Small States

What are Small States?

The Commonwealth defines small states as sovereign states with a population size of 1.5 million people or less. Forty four countries are classified as small states according to the World Bank and the Commonwealth Secretariat standard. The Commonwealth has 32 small states among its 54 members. Also included are some larger member countries which share many of the small states’ characteristics. These are Botswana, Jamaica, Gambia, Lesotho, Namibia and Papua New Guinea. | Full list of small states >>

Characteristics of Small States and Historical Background

The characteristics of small states include limited ability to exploit economies of scale; dependence on a narrow range of exports; dependence on strategic imports such as food and fuel; limited diversification possibilities; high transportation costs due to insularity and remoteness; susceptibility to natural disasters and environmental change and limitations in human and institutional capacity. To offset these and other unique vulnerabilities, Small States must, among other things, build their economic, social and environmental resilience mechanisms. | Full list of these challenges>>