Question

Identify the country:

a) The struggle among pro-monarchy, pro-democracy groups and extremists created an atmosphere of political instability
b) A landlocked country with multi-party competition
c) The first country to liberalise its economy in the South Asian region
d) In the conflict between the military and pro-democracy groups, the military has prevailed over democracy
e) Centrally located and shares borders with most of the South Asian countries
f) Earlier the island had the Sultan as the head of state. Now, it’s a republic
g) Small savings and credit cooperatives in the rural areas have helped in reducing poverty
h) A landlocked country with a monarchy

Answer 1

a) Nepal

Explanation:

Nepal was characterised by a triangular conflict among the monarchist forces, the democrats and the Maoists in its effort to transform itself to a democracy. Many changes took place in Nepal after 1990, when the king decided to give up his powers and transforming Nepal to a constitutional monarchy. This would ensure that the king is established as the ceremonial head, while the real powes are transferred to the elected leader However, the political events in 2005, which resulted in the dismissal of parliament and the growing unrest in the region due to Maoist strike created political instability, resulting in the people’s movement led by SPA demanding the restoration of democracy.

b) Nepal

Explanation:

Presently, Nepal can be regarded as a landlocked country situated in the Himalayas, being a former kingdom and now a republic. It was in November 1990 that King Birendra decided to promulgate a new constitution and introduced a multi-party system in Nepal. This transition to a republic, however, was completed only in May 2008 when the constituent assembly voted to dissolve the monarchy.

c) Sri Lanka

Explanation:

Despite being characterised by ethnic conflict, Sri Lanka is one of the fastest growing developing economies with a high level of human development index. It was the first country to open up its economy way back in the year 1977 that reduced state’s intervention in the economy and encouraged privatisation and liberalisation.

d) Pakistan

Explanation:

Ever since its independence in 1947, Pakistan has been ruled by both democratic and military governments. We may cite the example of how General Ayub Khan took over the administration and got himself elected as the President of Pakistan. Increased disillusionment among the masses paved the way for a military rule with General Yahya Khan coming to power. Likewise, under General Musharraf’s regime, Pakistan was a military dictatorship, subsequently followed by a democratic rule. However, the democratically elected Pakistan's Parliament in the year 2008 completed its first tenure in 2013, becoming the first national assembly to do so and create history.

e) India

Explanation:

India has a strategic location in the South Asian region. Being the only country that shares borders with other South Asian nations like Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh makes India highly vulnerabl,and it is largely impacted by the political climate in these countries.

f) Maldives

Explanation:

Maldives, the island nation, was a Sultanate till 1968. It was later transformed into a republic with a presidential form of government. In June 2005, the Parliament of the Maldives voted unanimously to introduce a multi-party system further strengthening democracy.

g) Bangladesh

Explanation:

In an attempt to counter poverty, the Grameen Bank was founded by Muhammad Yunus in 1976, which was a community development bank that advanced small loans to the poor and impoverished. However, in 1983, the Bangladeshi government made it an independent bank. The bank and its founder, Muhammad Yunus, have been accorded with the Nobel Peace Prize.

h) Bhutan

Explanation:

Bhutan is a landlocked country in South Asia, which was previously characterised by absolute monarchy. However, Bhutan currently presents a unique example of transforming its political system from absolute monarchy to democracy by the willing consent and support of the monarchs. It was the outcome of Bhutan’s fourth king, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck’s decision to voluntarily relinquish his throne and transfer powers to the people in the year 2008.