Which Countries Are Part of the British Commonwealth?

Britain still has an imperial hold on the world.

What Countries Are in the British Commonwealth?

The British Commonwealth was established in 1926 and is now known as the Commonwealth of Nations. Initially, it was a subtle way of continuing British imperialism in countries that slowly gained independence.

Today, the Commonwealth is supposed to be an alliance between England and most of the countries it once ruled, with its stated purpose being cooperation for economic and social development in member countries.

Which countries are part of the British Commonwealth? Here are the 54 states, ranked by population.

54. Tuvalu

Capital: Funafuti

Population: 10,116

Language: Tuvaluan, English

Joined the Commonwealth: 1978

Bottom line: Tuvalu is an island nation in the Pacific. Although it boasts beautiful beaches in its nine islands, its remoteness has ensured it is the least visited country in the world.

Tuvalu joined the Commonwealth in 1978, immediately after gaining independence from Britain. However, King Charles III is still the country's official head of state.

53. Nauru

Capital: Yaren

Population: 10,387

Language: Nauruan, English

Joined the Commonwealth: 1968

Bottom line: Another small island nation on the Pacific, Nauru boasts limestone caves, rivers and lagoons and, of course, miles and miles of sandy beaches.

As with Tuvalu, Nauru continues to depend on England for economic assistance and has King Charles as its official ruler — despite achieving independence before humanity landed on the moon.

52. Saint Kitts and Nevis

Capital: Baseterre

Population: 56,632

Language: English

Joined the Commonwealth: 1983

Bottom line: This twin island nation in the Caribbean is yet another tropical paradise that forms part of the Commonwealth. It is one of the few countries in the region where English is the sole official language, though Saint Kitts creole is also widely spoken. The country's landscape is dominated by green mountains that roll straight into the sea.

Saint Kitts and Nevis is part of the 16 Commonwealth realms, countries where King Charles is the head of state.

51. Dominica

Capital: Roseau

Population: 72,975

Language: English, Dominican Creole

Joined the Commonwealth: 1978

Bottom line: Nicknamed "the Nature Isle," tiny Dominica is known for its effortless natural beauty. Besides the Caribbean beaches people expect, there is a tropical rainforest, numerous natural hot springs, gorges and even a volcanic boiling lake.

Dominica was dominated by the British Empire from the mid-1700s until the late 20th century. However, it is now fully independent.

50. Antigua and Barbuda

Capital: Saint John's

Population: 94,195

Language: English

Joined the Commonwealth: 1981

Bottom line: Although English is the official language of the two islands that make up this nation, their respective creoles are more commonly spoken. The country is part of the Commonwealth realm, so the king rules it in name.

Both islands are marked by beautiful coastal scenery and towns with colorful colonial architecture — a painful reminder of the country's past that has now been reclaimed as a point of pride.

49. Seychelles

Anse Source D'Argent - the most beautiful beach of Seychelles. La Digue Island, Seychelles

Capital: Victoria

Population: 98,248

Language: English, French, Seselwa

Joined the Commonwealth: 1976

Bottom line: One of Africa's most underrated treasures, Seychelles is a gorgeous island country in the Indian Ocean. With 115 islands, the country has numerous nature preserves, giant tortoises and coral reefs that you can visit without worrying about crowds. It also has some of the world's most gorgeous beaches.

Seychelles was uninhabited until the 16th century, when France and England began fighting for control of the territory. Today, it has the highest nominal capital per GDP in the entire African continent.

48. Tonga

Capital: Nuku'alofa

Population: 107,228

Language: Tongan, English

Joined the Commonwealth: 1970

Bottom line: About 170 islands make up this Polynesian kingdom. Unlike many of the islands in the region, Tonga was never fully colonized by any country and its traditional culture was never under attack. The country did, however, spend 70 years under British protectorate status, which basically means that England controlled external affairs.

Tonga's remoteness keeps it from receiving too many visitors, but it boasts the incredible beauty synonymous with Polynesia. It's also considered one of the best countries in the world for swimming with wild whales without disrupting their migration or feeding patterns.

47. Grenada

Capital: Saint George's

Population: 107,894

Language: English

Joined the Commonwealth: 1974

Bottom line: As part of the Commonwealth realm, Grenada is still under the rule of King Charles. Its official language is English, but it is not widely spoken in day-to-day life, as Patois and other Creole languages rule.

