Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position and altitude variation. The elevation of the country ranges from 60 m above sea level to the highest point on earth, Mt. Everest at 8,848m, all within a distance of 150 km resulting into climatic conditions from Subtropical to Arctic.

Nepal is situated between 260 22' N to 300 27' N (latitude) and 8004' to 880 12' E (longitude). It lies between world's two giant nations India and China and has an age-old friendly tie with both the neighbors. Ecologically, it is divided into Terai (Fertile Plain land) to the south, hills in the middle and mountain (including snowcapped Himalayas) to the north.

The country is spread over an area of 147181 sq. km. With the average east / west length at 885 kms. And north / south breadth at 193 kms.

Due to country's varied topography, the altitude ranges from the lowest point of 70 meters above sea level to world's highest peak Mount Everest, which is 8848 meters above sea level high in north. 8 of the world's 14 highest peaks are in Nepal.

Nepal opened its door to the outside world from 1951. The country was never colonized. Nepal has varied from tropical in the low lands to arctic at higher altitude.

The southern plain which is called (Terai) region has tropical (hot and humid) climate. The hilly regions are pleasant almost throughout the year with cold winter nights. The northern mountain region over 3356 m. has an alpine climate during winter. The country has four season spring (march May), Summer (June August), Autumn (September November) and winter (December- February).

Climatic conditions of Nepal is determined by topography and altitude. Though summer temperature sometimes reaches to more than 400 Celsius in some places of southern Terai region compared to 280 Celsius in the hills the average maximum and minimum temperature in Terail lies between a cool 70 and mild 230 Celsius to cold night the hills and freezing temperature at places adjacent to Himalayan region.

Religion Culture

Nepal is the only Hindu Kingdom in the world. Despite being constitutionally declared a Hindu Kingdom, the constitution guarantees the right to coexistence and equality to other religions also. The other religions followed in the country are Buddhism, Christianity, Islam (Muslim) etc.

Nepal is very rich in cultural of versity and heritage. The quisite medieval art, architecture and unique, traditional craftsmanship of Kathmandu Valley depicts the artistic image and religious sentiment of the people. Close harmony and feeling of respect to other religions prevails amongst the people.

The People

People, Culture and languages.

In Nepal ethnical cultural groups are diverse and many of them have their own languages and customs. However, they can be geographically categorized according to their habits. The Sherpas who are the tibeto-Burman stock mainly coccupy the higher hills of eastern and central Nepal. The Solu khumbu region, where the world's tallest peak Mr. Everest stands, is inhabited by Sherpas. Generally they are Buddhist but some follow the Bon, the pre-Buddhist religion of Tibet, and other religions. The Sherpas are famed for their valor and mountaineering skills and are professionally involved in many mountain expeditions. Today, Sherpas have joined other occupations as well, kike business, administration and politics.

A wide variety of ethnic groups occupy the mid hills. The Kirats or Limbus and Rais inhabit the east. During the 7th century BC, they established a dynasty in the Kathmandu Valley and ruled it for 1,000 years. They are not originally Hindus or Buddhists but are ancestoe worshippers. However, today, many embrace Hinduism. In the former days, they were warriors and skilled hunters. The Kirats speak Tibeto-Burman languages. Many serve in the British gauges. Many serve in the British Army today and have earned a reputation as the brave Gurkhas.

The population of the Kathmandu Valley consists mostly of Newars They speak Nepalbasha and practice Hinduism and Buddhism. Many families celebrate both Hindi and Buddhist festivals. Their culture also reflects tontrism and animism. Newars are accomplished in commerce and most enterprises in the heart of the Valley are run by them. Historically, they are well known for establishing the three artistically beautiful cities of Patan, Bhaktapur and Kathmandu.

The inhabitants of the hill flanks surrounding Kathmandu Valley are mostly Tamangs, who make up one of the largest Tibeto-Burman ethnic groups in the Kingdom. In the Tibetan language, Tamang means "horse soldoer" which gives us an idea about their past occupation. Today, they farm and work as semi-skilled and unskilled labourers. Tamangs practice Tibetan Lamaism or the Bon religion and speak their own language.

The Magars live in the western and central hills of Nepal. They had their own kingdoms until the 18th century and were closely associated with the Hindu Indo-Aryans in the west. Much of their culture practices have been influenced by Chhetris, andtoday it is difficult to make any difference in the housing, dressing and farming practices of the two. The Magars have been sought after by the British and Indian armies and a great number serve in the Gurkha regiments.

Another ethnic group closely resembling the Magars in many aspects are the Gurungs. They also live in the western and central hills of the country although further to the east \. Of Tibeto-Burman stock, the Gurungs have their own distinct languages and practice shamanism,. Many find employment in the British and Indian armies.

The Khas are the Bahuns and Chhetries who formed their own kingdoms in the far west. They are Hindus and Nepali, which is the country's official language, was originally spoken by the Khas. Traditionally, the Bahuns were priests and are better educated than most ethinic groups. In fact, many occupy important government and educational posts in the kingdom today. The Chhetries have traditionally been known as warriors. Those living in the higher hills in the
far western region lead hard lives because of lack or rain and farming is practiced in the river valleys and on the hills flanks.

The Tharus are one of the original ethnic groups to inhabit the Terai. The Majhi, danuwar, Rajbansi, Darai, Satar, and Dhimal also occupy the flat lands. The Tharus have their own unique religion and practice animism. Their culture is especially suited for the hot plains and they are actually immune to malaria. They have Mongoloid features and speak their own language. There is much migration going on in the country now and the cultural definition of the people by area is difficult. Urban population is increasing by 7% each year and most cultures have intermingled.

Political System

After the restoration of democracy in 1990, Nepal has adopted multi-party political system on the basis of adult franchise. Nepal has bi-cameral legislative system with 205 members in the House of representatives (the Lower House) and 60 members in the National Assembly (The Upper House) Elections for the House of representatives and village / municipality and district level local bodies are held in every five years.

Administratively, the country is divided into 75 districts. These districts come under 5 Development Regions and 14 zones. These regions and zones have been created with a view to accelerate the pace of development in all the regions. Municipality and Village Development Committee (VDC) which are the lowest level of administrative units are mostly responsible for development works and social welfare schemes.

Government

The political party with a majority in the House of Representative forms the Government. Nepal Communist Party United Marxists Leninists, Nepali Congress and National Democratic Party are three major political parties in the country. Local administrations in district and village / municipality levels carry out developmental / administrative duties. The constitution guarantees independent judicial system and public services.