A term referring to corrupt Latin American governments (largely in Central America) that allow foreign business to run their country. United Fruit was one of the first to use this tactic in exporting bananas from Guatemala. Prior to 1870, bananas were unknown in the United States.
A BANANA REPUBLIC — a form of government where cronyism, deceit
and cash payments substitute for more democratic forms of political influence,
like debate and balloting; a one-issue political body in a certain political
subdivision. Thus the term for Miami where ousting Castro is more
important to local politicians, and their counterparts in Washington, than
education, roads, clean water, etc. Miami
Banana Republic Flag
END Banana Republic