Grenada is a luxury Caribbean destination, whose visitors tend to be wealthy enough to sail around it. We can't blame the country for attracting rich tourists with its astonishing attributes, century-old forts and nutmeg plantations.

46. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Capital: Kingstown

Population: 109,501

Language: English, Vincentian Creole

Joined the Commonwealth: 1979

Bottom line: The islands that make up Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are, you guessed it, still part of the Commonwealth realm. Again, this explains why English is the official language, though it's not the most widely spoken one.

As with other Caribbean islands, the country's economy relies heavily on tourism, but mostly from people who have their own yacht. Many of the islands that make up the Grenadines are private islands for the rich and famous.

45. Kiribati

Capital: Tarawa

Population: 117,636

Language: Kiribati, English

Joined the Commonwealth: 1979

Bottom line: Many people haven't even heard of Kiribati, an island in the Pacific. Most, however, have heard of Christmas Island, which is part of the county.

The few tourists who make it to Kiribati enjoy scuba diving in reefs that haven't been destroyed by mass tourism. The country was under British rule until the late 1970s and was mostly used for its phosphate.

44. Saint Lucia

Capital: Castries

Population: 189,000

Language: Patwa, English

Joined the Commonwealth: 1979

Bottom line: If you like to travel vicariously through Instagram influencers, you've probably seen Saint Lucia's twin Piton Mountains framed by the windows of a luxury resort. This popular honeymoon destination is blessed with volcanic landscapes, reefs teeming with life and a delicious local cuisine.

The island's culture is a mix of native Arawak and Carib, English, French and West African cultures. It is still a member of the Commonwealth realm.

43. Samoa

Capital: Apia

Population: 196,954

Language: Samoan, English

Joined the Commonwealth: 1970

Bottom line: Samoa is not to be confused with neighboring American Samoa, an American colony — ahem, "territory." This independent nation was once ruled by New Zealand, but gained independence from it in 1997.

As with other Polynesian islands, Samoa has blowholes resulting from volcanic activity, turquoise lagoons, lush rainforests that cover its mountains, reefs and more beaches than you could ever visit.

42. Vanuatu

Capital: Port Vila

Population: 279,953

Language: Bislama, French, English

Joined the Commonwealth: 1980

Bottom line: Like many islands around the world, Vanuatu suffered from a tug-of-war between the British and French empires. In the end, the countries decided to split control. Vanuatu gained independence from both and established itself as an autonomous nation.

The Melanesian country is known for its shipwreck diving, with several World War II ships resting at the bottom of its surrounding ocean.

41. Barbados

Capital: Bridgetown

Population: 286,618

Language: English

Joined the Commonwealth: 1966

Bottom line: Barbados was part of the Commonwealth realm until 2021, when it decided it did not want to British monarch to be its head of state. Though it is still part of the Commonwealth, it is a fully independent republic.

Rhianna's home country is known for its ragga and soca music, beaches and friendly people.

40. Belize

Capital: Belmopan

Population: 379,636

Language: English

Joined the Commonwealth: 1981

Bottom line: As Central America's only English-speaking country, Belize is favored by Americans and Canadians who want to escape their daily life without worrying about traveling in another language. The country is nestled in between Mexico and Guatemala on the Atlantic Ocean.

Belize is famous for having a large part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest reef system in the world, as well as for its Mayan jungle ruins.

King Charles is still its head of state.

39. The Bahamas

Capital: Nassau

Population: 402,576

Language: Bahamian English, English

Joined the Commonwealth: 1973

Bottom line: A popular beach vacation destination, the Bahamas are a collection of islands right off the Florida coast. They are famed for perfect beaches and great weather.

They were the first territory where Columbus landed, so the native Lucayans were amongst the first native peoples to be enslaved by the Spanish.

The territory was controlled by the British since 1718 and continues to have the king as its monarch.

38. Malta

Capital: Valleta

Population: 422,212

Language: Maltese, English

Joined the Commonwealth: 1964

Bottom line: An often ignored island nation on the Mediterranean, Malta is beautiful and well-developed. It is also one of the most innovative countries in the world.

Malta was taken over by the British since the early 19th century. Its privileged position in between Europe and Africa also made it subject to attacks by the Axis powers during World War II.

The nation was able to get independence in the 1960s.

