Facts About Nepal

Population: 28,901,790

Area: 54,363 sq mi (140,800 sq km)

Population growth rate: 2.17% (2006 est.)

Capital: Kathmandu. 822,930 people. (4,265 ft elevation)

Independence Date: 1768

Government Type: In Transition

Sources of additional information:

CIA World Fact Book For Nepal

The Nepal US Embassy

Economy

Nepal is among the poorest and least developed countries in the world with almost one-third of its population living below the poverty line. Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy, providing a livelihood for three-fourths of the population and accounting for 38% of GDP. Industrial activity mainly involves the processing of agricultural produce including jute, sugarcane, tobacco, and grain.

GDP: $39.5 billion (2004 est.)

Per Capita GDP: $1,500

Monetary Unit: Rupee (For exchange rates click here)

Unemployment rate: 42% (2004 EST.)

Agriculture products: rice, corn, wheat, sugarcane, root crops; milk, water buffalo meat

Industries: tourism, carpet, textile; small rice, jute, sugar, and oilseed mills; cigarettes, cement and brick production

Natural resources: quartz, water, timber, hydropower, scenic beauty, small deposits of lignite, copper, cobalt, iron ore

Religions

Hindu(official) 86%, Buddhist 8%, Muslim 4%, Kirant 1.2%, other 0.8%

 

 

Culture

Languages: Nepali 47.8%, Maithali 12.1%, Bhojpuri 7.4%, Tharu (Dagaura/Rana) 5.8%, Tamang 5.1%, Newar 3.6%, Magar 3.3%, Awadhi 2.4%, other 10%, unspecified 2.5% (2001 census) note: many in government and business also speak English. Nepali is the official language with about 30 dialects.

Literacy rate: 48.6%

Do’s and Don'ts in Nepal:

• To show appreciation and respect, use two hands rather than one when giving or receiving something, even money.
• Try not to point with a single finger, but use a flat extended hand…especially to indicate a sacred object or place.
• Among Hindus, avoid touching women and holy men.  The traditional palms together “Namaste” greeting is preferable.
• Remove your shoes when entering a home, temple or monastery (and leather items in Hindu temples).
• Please refrain from giving candy, pens, and money to children, but instead donate to a school, monastery or hospital.
• Most Nepalese don’t mind being photographed, but some do.  Ask first, especially with older people or ceremonies.
• It is illegal to export anything older than 100 years.
• Public affection is frowned upon, and men should wear shirts at all times.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Weather

For historical weather records around the world, visit Weatherbase.com homepage or go directly to Kathmandu Nepal detail.