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A Brief Introduction to Nepal
Nepal is a country located between China and India, two huge countries with vibrant economies. It spreads over an area of 147,181 sq km.
and contains terrains that range from around 200 m. to the height of Mt. Everest. Politically, it has been designated as a Federal
Democratic Republic since May 2008.
Nepal is officially a secular state. Hinduism is the main religious faith among the majority of the Nepalese people.
The second largest faith by number of followers is Buddhism as Nepal is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Other religious
faiths such as Christianity and Islam co-exist peacefully and harmoniously in Nepal. Rich cultural heritage and live
and diverse cultural traditions are special features of Nepal. Nepal is a multi-cultural, multi-religious and multi-lingual society.
More than 100 ethnic people live in Nepal and around 70 languages are spoken.
After a decade-long conflict, Nepal is in a post-conflict transition since 2006 and is putting her efforts in
achieving sustainable peace. The peace process of Nepal is basically home-grown. Taking the peace process to a logical conclusion,
writing a new democratic constitution within the stipulated timeframe and laying the foundation for a socio-economic transformation
process that is based on inclusiveness, equality and justice are the main priorities of the Government at present.
Nepal held elections to the Constituent Assembly in April 2008. The 601-member Constituent Assembly is the most representative
legislative body Nepal has ever had, with wider representation from various ethnic groups, geographic regions, social classes,
dalits, Madhesi and women. In the framework of multi-party democracy, politics of consensus, cooperation and collaboration
is being evolved in the best interest of the people.
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FACT SHEET:
Area: 147,181 sq km.
Geography: situated between China in the north India in the south.
Capital: Kathmandu.
Population: 27 million approx.
Language: Nepali is the national language. Over 100 ethnic groups live and around 70 languages spoken in Nepal.
GDP per capita: US $ 470.
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Nepal has a unique landscape, and a fabulous biodiversity. Occupying only 0.1 percent area of the earth, it is home to:
- 2 % of all the flowering plants in the world.
- 8% of the world’s population of birds (over 848 species).
- 4% of the mammals on earth.
- 11 of the world’s 15 families of butterflies (more than 500 species).
- 600 indigenous plant families.
- 319 species of exotic orchids.
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