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Location
South Asia.
Time
GMT + 5.45.
Area
147,181 sq km (56,827 sq miles).
Population
28.3 million (UN estimate 2007).
Population Density
192 per sq km.
Capital
Kathmandu. Population: 822,930 (2006).
Geography
Nepal is a landlocked kingdom sharing borders with Tibet to the north and northwest, and India to the west, south and east. The country can be divided into six zones: the Terai, the Chure hills, the Mahabharat range, the Pahar zone, the Himalaya and the Trans-Himalaya. The greater part of the country lies on the southern slope of the Himalayas, extending down from the highest peaks through hill country to the upper edge of the Ganges Plain. The hilly central area is crossed by the Lower Himalayas, where there are eight of the highest peaks in the world, leading up to Mount Everest. Wildlife in Nepal includes tigers, leopards, gaur, elephants, buffalo, deer and rhinos.
Government
Democratic Republic.
Head of Government
Prime Minister Prachanda since 2008.
Recent History
King Gyanendra ascended the throne in June 2001 after Crown Prince Dipendra gunned down his parents and seven royals before killing himself. On 1 February 2005, the king dismissed the prime minister and his government for failing its mandate to hold elections and restore peace. He took power and a state of emergency followed, with press censorship and suspension of fundamental rights. He appointed a pro-monarchist cabinet and the escalating crisis between the king, political parties and Maoist insurgents culminated in strikes and demonstrations in spring 2006. The king recalled parliament in April 2006 and appointed Girija Prasad Koirala, leader of the largest political party Nepali Congress, as prime minister. A landmark peace deal was agreed in November 2006 and in early 2007 Maoists joined an interim government.
Elections in April 2008 resulted in a victory for the Maoists, following a 10-year insurgency. Their leader, Prachanda, became the senior political leader of Nepal. A planned abolition of the monarchy took place in May 2008 and the nation was declared a republic. The Maoists have the task of rewriting the constitution.
Elections in April 2008 resulted in a victory for the Maoists, following a 10-year insurgency. Their leader, Prachanda, became the senior political leader of Nepal. A planned abolition of the monarchy took place in May 2008 and the nation was declared a republic. The Maoists have the task of rewriting the constitution.
Language
The official language is Nepali (spoken by 49%). There are many other languages, including Maithili and Bhojpuri. English is spoken in business circles and by people involved in the travel trade.
Religion
Mainly Hindu (85%) and Buddhist (8%), with a small Muslim minority (4%).
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz. There are frequent power cuts.
Social Conventions
Be careful to respect local customs: never step over the feet of a person, always walk round; never offer food and drink that you have tasted or bitten; never offer or accept anything with the left hand, use the right or both hands. It is rude to point at a person or statue with a finger (or even with a foot).
Often when people shake their head, it means 'yes'. Footwear should be removed when entering houses, especially kitchens, or shrines. Do not stand in front of a person who is eating. Shaking hands is not a common form of greeting; instead press the palms together in a prayer-like gesture (Namaste).
Casual wear is suitable except for the most formal meetings or social occasions. However, bikinis, shorts, bare shoulders and backs may not be appreciated. Men only remove their shirts when bathing. Overt public displays of affection, especially near religious places, are inappropriate. Seek permission before entering a temple, and do not take leather articles inside them.
Photography: Always ask permission first. In general, it is allowed outside temples and at festivals, but not at religious ceremonies or inside temples; however, there is no hard and fast rule and the only way to be sure of not giving offence is to ask first and accept the answer.
Often when people shake their head, it means 'yes'. Footwear should be removed when entering houses, especially kitchens, or shrines. Do not stand in front of a person who is eating. Shaking hands is not a common form of greeting; instead press the palms together in a prayer-like gesture (Namaste).
Casual wear is suitable except for the most formal meetings or social occasions. However, bikinis, shorts, bare shoulders and backs may not be appreciated. Men only remove their shirts when bathing. Overt public displays of affection, especially near religious places, are inappropriate. Seek permission before entering a temple, and do not take leather articles inside them.
Photography: Always ask permission first. In general, it is allowed outside temples and at festivals, but not at religious ceremonies or inside temples; however, there is no hard and fast rule and the only way to be sure of not giving offence is to ask first and accept the answer.