The Commonwealth is an association of 53 independent states consulting and co-operating in the common interests of their peoples and in the promotion of international understanding. Tonga joined the Commonwealth in 1970 when it became independent.
The Commonwealth Secretariat, established in 1965 is the main intergovernmental agency of the Commonwealth, facilitating consultation and co-operation among member governments and countries.
The association does not have a written constitution, but it does have a series of agreements setting out its beliefs and objectives. These Declarations or Statements were issued at various Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings. The first fundamental statement of core beliefs is the 'Declaration of Commonwealth Principles' which was issued at the 1971 summit in Singapore.
The Commonwealth is active in a number of areas including development, democracy, debt management and trade.