WHAT IS THE ‘COMMONWEALTH’?

The Commonwealth is an association of sovereign nations which support each other and work together towards international goals.

There are 52 member countries, spanning across Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Pacific – all of which have equal say, regardless of size or economic stature. This ensures even the smallest member countries have a voice in shaping the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth Games is open to eligible competitors of the Commonwealth Games Association of all Commonwealth countries, colonies and dependent or associated territories of a Commonwealth country.

Although there are 52 Commonwealth nations, the Commonwealth Sport Movement recognises 74 nations and territories.

Each of these nations/territories has a Commonwealth Games Association. Each of these Commonwealth Games Associations have exclusive authority to send athletes to participate in the Commonwealth Games.

Sport underpins the unique connections and friendships which bring together a third of the world’s population as citizens of the nations and territories of the Commonwealth.

For more than eight decades the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has taken a global leadership role in uniting the Commonwealth’s athletes, citizens and communities through the transformative and connecting power of sport.

Inspired by the diversity and dynamism of the Commonwealth itself and its enduring commitment to human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Among the CGF membership are some of the world’s largest and smallest countries, from India, with over 1.2 billion people to Niue with a population of 1,600.  More than 60% of the Commonwealth citizens are under 30.

Today, the CGF is far more than the curator of a great Games. As a cornerstone of the Commonwealth itself, our dynamic sporting movement – driven by its values of Humanity, Equality and Destiny – has a key role to play in an energised, engaged and active Commonwealth of Nations and Territories. And with new members joining, a hugely successful Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, and preparations for Glasgow 2026 well underway, the Commonwealth is entering an era of renewed relevance.

Every organisation and individual that works with us and supports us in our mission is part of the Commonwealth Sport Movement.