communa

Communa is a term that can function as both a general concept and a proper designation in various languages, typically related to a community or a local governing unit. The word derives from Latin communa, meaning something shared or common, and is the root of the English word commune as well as related terms in Romance languages. Spelling and usage vary by language, with forms such as comune, comuna, or comuna appearing in different contexts.

In administrative contexts, comuna or its variants often denote a local government unit. In Romania and Moldova, a comuna is a rural subdivision that may include several villages and is governed by a mayor and a local council, with responsibilities covering local infrastructure, schools, and civil registry services. In Chile, a comuna is a municipal subdivision within a province, functioning as the level of local government with a municipal authority and budget. The specific powers and structure of a comuna can differ by country, reflecting local constitutional frameworks and administrative traditions.

Beyond formal government units, the term is also used in social and urban contexts to describe intentional communities or neighborhoods organized around shared resources or goals. In this sense, a comuna emphasizes collective decision-making, cooperative living, and sometimes shared property or projects, though practices vary widely among communities.

Overall, commona or its linguistic variants commonly denote shared or local forms of organization—ranging from legally defined municipalities to voluntary, community-driven living arrangements—depending on regional usage and historical development. See also: commune, comune, comuna.