Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
banana-republic
noun
/bəˈnænə rɪˈpʌblɪk/
Definition
A politically unstable country whose economy heavily depends on the export of a single product, typically bananas or other agricultural produce.
Examples
- The small island nation was often referred to as a banana republic due to its reliance on banana exports and a corrupt government.
- Critics argued that the policies favored foreign corporations, turning the country into a banana republic.
Meaning
The term refers to a government that is characterized by corruption, political instability, and a reliance on foreign investment, usually in the agricultural sector.
Synonyms
- client state
- puppet state
- dependent state
