A "Banana Republic" is a term used to describe a politically unstable country that relies heavily on a single export, often agricultural products like bananas. These nations typically have economies that are vulnerable to fluctuations in global markets and may be influenced by foreign corporations. Historically, the term originated in the early 20th century, particularly in Central America, where American companies, such as the United Fruit Company, exerted significant control over local governments. This led to exploitative practices and political interference, resulting in social and economic challenges for the local population.