37. Brunei

Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan

Population: 439,022

Language: Malay, Brunei Malay

Joined the Commonwealth: 1984

Bottom line: A tiny nation on the island of Borneo, Brunei spent most of the 20th century under British and Japanese rule. It was never an incorporated British colony, but is a protectorate.

Brunei is an Islamic nation governed by an absolute monarchy. It is one of Southeast Asia's wealthiest and most developed countries, despite its small size.

Its main attractions include beautiful mosques and palaces as well as national parks within the Bornean jungle.

36. Maldives

Capital: Malé

Population: 515,696

Language: Dhivehi

Joined the Commonwealth: 1982

Bottom line: We don't need to introduce the Maldives, a dream beach destination for virtually every traveler in the world.

Unlike most other countries in the Commonwealth, the Maldives didn't join right after it gained independence from the British Empire in 1965. The country also left the Commonwealth in 2016 and rejoined in 2020.

Needless to say, its relationship with the alliance has been a bit rocky.

35. Solomon Islands

Capital: Honiara

Population: 614,497

Language: Pijin, English

Joined the Commonwealth: 1978

Bottom line: Located near the island of New Guinea on the Pacific Ocean, the Solomon Islands have been inhabited for thousands of years. They were annexed by the British Empire in the late 19th century and continue to be a constitutional monarchy, with King Charles as their monarch.

With more than 900 islands that most people don't even know about, this is where you want to go if you want Pacific beauty without crowds and overdeveloped coastlines full of chain hotels.

34. Guyana

Capital: Georgetown

Population: 773,808

Language: Guyanese Creole, English

Joined the Commonwealth: 1966

Bottom line: The only English-speaking country in South America, Guyana somehow gets overlooked when people think of the continent. It is located in the Atlantic and borders Venezuela, Suriname and Brazil. The former Dutch colony was ruled by the British for less than a century.

If you want to see a part of South America that most travelers will never get to, this is the place to go. You'll find more jungle than cities. The country has incredible biodiversity as well as cultural diversity.

33. Fiji

Capital: Suva

Population: 909,024

Language: Fijian, Fiji Hindi, English

Joined the Commonwealth: 1970

Bottom line: Most people think of Fiji as a perfect destination filled with clear blue water, palm trees and luxury honeymoon resorts. And while the nation certainly has these, it is also a strong center of Melanesian culture and is one of the region's strongest economies.

Fiji was a British colony and has had a tumultuous relationship with the Commonwealth, especially after a coup d'état declared it a republic and removed the king as its head of state. (Can't say we blame them!). Fiji has left and rejoined or been suspended from the Commonwealth several times.

32. Cyprus

Capital: Nicosia

Population: 1,197,667

Language: Greek, Turkish

Joined the Commonwealth: 1961

Bottom line: Straddled in the Eurasian Mediterranean, Cyprus is a country divided by two cultures. In fact, half of the island is unofficially ruled by Turkish Cypriots, which have self-declared it an independent republic. Because of its convenient location uniting Europe, Africa and the Middle East, it was overtaken by the British Empire until 1960.

In terms of travel, Cyprus is an exciting country with heavenly food, beautiful Mediterranean villages and, of course, rocky beaches with deep blue water.

31. Mauritius

Capital: Port Louis

Population: 1,286,240

Language: Mauritian Creole, French, English

Joined the Commonwealth: 1968

Bottom line: Mauritius was once home to the famed Dodo bird, which was sadly driven to extinction by humans. The island, located in the Indian Ocean, was uninhabited until Europeans settled it. It passed through Dutch and French rule before the British took over it and established it as a plantation colony.

Because of its history, Mauritian culture is an eclectic mix of various immigrant cultures, and it is the only country in Africa with a majority Hindu population. This highly developed and wealthy nation is very proud of its biodiversity and wealth of endemic species.

Yes, the beach is the main draw, but travelers will also want to spend time hiking through the rainforest to see powerful waterfalls and imposing gorges.

30. Eswatini

Capital: Mbabane, Lobamba

Population: 1,336,933

Language: Swati, English

Joined the Commonwealth: 1968

Bottom line: Known as Swaziland until 2018, Eswatini is a small country in southern Africa. Like most of the region, it was a victim of the Scramble for Africa, after which it fell into British rule until the late 1960s.

