The Francophonie is an international organisation of French-speaking countries and governments. Formally known as the "Organisation internationale de la Francophonie" (in English, "International Organisation of French-speaking Communities"http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/france-priorities_1/francophony-french-language_1113/index.html), fifty-five states and governments are members of the organisation and thirteen are observers. The prerequisite for admission is not the degree of French usage in the member countries, but a prevalent presence of French culture and French language in the member country's identity stemming from France's interaction with other nations in its history.