colonized by bacteria at some point. Link to post Share on other sites
Markie 0 Posted March 24, 2003 Share Posted March 24, 2003 I have colonies of lice. Can I join as an associate member? Link to post Share on other sites
zwelgen 0 Posted March 25, 2003 Share Posted March 25, 2003 Well Im seriously considering starting a zwelgen empire and covering the globe. It shall be called THE ZWELGENWEATH and will be the mightiest force on earth. If you are all really nice you shall be spared. Lice and bacteria infested people shall be put on the Chattam Is to dwell with the elephant seals. Link to post Share on other sites
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