Eswatini is known for its craft industry, with its glassmakers considered one of the best in the continent. National parks and game reserves are other main attractions.

29. Trinidad and Tobago

Capital: Port of Spain

Population: 1,376,801

Language: English

Joined the Commonwealth: 1962

Bottom line: Trinidad and Tobago differentiates itself from most of its Caribbean neighbors in several ways. First of all, it is a fully independent nation, meaning the king does not rule it. It also doesn't depend on tourism as its main industry.

But this only means that you should plan a visit. The dual island nation has some of the best food in the world (courtesy of its multicultural population), as well as gorgeous beaches where you'll find many more locals than tourists. It is also home to sea turtle nesting sites.

Tobago is particularly breathtaking, with tropical forests, waterfalls and some of the largest brain corals in the world.

28. The Gambia

Capital: Banjul

Population: 2,155,958

Language: English, various tribal languages

Joined the Commonwealth: 1965

Bottom line: Surrounded almost in its entirety by Senegal, the Gambia is a small nation in West Africa. It was used as a main point of departure for the transportation of kidnapped people in the slave trade by both Portugal and Britain.

The country voluntarily left the Commonwealth in 2013, calling it a neocolonialist structure, but rejoined in 2018 after a change in leadership.

Gambia's natural treasures surround the Central Gambia River, with several reserves built to protect ecosystems around it. Animals like hippos, hyenas and leopards can be seen in these reserves, which are also a birdwatching paradise.

27. Lesotho

Capital: Maseru

Population: 2,199,492

Language: Sesotho, English

Joined the Commonwealth: 1966

Bottom line: One of three countries in the world completely engulfed by another, Lesotho is surrounded by South Africa on all sides. The country changed its name from Basutoland after gaining independence from the British crown and is now completely sovereign.

Adventure and ecotravel are the main draws to the nation, which has surprisingly varied landscapes made up of high dry mountains, abundant rivers and tall waterfalls.

Popular activities include mountain biking, white water rafting and skiing in the winter.

26. Botswana

Capital: Gaborone

Population: 2,377,831

Language: Tswana, English

Joined the Commonwealth: 1966

Bottom line: Another former British colony in southern Africa, Botswana's land is a beautiful and expansive desert. Besides the arid landscape, there are major cities and the powerful Zambezi River, one of the most dangerous rivers in the world.

Botswana has one of the highest GDPs in the continent. Its main tourist draw is the incredible Okavango Delta, where you can go on safari in a volcanic crater.

25. Namibia

Capital: Windhoek

Population: 2,600,857

Language: Oshiwambo dialects, English, other languages

Joined the Commonwealth: 1990

Bottom line: What is now Namibia was part of South Africa from the beginning of colonial rule in the late 1800s to the end of the 1900s. After South Africa gained independence from Britain, it kept the Namibian territory, and imposed the oppressive system of apartheid within it.

Namibia is the driest country in Africa, with the vast, ancient and surreal Namib desert being its most famous place. The desert is difficult to reach, but those travelers lucky enough to get there experience something that can only be described as otherworldly.

24. Jamaica

Capital: Kingston

Population: 2,819,888

Language: English

Joined the Commonwealth: 1962

Bottom line: The history of colonialism in Jamaica goes back centuries, beginning in 1994 when Christopher Columbus landed on the island. Afterward, the territory and its Taino inhabitants were colonized by Spain and later by England until 1962. Jamaica is still part of the Commonwealth realms, with King Charles III as its monarch.

Jamaica is one of the most popular Caribbean islands. It is famous for reggae, its food, especially jerky, and its Rastafarianism religion.

23. New Zealand

Capital: Wellington

Population: 4,609,755

Language: English, Maori

Joined the Commonwealth: 1926

Bottom line: Did you know New Zealand is still part of the British Commonwealth? More surprisingly, did you know it's a Commonwealth realm country and, therefore, the king is still its head of state?

Though New Zealand was one of the original members of the British Commonwealth, most people don't even think it's tied to Great Britain except by the thread of history.

Regardless, this island nation is undoubtedly the best of all English-speaking countries. Visiting is pretty expensive but definitely worth it, as you'll find imposing fjords, extensive pastures and numerous mountains in both islands that make up the country. The nation is also safe and its people are famous for their friendliness.

