Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

What is the Commonwealth and why is Australia a member?

The Dhol Foundation drummers during the BBC's Celebration for Commonwealth Day
The Dhol Foundation drummers during the BBC's Celebration for Commonwealth Day Source: AAP

The Commonwealth is a free association of sovereign states, made up of the United Kingdom and a number of its former dependencies - including Australia.


Published

By Allan Lee

Source: SBS


Share this with family and friends


The Commonwealth is a free association of sovereign states, made up of the United Kingdom and a number of its former dependencies - including Australia.



Latest podcast episodes

Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world