Nepal
Verified Geographic and Governmental Data
Nepal, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked country located in South Asia, primarily situated in the Himalayas. It is bordered by China to the north and India to the south, east, and west. The country's geography is remarkably diverse, ranging from the fertile, humid Terai plains in the south to the world's highest peaks, including Mount Everest (Sagarmatha), in the north.
Historically, Nepal was a collection of small principalities until its unification in the 18th century. Transitioning from a monarchy to a federal republic in 2008, Nepal is today recognized for its rich cultural heritage, multi-ethnic society, and its strategic importance as a link between the two most populous nations on Earth.
| Total Area | 147,516 sq km |
| Highest Point | 8,848.86 m (Everest) |
| Population | 29,164,578 |
| Government Type | Federal Republic |
| Unification | 1768 AD |
| Currency | Nepalese Rupee |
| Electrification | 95% |
| Literacy Rate | 76.2% |
| Life Expectancy | 71.3 Years |
| Official Language | Nepali |
| Major Attraction | Mount Everest |
| Forest Cover | 44.74% |
| Main Airport | TIA (Kathmandu) |
| Internet Penetration | 90% |
| Police Number | 100 |
| No. of Provinces | 7 |
| UN Admission | 1955 |
| Primary Source | Hydropower |
| GDP Share | 24% |
| National Dish | Dal Bhat |
| National Animal | Cow |
Nepal is a landlocked sovereign state in South Asia. It is home to eight of the world's ten highest mountains.
The history of Nepal began with the Kirat and Lichhavi eras, followed by unification in 1768.
| Era | Years |
|---|---|
| Malla | 1201–1769 |
| Shah | 1768–2008 |
Divided into Terai, Hills, and Mountains. Elevation ranges from 60m to 8848m.
Varies from subtropical to arctic. Monsoon occurs June-Sept.
Home to over 125 ethnic groups and 123 languages.
Rich in arts, wood carvings, and communal living traditions.
Major celebrations include Dashain, Tihar, and Holi.
Staple food is Dal Bhat. Momos are popular urban snacks.
Driven by agriculture, remittances, and tourism.
Highly affordable for international standards.
Agriculture employs 60%; service sector is growing.
Rapid urbanization in Kathmandu valley driving prices.
Mainly road-based; air travel vital for mountain regions.
Massive hydropower expansion is currently underway.
Tribhuvan University is the primary higher education body.
Mix of public hospitals and private specialized clinics.
Everest, Lumbini, and Kathmandu Valley temples.
Trekking, mountaineering, and white-water rafting.
Pokhara, Chitwan, and Bhaktapur are top destinations.
Visas are available on arrival for most visitors.
Connects to India, China (Tibet), and Bhutan.
Hosts the rare one-horned rhino and snow leopard.
Federal system with 7 provinces and 753 local units.
Considered a safe destination for international travelers.
Autumn (Oct-Nov) and Spring (Mar-May) are ideal.
Thamel is the primary hub for tourism businesses.
Nepal is in South Asia, bordered by China and India.
Known for Mt. Everest and being the birthplace of Buddha.
Famous for the Himalayas, temples, and Gurkha soldiers.
It is an independent country in South Asia.
Approximately 29.16 million according to the 2021 census.
Nepali is the official language; over 120 others exist.
Nepal Standard Time is UTC +5:45.
It is landlocked, mountainous, and a federal republic.
It has the world's only non-quadrilateral flag.
It is about 147,516 square kilometers.
Ancient kingdoms led to unification in the 18th century.
The unified kingdom was formed in 1768.
The unification, the Rana rule, and the 2008 republic declaration.
Buddha, Prithvi Narayan Shah, and Bhanubhakta Acharya.
Evolved from absolute monarchy to a federal democracy.
Consists of Terai plains, Hills, and the Himalayas.
The Great Himalaya Range to the north and plains to the south.
Yes, home to Everest and rivers like the Koshi and Karnali.
Ranges from 60m to 8848.86m.
Subtropical, temperate, alpine, and tundra.
Subtropical in the south, arctic in the high mountains.
Varies by altitude; Kathmandu averages 10-25°C.
Distinct spring, summer (monsoon), autumn, and winter seasons.
Yes, heavy monsoon rains and extreme cold in the mountains.
October and November are the best months.
About 198 people per sq km.
Chhetri, Brahman, Magar, Tharu, Tamang, Newar, etc.
Hinduism (majority), Buddhism, Islam, and Kirat.
Agri-centric in villages, fast-paced in Kathmandu.
Highly diverse with over 100 castes and ethnicities.
Family values, religious syncretism, and hospitality.
Dashain, Tihar, Holi, and Lhosar.
Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Lumbini.
Daura Suruwal and Saree; removing shoes indoors.
Thangka painting, wood carving, and metalwork.
Dal Bhat and Momos.
Gundruk, Dhido, and Sel Roti.
Found in Thamel and Lakeside, Pokhara.
Ginger, garlic, turmeric, and mustard oil.
Bara, Chatpate, and Pani Puri are popular street snacks.
Tourism, textiles, and agriculture.
Remittances and hydropower development.
Retail, hospitality, and telecommunications.
It is a growing market in South Asia.
Tea, carpets, and cardamom.
IT, tourism, and development sectors.
Government, banks, and NGOs.
Engineering, teaching, and hospitality management.
Good for those in social development and tourism.
Officially around 11%.
No, it is very affordable.
$400-$700 monthly for a modest lifestyle.
$150-$400 for standard city apartments.
Low; locally sourced food is very cheap.
Cheaper than most Indian metros.
Apartments, bungalows, and traditional row houses.
Land prices in Kathmandu are very high.
Renting is common for foreigners.
Jhamsikhel and Maharajgunj.
Shifted toward high-rise living in cities.
Mainly through Tribhuvan International Airport.
KTM in Kathmandu.
One link from Jaynagar to Janakpur.
Frequent but often slow and crowded.
Prithvi Highway and Mahendra Highway.
Government and private English-medium schools.
Yes, TU and KU are the leading ones.
76.2% as of 2021.
Medicine, Engineering, and Buddhist studies.
Yes, particularly for research and language studies.
Bir, Teaching, and Mediciti.
Yes, mostly in the capital.
Health posts in villages and hospitals in cities.
Generally very affordable.
Available for eyes, heart, and kidney in Kathmandu.
Everest Base Camp and Phewa Lake.
Trekking and cultural tours.
Yes, for nature and culture lovers.
Boudhanath and Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
10-14 days for a standard tour.
Lhasa and Darjeeling.
Gorakhpur and Siliguri.
Sikkim mountains.
Nagarkot for sunrise views.
The Taj Mahal (via India).
Yes, very low violent crime rate.
One of the safest countries for travelers.
Low, though pickpocketing exists in cities.
Police (100) and Ambulance (102).
Avoid solo trekking; drink bottled water.
Yes, for a peaceful, scenic environment.
Yoga, football, and cycling.
Very welcoming culture for families.
Hiking and paragliding.
Social warmth and festivals.
Carry small cash bills; be patient with traffic.
Modest dress in temples; use right hand for gifts.
Visas on arrival make it very accessible.
Guides, trekking shops, and money changers.
Power plugs are Type C/D/M; voltage is 230V.
The Cow.
Rhododendron (Lali Gurans).
Danphe (Himalayan Monal).
It sits on the border of Nepal and China.
Rarely, only on very clear winter days.