22. Singapore

Capital: Singapore

Population: 5,889,117

Language: English, Tamil, Malay, Mandarin Chinese

Joined the Commonwealth: 1966

Bottom line: Although it's a tiny nation state, Singapore manages to pack a punch in its limited land. A dot at the very tip of Malaysia, it separated from Britain when it was still part of its now-neighboring country. It then gained full independence in 1965.

Singapore is a thrilling melange of cultures and languages, with each part of the city-state feeling like a country on its own. It's also the most developed country in Southeast Asia and enjoys political stability despite its citizens having different cultures, cuisines, languages and religions.

As if this weren't enough, the country has several innovative projects that aim at making it greener.

21. Sierra Leone

Capital: Freetown

Population: 6,818,117

Language: Krio, English

Joined the Commonwealth: 1961

Bottom line: Sixteen ethnic groups live together in this Muslim-majority West African country. Although its independence was marked by dictatorships and political conflict, the nation has been turning a page toward stability in the 21st century.

Several landmarks in the capital of Freetown commemorate the countless lives that were lost to the slave trade, many of which departed from its shores. The city's name comes from being a haven for repatriated former slaves who regained their freedom.

20. Papua New Guinea

Capital: Port Moresby

Population: 8,034,630

Language: Tok Pisin, English, Hiri Motu

Joined the Commonwealth: 1975

Bottom line: Papua New Guinea is known for its dense forests, where numerous groups lived traditionally. Many more groups are believed to inhabit the unexplored parts of the forests and jungles.

The constitution recognizes the right of these groups to continue their practices without being bothered or forced to join the global economy.

This nation, which shares the island of New Guinea with Indonesia, is one of the most rural in the world and used to be part of Australia before it became independent from it and the British Empire. You'll still see the king listed as its monarch though.

19. Rwanda

Capital: Kigali

Population: 12,322,920

Language: Kinyarwanda, French, English

Joined the Commonwealth: 2009

Bottom line: Rwanda's relationship with the commonwealth is particular. To begin with, the country was a colony of Belgium, not England and is therefore not politically tied to Britain. Still, it wanted to be part of the alliance and was admitted in the late 2000s.

Rwanda is still strongly associated with its 1994 genocide. In the decades following this tragedy, however, it has made great strides toward peace. It is now one of the most politically stable nations in the region and has relatively high gender equality.

One of its biggest tourism draws is Volcanoes National Park, where you can trek to see wild mountain gorillas.

18. Zambia

Capital: Lusaka

Population: 17,470,471

Language: Bemba, Nyanja, Lozi, Tonga, Kaonde, Luvale, Lunda

Joined the Commonwealth: 1964

Bottom line: With seven official languages and more than 70 other ones, it's easy to see that Zambia is an incredibly diverse nation. Most of this diversity is the direct result of random colonial maps that threw together different tribes and ethnic groups.

Known as Northern Rhodesia during colonial times, the country shed itself from foreign rule in the '60s, following the example of many of its neighbors. Zambia has enjoyed political stability for decades and is a great spot for visitors looking for natural wonders.

Its most famous natural landmark is Victoria Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the world. Zambia is also where you can visit the Devil's Pool, an unusual natural pool that sits right at the edge of the falls.

17. Malawi

Capital: Lilongwe

Population: 18,558,768

Language: Chewa, English

Joined the Commonwealth: 1964

Bottom line: Like neighboring Zambia, Malawi gained independence from Britain in 1964. Since then, it suffered through numerous civil conflicts but has enjoyed stability for over a decade. Sadly, the landlocked country continues to battle extreme poverty.

If you ever visit, chances are that your activities will surround the gigantic Lake Malawi, which is popular for water sports like boating, fishing and diving.

16. Sri Lanka

Capital: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte

Population: 20,979,811

Language: Sinhala, Tamil

Joined the Commonwealth: 1958

Bottom line: Beautiful Sri Lanka has a history spanning more than 3,000 years. The island off the eastern coast of India was colonized in part by the Portuguese and the Dutch and fully by the British from 1815 to 1948. It was previously known as Ceylon.

Although Sri Lanka suffered major civil conflict between the two dominant groups, the Sinhalese and the Tamils, it has been at peace since 2009.

Today, the nation has one of the highest GDPs in South Asia. Visitors can enjoy numerous national parks, beaches and landmarks like the rock city of Sigiriya.

