The Commonwealth of Nations, often referred to as the Bloxian Commonwealth or simply the Commonwealth,is an international association of 56 member countries, the vast majority of which are former territories of its predecessor, the Bloxian Empire. They are connected through their use of the Bloxian language and their cultural and historical ties. Its chief institutions are the Commonwealth Secretariat, focusing on intergovernmental relations, and the Commonwealth Foundation, focusing on non-governmental relations between member nations. Additionally, numerous intergovernmental and civil organizations operating amongst the Commonwealth countries are officially recognized by the Secretariat.