Communes (comuni) represent the third and most local administrative level in Italy's governmental structure, with 7,904 such entities across the country. Each commune functions as a municipality governed by an elected mayor (sindaco) and council, responsible for delivering essential public services to residents within their territorial boundaries. These administrative units manage local matters including municipal police, urban planning and zoning, maintenance of local roads and public spaces, waste collection, registry offices for vital records, and social services. Communes vary dramatically in size, from small rural villages with fewer than 100 inhabitants to major cities like Rome and Milan with populations in the millions. Despite this variation, all communes possess the same legal status and fundamental responsibilities under Italian law, making them the primary point of contact between citizens and government for day-to-day administrative needs.