what is common wealth

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal countries, most of which are former territories of the British Empire. It is home to one-third of the worlds population, totaling 2.5 billion people, and includes both advanced economies and developing countries. The Commonwealth members had a combined gross domestic product of over $9 trillion in 2019, with India, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia accounting for 78% of it. The Commonwealth is not restricted to former colonies, and both Mozambique and Rwanda are members despite having no historical tie to the British Empire. The Commonwealths goal is to support member governments and partner with the broader Commonwealth family and others to improve the well-being of all Commonwealth citizens and to advance their shared interests globally. The Commonwealth was formed in 1931 and has been in existence since then.