Midweek quiz: Commonwealth This year marks the 60th anniversary of the birth of the modern Commonwealth. Just how good a Commonwealth citizen are you? Test your knowledge in our midweek quiz. 1.) Multiple Choice Question In 1949, the Commonwealth was redefined and the term "British" was dropped from its name. But when were the first Commonwealth Games? 1930

1949

1952

1957

2.) Multiple Choice Question Approximately what proportion of the world's population is covered by the Commonwealth? 17%

25%

30%

3.) Multiple Choice Question Which of the following is the Commonwealth flag? A

B

C

D

4.) Multiple Choice Question How many member nations does the Commonwealth have today? 47

53

61

5.) Multiple Choice Question What is unique about Mozambique's membership of the Commonwealth? It refuses to recognise the Queen as head of the Commonwealth

As the Commonwealth's youngest member it is not permitted to vote

It has no historical links with Britain

6.) Multiple Choice Question France once discussed becoming a Commonwealth member. True or false? True

False

7.) Multiple Choice Question Which of the following countries is currently suspended from the Commonwealth? Ireland

South Africa

Fiji

Answers The first games were held in 1930, according to the Commonwealth website. The association of nations existed in various forms before 1949. The first games in 1930 were held in Hamilton, Canada. Dehli in India will host the 2010 event. It's 30%. India is the most populous member with its 1.15 billion people, Tuvalu the least with 11,000. The correct flag is D. The flag was first produced in 1973. Sixty-one radiating golden spears form a "C" around the central globe. As all good vexilologists will know, A is the flag of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), B is Caricom, the Caribbean's common market and C is the flag of Vatican City. The answer is 53. While there are 61 "spears" on the flag, the Commonwealth has never had this many members. There were 54 before Zimbabwe was suspended and then withdrew. Mozambique's membership is unique as it is the only country (other than Britain itself) not to have been a British colony or protectorate - it was a Portuguese colony. After its accession in 1995, the entry requirements were altered to prevent this happening again. True. France discussed joining the Commonwealth with Britain in the 1950s and would have been eligible because of the historical links between Britain and the French throne. Other eligible countries include the US, Spain, Greece and Israel. Fiji's membership is currently suspended following a coup there in 2006. Ireland is no longer a member having withdrawn from the Commonwealth in 1948. South Africa withdrew in 1961 but later rejoined. Your Score 0 - 3 : Bronze 4 - 6 : Silver 7 - 7 : Gold For a complete archive of past quizzes, including the Curriculum tests and our weekly news quiz 7 days 7 questions, visit the Magazine index and scroll down the page.



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