List of Socialist Countries with Individual Details

People often make lists of different types of countries in the world on the basis of their official names, ruling parties, or other indefinitive characteristics. The most realistic way to devise a list of Socialist countries is to base it upon which nations have substantial amounts of state-run industry, numerous govt. social programs, or other traits which make them actually Socialist.

The following is a list of such countries with reasons for including them. Keep in mind that this information is as of 2006, some countries may eventually need to be added or removed from the list.

Cuba: Cuba is one of the most Socialist nations, as it has a mostly state-run economy, universal healthcare, government-paid education at all levels, and a number of of social programs. It does not have a stock exchange.

North Korea: The same is true of North Korea, which has an almost entirely state-run economy, as well as the same social programs mentioned for Cuba. Like Cuba, North Korea does not have a stock exchange.

Venezuela: Economy has more private ownership, but the government social programs are quite extensive and the foreign policy is very left-wing. Cuban doctors and teachers have been brought to Venezuela to provide some medical and educational services.

China: A substantial part of the economy is still state-run, although there are not as many social programs as there once were and universal healthcare has been eliminated. Still has a Socialist-type foreign policy, for the most part.

Vietnam: A significant part of the economy is state-run. Close ties with Cuba, Venezuela, and Belarus.

Syria: Although not commonly referred to as Socialist in the West, Syria has a mostly state-run economy and universal healthcare, along with a left-wing foreign policy.

Belarus: Much of the Belarussian economy is state-run and some govt. social programs are available. Belarus has close ties with Venezuela, China, and other Socialist countries.

Sweden: Mostly private industry, but many well-funded govt. social programs are offered. Universal healthcare and government-provided education at all levels is made available.

Laos: A large part of the economy is state-run, and the government has close ties with most other Socialist countries.

Zambia: Some elements of the economy are state-run, including most of the media. Universal healthcare and primary education are available. Zambia has a left-wing foreign policy and is friendly with China and North Korea.

Turkmenistan: Mostly state-run economy, various free and subsidized services are provided by the government. Housing and transportation are subsidized, natural gas and electricity are provided to citizens free of charge.

Other countries which might be considered Socialist, depending upon the interpretation of different factors, include Norway, Libya, Algeria, and Namibia.