Following a military coup in 1987, which island group in the South Pacific allowed its membership of the Commonwealth to lapse
Republics in the Commonwealth of Nations countries became republics, passing constitutional amendments or holding referendums to remove the monarch as their head of state, and replacing the governor general with an elected or appointed president. This was especially true in post-colonial Africa. Most African realms became republics within a few years of independence. As of 2018, there are 16 states headed by Queen Elizabeth II, which are known as Commonwealth realms. Commonwealth republics usually followed the presidential system. Some states became parliamentary republics, such as Malta or Fiji. In Fiji, the change to a republic in 1987 came as a result of a military coup, rather
Special membership of the Commonwealth of Nations may attend most functions and organs of the Commonwealth, but are not invited to attend Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings. They are, although limited in these respects, still considered members of the Commonwealth. The status was created especially for Nauru, which had an exceptionally small population and area. Nauru was followed by fellow Pacific sovereign state Tuvalu, and then the larger Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Maldives. These progressively gained full membership, leaving none from September 2000. However, Nauru fell behind on its subscription payments, and reverted to a special member in July 2005. Nauru has been a full