Definition of Commune (subnational entity)

A township (or municipality) (in Ireland: townland) is a settlement which has the status and powers of a unit of local government. Specific use of the term to describe political subdivisions has varied by country.

The term township is a more common official term in English-speaking countries than municipality. In a number of countries (including Canada and the United States), the terms township and municipality are both used, with differing legal senses. However such differences are specific to the given country and represent no actual difference in the general sense of the words. Such a distinction is possible only in English-speaking countries, since other languages have only one word for the concept (Canada must therefore use canton for French-speakers instead of township). .