Nepal

Nepal

area:	140,800sq km (54,363sq mi)
population:	23,077,791
capital (population):	Katmandu (696,852)
languages:	Nepali
currency:	Nepalese rupee = 100 paisa

Independent kingdom in central Asia, between India (s) and China (n); the capital is Katmandu.

Land and climate

Nepal comprises three distinct regions. A s lowland area (terai) of grassland, forests, and national park is the location of Nepal's agriculture and timber industry. The central Siwalik mountains and valleys are divided between the basins of the Ghaghara, Gandak, and Kosi rivers. Between the Gandak and Kosi lies Katmandu valley, Nepal's most populous area and centre for its greatest source of foreign currency – tourism. The last region is the main section of the Himalayas and includes Mount Everest.

History and politics

In 1768, Nepal united under Gurkha rule. Gurkha expansion into n India led to conflict with Britain, and British victory led Nepal to ratify its present boundaries and accept permanent British representation in Katmandu. From 1846 to 1951, hereditary prime ministers from the Rana family ruled Nepal. In 1923, Britain recognized Nepal as a sovereign state. Gurkha soldiers fought in the British Army during both World Wars. In 1951, the Rana government was overthrown and the monarchy re-established. The first national constitution was adopted in 1959, and free elections were held. In 1960, King Mahendra dissolved parliament and introduced a political system based on village councils (panchayat). In 1972, Birendra succeeded his father as King. In 1990, after mass protests, a new constitution limited the power of the monarchy. In 1991 the Nepali Congress Party (NCP), led by G. P. Koirala, won multiparty elections. Despite frequent splits, the NCP dominated the unstable political in the 1990s, and Koirala led nine governments in ten years. Since 1975 a Maoist insurgency has claimed more than 2000 lives. In 2001, many of the royal family, including the King, were shot and killed by Crown Prince Dipendra, who then killed himself. Prince Gyanendra, brother of King Birendra, became king.

Economy

The most important economic activity is livestock farming (especially yaks) and the growing of herbs. Nepal is an undeveloped rural country, reliant on Indian trade and cooperation (2000 GDP per capita, US$1360).

Political map

Physical map

Websites

http://www.nepalhomepage.com; http://www.welcomenepal.com