In addition to the armed Maoist rebels operating in the countryside, the national political situation is also chaotic. The various leftist (mainly communist) parties strenuously oppose the current government (mainly royalist.) The opposition is deserved, as the current government has been caught in corrupt practices. This reduces the government's effectiveness in dealing with the rebellion. This in tern has led to the perception that the rebellion is out of control and that Nepal is a dangerous place to visit. The loss of tourist income has hit the economy hard, as tourism is a large source of foreign exchange.