15. Cameroon

Capital: Yaoundé

Population: 24,836,674

Language: French, English

Joined the Commonwealth: 1995

Bottom line: For most of its colonial history, Cameroon was under French rule, thus its name and why French is one of its official languages.

After gaining independence from France in 1960, it joined a small part of its territory that was still a British colony. It was only ruled by Britain for a year and joined the Commonwealth more than 30 years later.

In general, Cameroon has been plagued by civil conflict and political stability, which has kept it from attracting many international visitors.

14. Australia

Capital: Canbrera

Population: 25,215,000

Language: English

Joined the Commonwealth: 1926

Bottom line: Australia was part of the original British Commonwealth. Like New Zealand, it's also still part of the Commonwealth realm, which means that King Charles is its monarch. Who would've thought?

Australia is an extremely popular destination despite most of the country being covered by an expansive desert that's difficult to navigate. Many of its attractions are located on the long eastern coast, including surfing paradises like Gold Coast and Cairns, the latter of which is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

Other famous destinations include Sydney and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

13. Ghana

Capital: Accra

Population: 29,088,849

Language: Akan, English

Joined the Commonwealth: 1957

Bottom line: More than 80 languages are spoken in Ghana, considered the jewel of Western Africa. The country has one of the fastest-growing economies in the continent and is safe and stable.

Many of its landmarks are tied to the slave trade, including the former presidential palace, which was once used as a slave outpost. For this reason, the country launched a "Year of Return" in 2019, encouraging Black people outside of Africa to visit and return to the land they were stolen from.

Ghana is also known for its textile and chocolate industries, which are major drivers of the economy.

12. Mozambique

Capital: Maputo

Population: 29,977,238

Language: Portuguese, Makhuwa, Changana, Nyanja, Ndau, Sena, Chwabo, Tswa

Joined the Commonwealth: 1995

Bottom line: Like Rwanda, Mozambique applied to form part of the Commonwealth of Nations without having political or historic ties to Britain. Instead, the country is a former Portuguese colony, which is why this is still its official language, despite not being its most widely spoken one.

Although the country suffers from extreme poverty and the economic consequences of former civil conflicts, its economy is rapidly expanding and people are setting their eyes on it as a destination.

One of the most beautiful places you can visit is the Bazaruto Archipelago, where white sand bars swirl in the ocean and diverse species hide within the sand dunes, corals and forests in the islands.

11. Malaysia

Capital: Kuala Lumpur

Population: 31,505,208

Language: Malay

Joined the Commonwealth: 1957

Bottom line: Divided into a peninsula south of Thailand and the northern part of Borneo, Malaysia enjoys rich diversity, both cultural and natural. The country's population is made up mainly by Malay, Chinese, Indian and Indigenous people.

Like Singapore, this diversity has been an asset and there haven't been any major civil conflicts due to differences in culture and religion.

Most people visit the exciting capital of Kuala Lumpur, an ultra-modern cosmopolis. Other popular destinations include the former colonial capital of George Town, the Perhentian Islands and the Batu Caves, an incredible underground attraction.

10. Canada

Capital: Ottawa

Population: 37,653,350

Language: English, French

Joined the Commonwealth: 1926

Bottom line: If you've ever been to Canada, you might've been surprised to see Queen Elizabeth on the $20 when she was alive. As a Commonwealth realm, the queen (now the king) was still the monarch of Canada — who knew the country was a constitutional monarchy? — which is why they have a prime minister rather than a president.

As the second-largest country in the world, Canada has much more than anyone could possibly see in a lifetime. From thriving cities like Toronto to fairytale towns like Quebec City, gorgeous national parks, and a lot of land in the Arctic Circle, you will never run out of places to visit in the country.

9. Uganda

Capital: Kampala

Population: 42,288,962

Language: Swahili, English

Joined the Commonwealth: 1962

Bottom line: Uganda was a protectorate state of the British Crown until the '60s, when the movement for liberation swept through the continent. After a period of civil conflict, the country has enjoyed political stability.

The country has a large portion of Lake Victoria as well as part of the Nile. This means that there is incredible biodiversity. Many people visit the country to see wild mountain gorillas at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The capital is also known for its amazing nightlife.

