Nepal has always been sovereign and independent. It has a glorious past, culture and tradition which all reach back to primeval times. Before the National unification campaign under King Prithvi Narajan Shah, the Katmandu valley was ruled by the Malla Kings who had contributed to art and culture in a really magnificent and unique way. In 1768 AD the Shah dynasty then assumed control of the throne in this suitable and appropriate country. King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev is the tenth King of the Shah dynasty. The new democratic constitution was announced on 9 November 1990. Nepal is the founder member of the South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation - SAARC.