Countries may be sanctioned by individual nations or multinational organizations, such as the United Nations or the European Union. These sanctions can include trade restrictions, asset freezes, and travel bans. Sanctions are often intended to compel a change in behavior from the sanctioned government or regime and can impact both public and private entities within those countries. It is important for businesses and individuals engaging in international transactions to be aware of sanctioned countries to avoid legal repercussions and ensure compliance with global laws.