AsiaMap.net

About Nepal

Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia, nestled in the Himalayas between China (Tibet) to the north and India to the south, east, and west. Despite its relatively small size of 147,516 square kilometers, Nepal contains eight of the world's ten highest mountains, including Mount Everest, the highest peak on Earth. Home to approximately 29.6 million people, Nepal is characterized by dramatic elevation changes, from the lowland Terai plains at about 60 meters to Everest's summit at 8,849 meters, creating incredible geographic and climatic diversity.

Nepal has a rich history as an ancient kingdom that was never colonized, maintaining its independence throughout the colonial era. The birthplace of Lord Buddha in Lumbini, Nepal holds deep spiritual significance for millions of Buddhists worldwide. Nepali is the official language, though the country recognizes over 120 languages among its diverse ethnic groups. Hinduism is the predominant religion, practiced by about 81% of the population, with Buddhism being the second-largest faith. Nepalese culture is known for its warm hospitality, colorful festivals like Dashain and Tihar, intricate temple architecture, and the legendary Gurkha warriors.

Nepal's geography is divided into three main regions: the Terai plains in the south, the hilly middle region, and the spectacular Himalayan mountains in the north. The country experiences varied climates from subtropical in the south to alpine in the high mountains. Major rivers including the Koshi, Gandaki, and Karnali flow from the Himalayas through Nepal to India. The diverse ecosystems range from tropical jungles in the lowlands (home to tigers and rhinos) to alpine meadows and glaciers. Nepal is a trekker's paradise, with famous routes like the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit attracting adventurers from around the world.

Nepal's economy relies heavily on agriculture, remittances from overseas workers, and a growing tourism industry centered on mountaineering, trekking, and cultural heritage. The country produces rice, wheat, and sugarcane in the Terai plains, while the hills are known for tea and spices. Kathmandu, the capital and largest city, is the political and economic center situated in a valley surrounded by hills. Other major cities include Pokhara (the gateway to the Annapurna region), Biratnagar, Lalitpur (Patan), and Bharatpur, each contributing to Nepal's developing economy as it balances traditional agriculture with tourism and emerging industries.

Major Cities

• Kathmandu - The capital and largest city with 1.4 million people (2.5 million metro), Nepal's political and cultural center with seven UNESCO World Heritage sites
• Pokhara - Nepal's tourism capital with 518,000 people, gateway to the Annapurna region and known for stunning lake and mountain views
• Lalitpur (Patan) - Historic city with 299,000 people, part of Kathmandu Valley and renowned for ancient art, architecture, and craftsmanship
• Biratnagar - Industrial hub in eastern Nepal with 244,000 people, the country's second-largest city economically
• Bharatpur - Central city with 280,000 people, commercial center near Chitwan National Park and important transportation hub

Interesting Facts

• Nepal is home to eight of the world's ten highest mountains, including Mount Everest at 8,849 meters, the highest point on Earth
• The country has the only non-rectangular national flag in the world, featuring two stacked triangular pennants
• Lumbini in southern Nepal is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (Lord Buddha) around 623 BCE and a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Nepal uses a unique UTC+5:45 time zone, making it one of only three countries with a 45-minute offset from standard time
• The Gurkhas, elite soldiers from Nepal, have served in the British and Indian armies with legendary bravery for over 200 years
• Nepal was never colonized by any foreign power and maintained its independence throughout the colonial period in Asia