A map of the world showing 'The Commonwealth of Nations' in 1954,
published by the Central Office for Information.
published by the Central Office for Information.
When this map of the world was published in 1954 the Commonwealth of Nations contained just eight sovereign, independent states.
Since then borders have changed, countries have been renamed and nations have gained independence.
By the start of 2014, the number of sovereign, independent states in the Commonwealth had risen to 53.
This item featured in the 'Voices from the Commonwealth' display at the National Library of Scotland from 9 July to 7 September 2104.