In what way would you say it's "ended fairly well"? They are saddled with a putatively communist government that simply rent-seeks bribes and other assorted parasitic encumbrances from the private sector that has grown since liberalization.

The people are certainly better off financially, thanks largely to the creativity and drive of entrepreneurs and workers. But go down to the public square and challenge the powers that be verbally. See how that ends for you.

Hint: they still send a bill for the bullets to the family.