Country Information on Nepal

Terrain Nepal can be divided into three parallel regions, which run from the north-west to the south-east. The highest zone, the Great Himalayas (averaging more than 4,570 m), roughly speaking forms the border with China. The second region is the Middle Himalayas, averaging approx. 2,500 m, dominated by the Mahabharat Range. The third and southernmost region is the Tarai, a lowland with swamps and forests. Nine of the ten highest mountains in the world are located either wholly or partly within Nepal's boundaries, including Mount Everest (8,846 m), the world's highest mountain. Climate Nepal's climate depends on the altitude a region is situated at. In high mountain areas low temperatures prevail throughout the year. By contrast, in the Tarai and in the Kathmandu Valley summers are hot and wet (owing to the influence of the south-east monsoon) and winters are cool. Temperatures are highest between late spring and midsummer. The climatic snow-line is around 5,000 to 5,800 m. The higher mountain areas are snow-covered all the year round. Fauna/Flora Deciduous woods, bamboo forests, rhododendron, and coniferous forests characterize the landscape at different elevations. Above 3,600 m only sparse vegetation is found. Alpine steppe predominates in the north-west. Wildlife in the Tarai, especially in the wetter areas, includes tigers, leopards, deer, and elephants. In higher-lying regions wild goats, wild sheep, and wolves are found. History/Politics During the reign of the Malla dynasty (12th-18th century) the country's culture experienced a golden age, despite its disintegration into three separate kingdoms in the late 15th century. From 1559 the Gurkha dynasty of the Shaha had control over the area of present-day Nepal. Relations between the Gurkhas and the British in India were laid down in a contract between 1791 and 1803. Owing to border disputes tension grew in the following ten years, culminating in the declaration of war of the British on Nepal in 1814. The British won the armed conflict in 1815. In the peace treaty ratified by the Nepalese government in 1816 Nepal agreed upon the cession of a large part of the Tarai and other frontier areas. During the 30 years to follow, pro-British and anti-British forces struggled for power. In 1846 the pro-British officer Sir Jung Bahadur, of Rana descent, succeeded in seizing control of the government and declared himself prime minister. Jung Bahadur began the long Rana line of rulers, who also made the office of the prime minister hereditary. The 1950s were a period of political unrest. There were several changes of government, and at times the king took control. King Tribhuvana died in 1955 and was succeeded by his son Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah. In 1959 the country's first democratic constitution entered into effect, including the king's right to dismiss parliament. After the king's death, his son Birendra Bir Bikram was formally crowned in 1975. In 1991 the Nepali Congress Party (NCP) won the country's first democratic election in 32 years, and Girija Prasad Koirala became prime minister. In April 1998 Girija Prasad Koirala from the NCP was again made head of government. On 1 June 2001 King Birendra and several other members of the Royal Family were killed in a massacre. His brother Gyanendra was subsequently crowned king. Economy Nepal is among the least developed countries in the world. Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy, providing a livelihood for approx. 90% of the population and accounting for about half of the country's gross domestic product. Chief agricultural commodities include rice, maize, buckwheat, barley, potatoes, sugar cane, millet, jute, and tobacco. Livestock breeding centres upon chicken, cattle, and water buffaloes. Industrial activity mainly involves the processing of raw materials and agricultural produce. Of major importance are cotton textiles, cellulose and paper, construction materials, foodstuff, cigarettes, and shoes. There is proof of mineral deposits, such as gold, various ores, coal, and sulphur, but they have not been tapped so far. Tourism is increasing in importance. Culture Since Nepal has never been colonized by any other nation, it was able to develop an independent culture of its own. Hinduism is a major influence, and to a lesser extent also Buddhism. Throughout Nepal, pagodas and other buildings are found, abundantly ornamented with woodcarvings. The National Museum in Kathmandu features numerous cultural and historical collections. The Nepalese calendar contains numerous festivals, of which Dashain is the most important one. It lasts 15 days, people visit their relatives, and an integral part of the celebration is the sacrifice of a large number of goats, buffaloes, and poultry in favour of the goddess Kali. In November the festival of light, Tihar, is held, during which the Nepalese decorate their homes with candles, colourful lights, or traditional oil lamps. This festival is above all meant to deepen relationships between siblings.