The Commonwealth of Nations

The Commonwealth is an association of 54 countries working towards shared goals of prosperity, democracy and peace. The Commonwealth Secretariat is the intergovernmental organisation which co-ordinates and carries out much of the Commonwealth's work, supported by a network of more than 80 organisations. The Secretariat works all over the Commonwealth, to: protect the environment and encourage sustainable use of natural resources on land and sea; boost trade and the economy; support democracy, government and the rule of law; develop society and young people, including gender equality, education, health and sport; support small states, helping them tackle the particular challenges they face.