Which one of the following countries has been suffering from decades of civil strife and food shortages and was in news in the recent past for its very severe famine?

1. A. Angola
2. B. Costa Rica
3. C. Ecuador
4. D. Somalia

Answer: D

Explanation

Somalia has been plagued by decades of civil strife, political instability, and recurrent climatic shocks, particularly severe droughts. In the recent past, the Horn of Africa, including Somalia, experienced its worst drought in over 40 years, leading to widespread crop failures, livestock deaths, and acute food insecurity, pushing millions to the brink of famine. The country has frequently been in the news for its severe humanitarian crises and food shortages. Angola, Costa Rica, and Ecuador, while facing their own challenges, have not been in the news for a ‘very severe famine’ in the same context as Somalia. This question tests awareness of major global humanitarian crises and geopolitical hotspots, a common theme in International Relations and Current Affairs.