The Himalayan country of Nepal is a destination that attracts
visitors from all over the world. Trekkers and those interested in
expeditions are especially attracted to the high peaks of the Himalayan
Mountains. Nepal is the home of Mount Everest as well as 7 of the
highest peaks in the world. Nepal is rich in natural resources and is a
culturally diverse country as well. The many ethnic groups are composed
of people of both Indian and Mongol extraction and there are over
36different languages spoken. The ethnic group that occupies the
mountain region of the country is the Sherpa. The Sherpa people have a
unique language similar to Tibetan, as well as their own customs,
culture and religious traditions that are vastly different than those
of the other groups in Nepal. They migrated from the Tibetan plateau
centuries ago but have maintained their Buddhist tradition.
The biggest natural museum in the world
Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of bio-diversity due tool unique geographical position and latitudinal variation. The elevation of the country ranges from 60m above sea level to the highest point on earth, Mt. Everest at 8,848 m, all within a distance of 150 km with climatic conditions ranging from sub-tropical to arctic. This wild variation fosters an incredible variety of ecosystems, the greatest mountain range on earth, thick tropical jungles teeming with a wealth of wildlife, thundering rivers, forested hills and frozen valleys.
Within this spectacular geography is also one of the richest cultural landscapes anywhere. The country is a potpourri of ethnic groups and sub-groups who speak over 70 languages and dialects. Nepal offers an astonishing diversity of sightseeing attractions and adventure opportunities found nowhere else on the earth. And you can join in the numerous annual festivals that are celebrated throughout the year in traditional style highlighting enduring customs and beliefs.
Nepal-occupying only 0.1% of the earth-is home to:
Area: 147,181 sq. km
Geography: Situated between China in the north and India in the south.
Capital: Kathmandu
Population: 22 Million
People: Nepal has more than 61 ethnic groups and 70 spoken languages.
Language: Nepali is the national language. However, travel-trade people Understand and speak English as well.
Currency: Nepalese Rupee (Approximately US$ 1 = Rs. 73.25 as of December 2009).
Political System: Democratic.
Religion: Nepal
enjoys the distinction of being the only Hindu/ Buddhism country in the
world. However, there is a harmonious Blending of Hinduism and Buddhism.
Geography: Nepal,
a sovereign independent Kingdom, is bounded on the North by Tibetan
Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China, and on the east,
south and west by India. The length of the Kingdom is 885 km east-west
and its breadth varies from 145-241 km north-south. The country can be
divided into three main geographical regions.
Himalayan Region:
The altitude of this region
ranges between 4,877m. - 8,848m. It includes eight of the 14 highest
summits in the world which exceed an altitude of 8,000m including
Everest, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and others.
Mountain Region:
This region accounts for about
68% of the total land area. It is formed by the Mahabharat range that
soars up to 4,87m and the lower Churia range.
Terai Region:
The low-land Terai occupies about 17% of the total land of the country.
History:
Nepal has always been an independent
and sovereign country with glorious history, culture and tradition that
date back to time immemorial. Before the campaign of national
integration was launched by King Prithivi Narayan Shah, the Great, the
Kathmandu Valley was ruled by the Malla Kings, whose contributions to
art and culture are indeed great and unique. In 1768 AD, the Shah
dynasty ascended the throne of the unified Kingdom. King Gyanendra Bir
Bikram Shah Dev was the last King in the Shah dynasty. The new
Democratic Constitution of the Kingdom was promulgated on November 9,
1990 AD. Nepal is one of the founder members of South Asian Association
for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
People:
Nepal has a population of more than 22
million people made of different race and ethnic groups living in
different regions, with diverse culture, languages and dialects. The
Gurungs and Magars live mainly in the west. The Rais, Limbus and
Sunwars inhabit the slopes and valleys of the eastern mid hills. The
Sherpas live in the Himalayan region. The Newars constitute an
important ethnic group of the capital valley-Kathmandu. There are
Tharus, Yadavs, Satars, Rajvanshis and Dhimal in the Terai region. The
Brahmins, Chettris and Thakuris are generally spread over all parts of
the Himalayan country.
