PREVIOUSLY ASKED IN:
WBPSC Miscellaneous Preliminary 2023
Answer
Kathmandu
Explanation
The headquarters (secretariat) of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is located in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. However, it is important to note that SAARC was officially founded in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on December 8, 1985. It is an economic and political regional organization of 8 countries in South Asia.
Key Points
- > Founded on: December 8, 1985, in Dhaka.
- > Headquarters: Kathmandu, Nepal.
- > Total members: 8 nations.
- > Member countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan, and Afghanistan.
- > Afghanistan was the last to join the bloc in 2007.
- > BIMSTEC (another regional group) has its headquarters in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Additional Information
SAARC at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Form | South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation |
| Birthplace | Dhaka (1985) |
| Secretariat | Kathmandu |
| Members | 8 (Remember: MBBS PAIN) |
Memory Tips
- Mnemonic for the 8 SAARC countries is MBBS PAIN: Maldives, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Nepal.