Nepal

The Himalayan Nation of Harmony, Heritage, and High Altitude

Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia, nestled between China (Tibet Autonomous Region) and India. It is globally renowned as the home of Mount Everest, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, and a land of spiritual and cultural significance. With its federal democratic system, ethnic diversity, and mountainous terrain, Nepal continues to attract global attention for its natural beauty and resilient development.

Formation and Historical Background

  • Ancient kingdoms flourished in Kathmandu Valley; Lichhavi and Malla periods were culturally significant.

  • Unified under King Prithvi Narayan Shah in the 18th century.

  • Maintained independence during British colonial era in South Asia.

  • Became a constitutional monarchy in 1990.

  • After a decade-long Maoist insurgency, Nepal became a republic in 2008 and adopted a new constitution in 2015 establishing federalism.

Administrative Information

Attribute Details
Country Name Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal
Capital Kathmandu
Continent Asia (South Asia)
Official Language Nepali
Currency Nepalese Rupee (NPR)
Area Approx. 147,516 sq. km
Population Approx. 30 million (2024 est.)
Time Zone Nepal Time (UTC+5:45)
ISO Code NP
Internet TLD .np
Calling Code +977

Government and Leadership

Position Current Officeholder (as of 2024)
President Ram Chandra Paudel
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda)
Government Type Federal Parliamentary Republic
Legislature Federal Parliament (House of Representatives + National Assembly)
Judiciary Supreme Court of Nepal

Administrative Divisions

Nepal is divided into:

  • 7 Provinces

  • 77 Districts

  • 753 Local Governments (Municipalities and Rural Municipalities)

List of Provinces (with headquarters):

  1. Koshi Province – Biratnagar

  2. Madhesh Province – Janakpur

  3. Bagmati Province – Hetauda

  4. Gandaki Province – Pokhara

  5. Lumbini Province – Deukhuri (Dang)

  6. Karnali Province – Birendranagar

  7. Sudurpashchim Province – Dhangadhi

Each province is subdivided into districts, which are further divided into metropolitan cities (Mahanagarpalika), sub-metropolitan cities, municipalities (Nagarpalika), and rural municipalities (Gaunpalika).

Local Government Structure

  • Three-tier federal system:

    1. Federal (central) government

    2. Provincial governments

    3. Local governments

  • Local elections held regularly.

  • Each level has executive, legislative, and judicial authority to varying extents.

  • Governance is supported by the National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission (NNRFC).

Leadership & Governance

  • The country is governed under the 2015 Constitution.

  • Key national goals:

    • Good governance and federal balance

    • Economic modernization

    • Inclusive representation and minority rights

  • Nepal maintains a non-aligned foreign policy and is a strong contributor to UN peacekeeping missions.

Law Enforcement & Safety

  • Main agency: Nepal Police

  • Others: Armed Police Force (APF), National Investigation Department (NID)

  • Military: Nepali Army – under the President as Supreme Commander

  • Challenges:

    • Border control (especially with India and Tibet)

    • Disaster response (earthquakes, landslides)

    • Human trafficking and domestic violence

  • Emergency Numbers:

    • 100 – Police

    • 101 – Fire

    • 102 – Ambulance

Economy & Industry

  • GDP (2023): Approx. USD 45 billion

  • Key sectors:

    • Agriculture: rice, maize, wheat, tea, cardamom

    • Remittances: 25%+ of GDP comes from Nepali workers abroad

    • Tourism: trekking, mountaineering, culture

    • Hydropower and handicrafts

  • Partners: India, China, USA, Japan, UAE, EU

  • Development focus: sustainable energy, transport corridors, industrial zones

Education & Institutions

  • Literacy rate improving; over 90% for youth (15–24)

  • Compulsory and free education up to grade 8

  • Major institutions:

    • Tribhuvan University

    • Kathmandu University

    • Pokhara University

  • Challenges: school dropouts, rural access, digital divide

Healthcare

  • Basic health services offered free at government centers

  • Urban-rural gap in facilities

  • Key issues: malnutrition, maternal health, NCDs

  • Leading hospitals:

    • Teaching Hospital (Maharajgunj)

    • Bir Hospital

    • Patan Hospital

  • Supported by WHO, UNDP, NGOs, and India-China cooperation

Transport & Connectivity

  • International Airports:

    • Tribhuvan Intl. (Kathmandu)

    • Gautam Buddha Intl. (Lumbini)

    • Pokhara Intl. Airport

  • Roads:

    • East-West Highway (Mahendra Rajmarg) is the main artery

  • Rail connectivity with India in expansion phase

  • Internal air travel is key due to mountainous terrain

Tourism & Attractions

  • Mount Everest (Sagarmatha) and Annapurna Circuit – top trekking destinations

  • Lumbini – Birthplace of Gautama Buddha (UNESCO)

  • Kathmandu Valley – ancient temples and palaces

  • Chitwan & Bardia – wildlife safaris (UNESCO-listed parks)

  • Cultural events: Dashain, Tihar, Holi, Buddha Jayanti

Culture & Lifestyle

  • Multicultural and multiethnic society:

    • Major groups: Khas Arya, Madhesi, Janajati, Tharu, Newar, Sherpa, and others

  • Religions:

    • Hinduism (majority), Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Kiratism

  • Arts: Thangka painting, woodwork, classical music, dances

  • Cuisine: Dal-Bhat-Tarkari, momo, gundruk, sel roti

  • Social values: family honor, hospitality, festivals, and oral storytelling

Summary

Nepal is a nation of ancient wisdom and youthful aspiration. From the world’s highest peaks to deeply spiritual plains, Nepal stands as a testament to resilience, peace, and harmony. As it navigates the 21st century, its focus on inclusive federalism, eco-tourism, and sustainable development makes it a country of immense promise in South Asia.