Question

The headquarters of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation is located in

• A. Kathmandu, Nepal
• B. Colombo, Sri Lanka
• C. Dhaka, Bangladesh
• D. Islamabad, Pakistan

Hint:

Do not confuse the founding city (Dhaka) with the headquarters city (Kathmandu).
SAARC was founded in Dhaka, but its permanent headquarters is in Kathmandu.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This question tests geographical facts about regional intergovernmental organizations, specifically the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

Step 2: Key Formulas and approach:
Distinguish between the city where the SAARC charter was signed (founding location) and the city hosting its permanent Secretariat (headquarters).

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

• SAARC was established on December 8, 1985, when its charter was officially signed in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

• However, the permanent Secretariat (headquarters) of the association was established on January 16, 1987, in Kathmandu, Nepal.

• The Secretariat is headed by a Secretary-General and coordinates the regional activities of the eight member countries.

• The eight member states are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.


Step 4: Final Answer:
The headquarters of SAARC is located in Kathmandu, Nepal, which makes Option (A) the correct choice.