SOME critics have called the United States a "banana republic" during the presidency of Donald Trump.
But what exactly does the term mean? Here we explain.
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What is a banana republic?
The term banana republic describes a politically unstable country with an economy dependent upon the exportation of a limited-resource product, such as bananas or oil.
But it has come to mean any country which is corrupt and unstable.
What did Bush say about a banana republic in the US?
Former president George W. Bush denounced some of his fellow Republicans for fueling the "insurrection" at the US Capitol, likening the situation to a "banana republic."
He said: "I am appalled by the reckless behavior of some political leaders since the election and by the lack of respect shown today for our institutions, our traditions and our law enforcement."
Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, of Wisconsin, posted a video message urging Trump to call it off.
He said: "This is Banana Republic cr** that were watching right now."
What countries have been banana republics?
During the early 1900s, multinational American corporations, sometimes aided by the United States government, took advantage of poor economic conditions in Central American countries to build banana republics.
Two examples were Honduras and Guatemala.
They still suffer from their banana republic legacy of social inequality in terms of the distribution of land and wealth.
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