Chogm at a glance

* The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, held every two years, opens on Australia's Sunshine Coast tomorrow.

* The Commonwealth of Nations is one of the world's oldest international bodies, created in 1931 under the Treaty of Westminster by its five original members - Australia, Britain, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa.

* It now comprises 54 nations and 30 associated members, most having former colonial ties with Britain.

* The Commonwealth collectively represents 1.7 billion people, accounting for 30 per cent of the world's population.

* Fifty of the 54 members are developing countries.

* All nations of the Commonwealth accept Queen Elizabeth as the symbol of their free association.

* Pakistan, which joined in 1989, is suspended after President Pervez Musharraf seized power in a bloodless coup in October 1999.

* Fiji was also suspended from the councils of the Commonwealth after the May 2000 coup.

* The Commonwealth has no written constitution, and is a voluntary association which aims to promote international understanding and cooperation, democracy and good governance, respect for human rights and the rule of law.

* Its total programme amounts to some €55.8 million ($114.85 million) of which €35.6 million is focused on developing country members.

* The theme of this year's event is "The Commonwealth in the 21st Century: Continuity and Renewal" with the body looking at how to respond to the challenges of the new century, amid proposed reforms to ensure it remains modern and relevant.

* More than 1200 delegates and 800 media representatives are expected to attend.

- NZPA