Commune (disambiguation) facts for kids

A commune is a word with a few different meanings. It can describe a group of people living together and sharing everything, like resources and responsibilities. It can also refer to a type of local government area, similar to a town or a small district in many countries around the world.

What is a Commune?

A commune is often a community where people live closely and share their lives. This can mean they share food, housing, and even work. The idea behind these communities is to live together in a way that benefits everyone. People in a commune often have similar beliefs or goals.

Communes as Communities

In some cases, a commune is a group of people who choose to live together. They might share their money, their homes, and their daily tasks. This way of living can help people feel connected and support each other. These communities can be found all over the world.

Communes as Government Areas

In many countries, "commune" is a legal term for a local government area. It's like a town, city, or district. These communes have their own local government that manages public services. This includes things like roads, schools, and local laws.

Communes Around the World

The word "commune" is used in different ways in different countries:

• In France, a commune is the smallest administrative division. It's like a town or village.
• In Italy, a comune is a basic local government unit.
• In Switzerland, many local areas are called communes, especially in French-speaking parts.
• In Germany, Kommunen refers to municipalities and districts.
• Countries like Angola, Benin, Chile, Luxembourg, Moldova, Romania, and Vietnam also use "commune" for their local administrative divisions.

Communes in History

The idea of a commune has been important throughout history. Sometimes, people formed communes for protection. Other times, they were part of big political changes.

Medieval Communes

During the Middle Ages, some towns in Europe formed "medieval communes." These were groups of citizens who banded together. They wanted to protect themselves and gain more freedom from powerful lords. They often created their own local laws and governments.

The Paris Communes

The word "commune" is also linked to two important events in French history, both in Paris:

• The Paris Commune (1789–1795): This happened during the French Revolution. It was the local government of Paris during a time of great change.
• The Paris Commune (1871): This was a short-lived government that took control of Paris for about two months. It was formed by citizens who were unhappy with the national government after a war. It was a time when people tried to create a new kind of society in the city.

Communes in Pop Culture

The idea of a commune has also appeared in movies and music. These works often explore what it's like to live in a shared community or the historical events related to communes.

• La Commune (Paris, 1871) is a French film from 2000 about the 1871 Paris Commune.
• Commune (film) is a 2005 documentary about a specific commune in the United States.
• The Commune is a 2016 Danish film that looks at communal living.
• There are also music albums named Commune, like one by Japanese singer Yuki Isoya from 2003 and another by the band Goat from 2014.

Other Uses of "Commune"

The word "commune" can also pop up in other places:

• Commune (card game) is a bluffing game based on poker.
• Commune FC is a football (soccer) club in Burkina Faso.