Cooperative refers to a type of organization or business that is owned and operated by a group of individuals who come together voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations. In a cooperative, the members pool their resources, skills, and efforts to achieve mutual benefits and shared goals. The members have equal voting rights and participate in the decision-making process, ensuring democratic control and participation. Cooperatives can exist in various sectors, such as agriculture, housing, consumer goods, banking, and healthcare, among others. The primary objective of a cooperative is to serve the interests of its members rather than generating profits for external shareholders.