Nepal

Nepal
Name	Nepal
Capital	Kathmandu
Largest city	Kathmandu
Official languages	Nepali
Government	Federal democratic republic
Area km2	147181
Population estimate	30,000,000
Currency	Nepalese rupee
Time zone	Nepal Time (UTC+5:45)
Calling code	+977

Nepal Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia located along the southern slopes of the Himalayas, bordered by People's Republic of China (Tibet Autonomous Region) to the north and the Republic of India to the south, east, and west. The country hosts the summit of Mount Everest and features dramatic elevation gradients that influence its biodiversity and human settlement patterns. Kathmandu Valley serves as the political, cultural, and economic hub and contains many UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, and Swayambhunath.

Etymology and Name

The modern name derives from Khas language and Sanskrit traditions associated with medieval polities like the Gorkha Kingdom and titles such as Malla dynasty. Early external records reference forms used by travelers and chroniclers including the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea era names and accounts by Xuanzang. Colonial cartography by the East India Company and treaties such as the Sugauli Treaty influenced standardized transliterations used in diplomatic correspondence with entities like the British Raj and later the United Nations.

History

Prehistoric occupation is attested by archaeological sites such as Lumbini—the traditional birthplace of Gautama Buddha—and by material culture linked to Indus Valley Civilization interactions. Medieval polities included the Licchavi dynasty and the Malla dynasty, with urban centers like Bhaktapur and Patan shaping art and architecture. The rise of the Gorkha Kingdom under leaders like Prithvi Narayan Shah culminated in unification campaigns and encounters with the British East India Company, formalized in treaties such as the Sugauli Treaty (1816). The 20th century saw struggles involving the Rana dynasty, movements led by figures like B. P. Koirala, and constitutional experiments resulting in transitions from monarchy under the Shah dynasty to republicanism after the Nepalese Civil War and the 2006 Loktantra Andolan. Political milestones include the promulgation of the Constitution of Nepal, 2015 and engagements with multilateral organizations such as the United Nations and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.

Geography and Environment

Topography ranges from lowland plains of the Ganges Basin to alpine zones bordering the Tibetan Plateau, featuring peaks like Annapurna and Makalu. Major rivers include the Koshi River, Gandaki River, and Karnali River, which feed into transboundary systems with the Ganges and influence regional hydrology governed by agreements with India and China. Protected areas include Chitwan National Park and Sagarmatha National Park, home to species such as the Bengal tiger and snow leopard. Environmental challenges intersect with international frameworks like the Paris Agreement and involve issues addressed by organizations including the International Union for Conservation of Nature and regional bodies focused on Himalayan glacier retreat and seismic risk mitigation after events like the 2015 Nepal earthquake.

Government and Politics

The polity is organized under the Constitution of Nepal, 2015 as a federal system with provinces established by constitutional law; major institutions include the Federal Parliament of Nepal, the office of the President of Nepal, and the Prime Minister of Nepal. Political parties such as the Nepali Congress, the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) have shaped coalitions and legislative agendas. Nepal participates in diplomacy with neighbors through mechanisms like the India–Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship and engages in peacekeeping under the United Nations Peacekeeping framework. Electoral processes are administered by the Election Commission, Nepal and are influenced by constitutional provisions on federalism and rights adjudicated by the Supreme Court of Nepal.

Economy

Economic activity spans agriculture in the Terai plains, hydropower development projects on rivers such as the Koshi River and Trishuli River, and services concentrated in urban centers like Kathmandu. Remittances from migrant labor in countries including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia constitute a significant share of foreign exchange inflows. Trade relationships involve cross-border commerce with India and China, and infrastructure projects have been financed by entities such as the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank. Key sectors also include tourism driven by trekking routes like the Annapurna Circuit and expeditions to Mount Everest, regulated by bodies such as the Nepal Tourism Board.

Demographics and Society

Population distribution reflects ethnic and linguistic diversity including groups such as the Newar, Tamang, Tharu, Sherpa, and Maithil, with languages like Nepali language and regional tongues recognized in legislation. Urbanization is concentrated in metropolitan areas including Kathmandu Metropolitan City and Pokhara; public health challenges and education reforms have involved institutions like the Ministry of Health and Population (Nepal) and the Tribhuvan University. Social movements around identity and inclusion have engaged organizations such as the All Nepal National Free Students' Union and rights advocacy groups addressing representation in state structures and law, often adjudicated through the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority and constitutional courts.

Culture and Religion

Cultural heritage includes Newar craftsmanship in sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square and intangible traditions such as festivals Dashain and Teej that draw participants from communities including Hindu and Buddhist practitioners. Monastic centers like Boudhanath and pilgrimage circuits associated with Lumbini reflect religious networks linked to figures such as Padmasambhava and historical exchanges along routes to the Tibetan Plateau. Performing arts encompass folk traditions preserved by ensembles associated with institutions like the Royal Nepal Academy and contemporary literature produced by authors awarded honors from regional prizes and bodies such as the Sahitya Akademi. The heritage sector is engaged with conservation partners including UNESCO and national agencies responsible for archaeological preservation.

Category:Countries of Asia