Nepal
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At a glance
- Region
- Southern Asia
- Capital
- Kathmandu
- Population
- 29.7 million (2024)
- Area
- 147,181 km²
- Languages
- Nepali
- Currency
- Nepalese rupee (NPR)
- Drives on the
- left
- Calling code
- +977
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Before you go
Overview
Nepal is a landlocked country located in South Asia in the Himalayas. The country has the world’s highest peaks; Mount Everest which is the tallest mountain in the world and Mount Kanchenjunga which is the third tallest. It recorded a population of 28.09 million people in 2018 and covers an area of 147,516 km2.
The capital city is Kathmandu located in a valley encircled by the Himalayan Mountains. The city has the country’s largest temple called the Pasupatinath. Most of the city’s historical sites were destroyed during the 2015 earthquake.
Mera Peak, The Himalayas.
History
Nepal’s current boundaries were established by signing of a treaty after the Anglo-Nepalese war that was fought between 1814 and 1816.
The country was ruled by hereditary chiefs called Ranas between 1846 and 1951. After 1951, the country started being ruled by a monarchial government.
Later, the monarchy was also abolished in 2008 when Nepal became a republic.
Food & culture
Nepal is a multi-ethnic and multi-lingual country. The culture is manifested through dance, art, languages, religion, philosophy, festivals and foods.
The main crops are rice, maize, barley, wheat, jute, cotton and sugarcane. The main exports are tea, beverage, carpets and beverage. The main foods include momo, pulao, dal phat and sel roti.
Wildlife
The main wildlife animals include Bengal tiger and fox, Himalayan monal and tahr, Indian rhino and elephant, sloth bear, leopard and marbled cat. The best months to visit the country are between October and December when the sky and views are clearer.
Festivals & events
Indra Jatra is the biggest religious festival, which is conducted at the Durbar Square at the centre of Kathmandu city which involves masked dances.
Dashain festival is conducted to honour the victory of the gods over demons by worshipping Durga which the symbol of power.
Other festivals include Mohani, Satbyu, Kartik Purnima and Ganesh Chauthi.
Things to see
The country is a mountainous country full of deep valleys with an enjoyable nature for trekking in Pokhara city. Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga are the most populous.
Chwitan National Park has wild animals and also the jungle of Terai plain.
The legend of Kathmandu valley is believed to be an ancient lake that drained water to proto-Bagmati River after a Buddhist Saint Manjushree struck it by his sword.
Interesting facts
Mount Everest 29,000 feet high is the tallest mountain in the world and one f the country’s main tourist attraction.
Nepal is the first Asian country to protect gay rights in the new constitution adopted in 2015.
The country has the largest Hindu population in the world in terms of percentage.
The official language is Nepali.