8. Kenya

Capital: Nairobi

Population: 49,167,382

Language: Swahili, English

Joined the Commonwealth: 1963

Bottom line: Kenya was one of the first countries in Africa to revolt against the British, starting the fight for independence in 1952. It took the country 11 years to finally win sovereignty. It is one of the region's largest economies.

Tourism is a thriving industry in Kenya, driven mostly by safari opportunities. The Maasai Mara National Park is particularly famous, as it is the site of the incredible Great Wildebeest Migration.

7. South Africa

Capital: Pretoria, Cape Town, Bloemfontein

Population: 56,007,479

Language: Zulu, English, several others

Joined the Commonwealth: 1926

Bottom line: Along with countries like Australia, Ireland and Canada, South Africa was one of the original members of the British Commonwealth. As such, it operated with a higher degree of independence from the empire than several of its neighbors.

Throughout the 20th century, the country was marked by racist apartheid policies, which institutionalized and legalized segregation and discrimination against the Black majority.

South Africa is one of the most exciting countries in the world. Its cities are lively, its nightlife is thriving and its food is absolutely delicious. In terms of things to do, you can visit vineyards, go on safari, hike tall mountains with views of the sea or spend time at the beach.

6. Tanzania

Capital: Dodoma

Population: 57,790,062

Language: Swahili, English

Joined the Commonwealth: 1961

Bottom line: Tanzania was first colonized by Germany and then transferred to Britain after World War I. There are more than 100 languages spoken in the country, though Swahili is used as the lingua franca.

Tanzania draws people in with the opportunity to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's tallest mountain. Its Serengeti National Park also sees the Great Wildebeest Migration while the Zanzibar archipelago has beaches in the astonishing Indian Ocean.

5. United Kingdom

Capital: London

Population: 65,746,853

Language: English

Joined the Commonwealth: 1926

Bottom line: It wouldn't be the British Commonwealth without, well, Britain. Though the U.K. has tried to convince everyone that it is just one of the countries of the Commonwealth, it's obvious that this is simply not the case.

For one, most of the other members are its former colonies, and several still have the king as the head of state. It's easy to see that the U.K. certainly dominates the Commonwealth and enjoys more influence than other countries within it, though this has been steadily shifting and changing in the last few decades.

In terms of tourism, the U.K. is one of the most popular countries in the world, and with good reason. London is an international cosmopolis, a place where history and modernity coexist in perfect balance. The country still has peaceful rural towns where rolling pastures meet large lakes. Scotland also offers beautiful architecture and rugged nature.

4. Bangladesh

Capital: Dhaka

Population: 165,867,307

Language: Bengali

Joined the Commonwealth: 1972

Bottom line: What is now Bangladesh was part of India and Pakistan under British rule, before establishing itself as a separate and independent nation.

Bangladesh is famous for its population of Bengal tigers as well as ancient forts and temples. Though it is often overshadowed by neighboring India, it is a destination in its own right.

3. Nigeria

Capital: Abuja

Population: 194,615,054

Language: Hausa, English

Joined the Commonwealth: 1960

Bottom line: Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa and the continent's most populous country. It is famous for its tech industry and Nollywood, the second-largest movie industry in the world.

The country's high level of corruption and crime keeps most people from visiting. But those who do enjoy its numerous national parks, where rare primates live, or visit the famous Zuma Rock, an iconic natural landmark.

2. Pakistan

Capital: Islamabad

Population: 224,019,136

Language: Urdu, English

Joined the Commonwealth: 1947

Bottom line: Pakistan has left and been suspended from the Commonwealth several times since it joined in 1947, after the partition of the British Indian Empire.

Conflict in the region has kept it out of most traveler's wish lists, but the country boasts impressive mosques and numerous ancient ruins sites as well as former palaces and forts.

1. India

Capital: New Delhi

Population: 1,353,014,094

Language: Hindi, English

Joined the Commonwealth: 1947

Bottom line: India's colonial relationship to Britain has been widely explored in books and film, with the country's peaceful independence movement being famous worldwide. Anglicisms are now weaved within the its thousands of languages, but the country has maintained a strong national identity.

The second-most populous country in the world, India has a massive amount of land, where it holds cultural and linguistic diversity. It is also a megadiverse country, with various different ecosystems within its borders.

There's simply too much to see in India to even begin to be listed. You could hike in the Himalayas, visit the pink city of Jaipur, see the Taj Mahal or witness religious rituals in New Delhi.