Nepal

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Nepal (orthographic projection)

Map of Nepal (Political and Administrative)

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Napala in the Allahabad Pillar inscription

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Everest kalapatthar crop

Nepal, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked country in South Asia. It is mainly situated in the Himalayas, but also includes parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. With an estimated population of 26.4 million, it is the 48th largest country by population and 93rd largest country by area. It borders China in the north and India in the south, east, and west while Bangladesh is located within only 27 km (17 mi) of its southeastern tip and Bhutan is separated from it by the Indian state of Sikkim. Nepal has a diverse geography, including fertile plains, subalpine forested hills, and eight of the world's ten tallest mountains, including Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth. Kathmandu is the nation's capital and the largest city.

History

Nepal has a rich and ancient history, dating back to the Neolithic age. The Kathmandu Valley itself has been inhabited since at least 300 BCE, with the establishment of the Kirat dynasty being one of the earliest recorded events in Nepali history. Throughout its history, Nepal has been a melting pot of various cultures and religions, absorbing elements from its neighbors, yet maintaining a unique identity. The unification of Nepal was initiated in the 18th century by Prithvi Narayan Shah, who is considered the founder of the modern nation-state of Nepal.

Geography

Nepal is characterized by its diverse geography, which ranges from the fertile Terai plains in the south to the towering Himalayas in the north. This geographical diversity has resulted in a wide range of climates, from tropical savannas to arctic conditions in the Himalayan highlands. Nepal's biodiversity is equally rich, with numerous species of plants, animals, and birds unique to the region.

Politics

Nepal is a federal parliamentary republic with a multi-party system. It underwent a significant political transformation in 2008, becoming a federal democratic republic from a monarchy. The President of Nepal serves as the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government. The political landscape in Nepal is often marked by instability and frequent changes in government.

Economy

The economy of Nepal is primarily based on agriculture, services, and industry. Tourism also plays a significant role in the economy, with the Himalayas and cultural heritage sites attracting visitors from around the world. Despite its rich cultural and natural resources, Nepal remains one of the world's poorest countries, with a significant portion of the population living below the international poverty line.

Culture

Nepal's culture is heavily influenced by its ethnicity, religion, and geography. The country is known for its festivals, traditional music and dance, languages, and cuisine. Hinduism and Buddhism are the two main religions, which coexist and intermingle in Nepali society. The Nepali calendar, a lunar calendar, is also widely used for cultural festivities.

See also

• Geography of Nepal
• Demographics of Nepal
• Culture of Nepal
• Economy of Nepal