Nepal is surrounded by Tibet (China) and India. The nation is home to seventy different tribes and peoples. The total population is about 25 millions. Kathmandu is the capital, and it has a population of about two millions. The official language is Nepali, although most of the tribes have their own dialects.

1.     Peoples
The history of Nepal is marked by a mixing of races, languages, religious, cultures and influences both from the north and from the south, resulting in one distinct and original land. The Nepalese are a mixture of Aryan and Mongol peoples. The indo-Aryans make up about 27 peoples and the Tibeto-Burman includes about 68 peoples. Other groups include Bhutanese refugees, Indian and Tibetans. The literacy rate in Nepal is officially 42%, however among women it is estimated that only 26 are literate.

2.     Economic
Nepal is an isolated subsistence economy. There is high population density with rapid deforestation and ecological destruction. The main foreign exchange earners are tourism, the Gurkha soldiers and agriculture. A large percentage of the national budget is met by foreign aid and loans. Presently 42% of the population is living below the poverty line.

3.     Politics
Nepal was never ruled by colonial powers. She was under the Shah Dynasty for the last 200 years. However, monarchy was abolished this year through people’s movement and now under the leadership of the Left Wing Communist Party (Maoist), Nepal is in a transition period.

Nepal was the only kingdom in the world whose state religion was Hinduism and whose king was venerated as a deity. However, this has gone through a dramatic change with the abolition of Monarchy. Now Nepal has been declared a Secular Democratic Republic.

4.     Religions
Hinduism is the state religion, though it is much intertwined with Buddhism and strong underlying animism. Religious faith and superstition are deeply rooted in the culture of the people. Nepal is the “Jerusalem” for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimages.

Hinduism is recognized as the national religion, but the constitution guarantees some religious freedom for other faiths. People are free to choose their religion but it is illegal to convert others. Any infringing of this is liable to lead to imprisonment for nationals for three years, and where conversion has been effected for six years and expulsion of foreigners.