Communist states are countries that follow the principles of communism, a political and economic ideology advocating for a classless society where all property is publicly owned. In these states, the government typically controls the means of production and distribution of goods, aiming to eliminate private ownership and reduce economic inequality. Historically, notable examples of communist states include the Soviet Union, China, and Cuba. These nations have implemented various forms of centralized planning and state control, often leading to significant political and social changes. The effectiveness and consequences of these systems have been widely debated and studied.