Nepal

Nepal is a country located in South Asia. It has no coastline; it borders China (the Tibet region) to the north and India to the east, south, and west. The capital is Kathmandu, which is also the largest city.

Nepal's terrain rises steeply from the lowlands of the Terai to the Himalaya mountains. Mount Everest, the highest point on earth, lies on the border between Nepal and Tibet. The variation in terrain influences the climate, agriculture, and settlement patterns of the population.

History and government

Nepal was governed by a monarchy for a long period. In recent decades the country experienced successive political upheaval, including a civil war and Maoist insurgency in the 1990s and 2000s. The monarchy was abolished and the country became a federal democratic republic. A new constitution was adopted in 2015, dividing the country into federal provinces.

People and society

Nepal's population comprises many ethnic groups and languages. Nepali is the official language of the state, though many other languages are spoken in particular regions. Hinduism is the most widespread religion, with significant populations of Buddhists, Muslims, and others. Lumbini, located in the south of the country, is recognized as the birthplace of Buddha.

Economy

Agriculture is a significant source of employment for much of the population. Mountain tourism and trekking—particularly in the regions around Everest and Annapurna—bring considerable foreign currency to the country. Remittances from Nepali workers abroad, including in the Middle East and Malaysia, form a large part of household income.