As a subject matter expert in political ideologies and their application in modern states, I can provide an overview of the current geopolitical landscape regarding countries that identify as communist. It's important to note that the term "communist" can have different interpretations and applications depending on the context and the specific policies of each country. Here's a detailed examination:

China: The People's Republic of China is one of the most populous countries in the world and has a complex political and economic system. While it is governed by the Communist Party of China (CPC), the country has undergone significant economic reforms since the late 1970s, moving towards a more market-oriented economy while maintaining a one-party political system.

North Korea: Officially known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), North Korea is a one-party state governed by the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK). It is often cited as one of the last remaining bastions of Stalinist communism. The country is characterized by its centralized economy and strict state control over all aspects of life.

Vietnam: The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is governed by the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV). Similar to China, Vietnam has also implemented economic reforms, known as "Doi Moi," which have led to a more open and market-oriented economy while still adhering to a socialist framework.

Laos: The Lao People's Democratic Republic is ruled by the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP). It is one of the world's least developed countries, with a predominantly agricultural economy. The government maintains a one-party system and has been pursuing economic development with a socialist orientation.

Cuba: The Republic of Cuba is governed by the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC). Cuba has a long history of socialist governance and has faced significant economic challenges due to its isolation from the global market. Despite this, it has made strides in areas such as healthcare and education.

It's worth mentioning that the adherence to communist principles can vary greatly among these countries. For instance, some have adopted more market-oriented economic policies, while others maintain a more traditional communist approach. The term "communist" in the context of these countries often refers to the political party in power rather than a strict adherence to the theoretical principles of communism as laid out by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.

Moreover, the global perception and the internal dynamics of these countries are subject to change over time, influenced by both domestic and international factors. It's also important to consider that the political spectrum is broad, and the labels applied to countries can be simplistic and may not fully capture the complexities of their political and economic systems.

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While China, North Korea, Vietnam, Laos, and Cuba officially claim to be communist states, the country that adheres most strictly to communist principles, according to Oxford University scholar Robert Service, is North Korea. He should know, he wrote the book on it -- Comrades! A History of World Communism.Dec 10, 2013read more >>