UPSC Prelims 2006 Q63: Current Affairs – International Organisations & Groupings
Which one of the following countries is not a member of ASEAN?
- (a) Vietnam
- (b) Brunei Darussalam
- (c) Bangladesh
- (d) Myanmar
Answer: (c) Bangladesh
Explanation
Membership of ASEAN
| Country | ASEAN member? | Year of joining |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam | Yes | 1995 |
| Brunei Darussalam | Yes | 1984 |
| Bangladesh | No, a South Asian country | Not a member |
| Myanmar | Yes | 1997 |
ASEAN consists of ten Southeast Asian countries; Bangladesh is in South Asia and is not a member.
Answer: (c) Bangladesh.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Vietnam joined ASEAN in 1995.
- (b) Incorrect. Brunei Darussalam joined ASEAN in 1984.
- (c) CORRECT. Bangladesh is a South Asian country and is not an ASEAN member.
- (d) Incorrect. Myanmar joined ASEAN in 1997.
Key point
Bangladesh, being in South Asia, is not a member of ASEAN, while Vietnam, Brunei and Myanmar are.
Remember
Bangladesh is not an ASEAN member.
Common mistakes
- Assuming every neighbour of Myanmar is a member.
- Mixing ASEAN with SAARC, which Bangladesh belongs to.
- Forgetting that Vietnam and Myanmar joined in the 1990s.
Exam tip
ASEAN is Southeast Asia only; Bangladesh belongs to SAARC and BIMSTEC.
Sources
- Association of Southeast Asian Nations — The ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration), 8 August 1967
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Association of Southeast Asian Nations