SAARC stands for:

Key Points

• South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is an organization of South Asian nations.
• SAARC was established on 8th December 1985 with the signing of the SAARC Charter in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
• The founding members of SAARC are Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
• Afghanistan joined SAARC as its eighth member state in 2007.
• The primary goal of SAARC is to promote regional cooperation and development in South Asia.
• SAARC covers various sectors including agriculture, rural development, science and technology, culture, health, population activities, and others.
• The SAARC Secretariat is located in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Additional Information

• SAARC aims to accelerate the process of economic and social development in member states through collective action.
• The organization also focuses on improving the quality of life and well-being of the people of South Asia.
• SAARC has established regional centers and specialized bodies to address specific areas of cooperation.
• The member states meet annually at the SAARC Summit to discuss and review progress and set new goals for cooperation.
• SAARC also engages in dialogue with other regional and international organizations to enhance cooperation and development.