List of communist parties


There are a number of communist parties active in various countries across the world and a number that used to be active. They differ not only in method, but also in strict ideology and interpretation, although they are generally within the tradition of Marxism–Leninism.
The formation of communist parties in various countries was first initiated by the Russian Bolsheviks within the Communist International. Since then, communist parties have governed numerous countries, whether as ruling parties in one-party states like the Chinese Communist Party or the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, or as ruling parties in multi-party systems, including majority and minority governments as well as leading or being part of several coalitions.
Many other communist parties did not govern any country, but did govern a state or region within a country. Others have also been represented in national, state, or regional parliaments. Some communist parties and schools of thought reject parliamentarism, instead advocating insurrection or social revolution as well as workers' councils.

Officially ruling in communist states

In the following countries, communist parties either lead the ruling coalition or hold monopoly on state power as defined by their respective country's constitutions.

Formerly ruling

Coalition partner or supporter

Modern non-ruling

Defunct

Non-ruling

Left communist organizations by country

The following is a list of left communist organizations by country which list only those political organizations and parties who officially call themselves left communist ideologically and still exist.