Britain and the Commonwealth

Because it is an island, Britain has always been forced to trade with other countries. During the nineteenth century, Britain traded all over the world and had a large empire overseas. The Commonwealth is an association of the ex-colonies in the Empire and works to encourage cultural relations between members. South Africa was forced to leave the Commonwealth in 1961 because of apartheid. In 1994, after "one person, one vote" elections, South Africa rejoined the Commonwealth.

The members of the Commonwealth have many different styles of government. Some of the countries, such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand recognise the Queen as their head of state. Others, such as India, are republics, and choose their own heads of state. In a referendum held in 1999 Australia decided to remain a constitutional monarchy rather than become a republic. All of the countries recognise the Queen as head of the Commonwealth, though some countries feel there should be an elected leader.

Michael Vaughan-Rees, Geraldine Sweeney, Picot Cassidy: In Britain. 21st Century Edition, Cornelsen Verlag, 2000, page 18