Core Facts / Infobox

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Geography & Environment

• Nepal is a landlocked Himalayan country bordered by India to the south, east, and west, and China to the north.
• It contains diverse landscapes: the Himalayan mountains, mid-hills, valleys, and the Terai plains.
• Nepal is home to Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, and eight of the world’s 14 highest mountains.
• Major rivers: Koshi, Gandaki, Karnali; many originate from the Himalayas.
• Climate ranges from tropical in the Terai to alpine in the high Himalayas.
• Best time to visit: March–May and September–November.
• National parks: Chitwan, Sagarmatha, Bardia, Langtang, Shivapuri.
• Wildlife includes tigers, rhinos, elephants, snow leopards, red pandas, and hundreds of bird species.
• Environmental challenges: deforestation, landslides, earthquakes, glacial melting.
• Unique features: Himalayas, deep valleys, terraced farms, and sacred pilgrimage sites.

Demographics

• Total population: ~31 million.
• Median age: ~25 years.
• Urban vs rural: ~65% rural, though urbanization is rising.
• Ethnic diversity: Chhetri, Brahmin, Magar, Tharu, Tamang, Newar, Rai, Gurung, and many more.
• Religions: Hinduism (majority), Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Kirat.
• Literacy rate: ~71%.
• Major cities: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Lalitpur, Biratnagar, Bharatpur.

History

• Early Nepal was influenced by Indo-Aryan and Tibetan cultures.
• The Licchavi and Malla dynasties shaped ancient Kathmandu Valley culture.
• Prithvi Narayan Shah unified Nepal in the 18th century.
• Nepal maintained independence during British rule in India.
• It transitioned from monarchy to democracy in the 20th century.
• In 2008, the monarchy was abolished, and Nepal became a federal republic.
• The 2015 Constitution established the modern political structure.

Government & Politics

• Government type: Federal parliamentary republic.
• Executive: President (ceremonial) and Prime Minister (executive leader).
• Legislature: bicameral Federal Parliament (House of Representatives & National Assembly).
• Judiciary: Supreme Court, High Courts, District Courts.
• Administrative divisions: 7 provinces, 77 districts.
• Political focus: infrastructure, employment, tourism, stability, earthquake recovery.

Economy

• Economy relies on agriculture, tourism, remittances, and small-scale industries.
• Major industries: textiles, carpets, agriculture, hydropower, tourism.
• Main exports: carpets, garments, tea, coffee, handicrafts.
• Main imports: fuel, machinery, vehicles, electronics, food.
• Strengths: tourism potential, water resources, biodiversity.
• Weaknesses: landlocked geography, limited infrastructure, reliance on remittances.
• GDP sectors: Agriculture (~24%), Industry (~14%), Services (~62%).
• Tourism is a major revenue source (trekking, mountaineering, cultural tourism).

Culture & Society

• Nepal is rich in cultural diversity, languages, and traditions.
• Family unity, festivals, and religious rituals play a central role.
• Major festivals: Dashain, Tihar, Holi, Buddha Jayanti, Teej.
• Traditional dress includes Daura Suruwal (men) and Gunyu Cholo (women).
• Arts: woodcarving, metalwork, Thanka paintings, classical music, folk dance.
• Languages: Nepali plus 120+ indigenous languages.

Food & Cuisine

• National dish: Dal Bhat (lentils, rice, vegetables, curry).
• Other iconic dishes: Momo, Sel Roti, Gundruk, Choila, Yomari.
• Street foods: chatpate, panipuri, samosas, aloo chop.
• Beverages: Nepali tea, lassi, tongue-tingling Aila (Newari drink).
• Cuisine blends Tibetan, Indian, and Himalayan influences.

Education & Institutions

• Education is improving with rising enrollment and literacy.
• Medium of instruction: Nepali; English widely used in private schools.
• Literacy rate: ~71%.
• Top universities: Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu University, Pokhara University.
• Strong fields: humanities, business, engineering, medicine, IT.

Tourism

• Top destinations: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Lumbini (birthplace of Buddha), Chitwan, Everest region.
• UNESCO sites: Pashupatinath, Boudhan

Neighboring Countries of Nepal

Nepal shares land borders with the following countries:

• 1,236 km with China
• 1,690 km with India