Comuna

Comuna is a term used in several Romance-language-speaking countries to denote a basic administrative unit, typically translated as commune or municipality. The precise status, size, and powers vary by country; in general, it refers to a locally governed subdivision within a country or region. The word derives from Latin communis, meaning shared, and is cognate with the English word commune.

In Romania and Moldova, a comuna is the lowest level of rural local government. A comuna usually comprises one or more villages and is led by a mayor and a local council, elected for four-year terms. Responsibilities typically include local roads, schools, public utilities, and civil registration; communes coordinate with county authorities on regional matters.

In Chile, the comuna is the basic administrative subdivision of a province, containing urban and rural areas within a municipality. Each comuna is administered by a municipal council and a directly elected mayor. It may be subdivided into districts or neighborhoods for planning, service delivery, and census purposes.

Other usages exist in different countries and historical contexts. The term can also denote a general "commune" or community, or reference political movements such as the Paris Commune. The exact powers and boundaries depend on national law and administrative tradition.