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General Information on Himalayan Kingdom, Nepal
| Full Official Name: |
Kingdom of Nepal |
| Area: |
147,181 sq. kilometers |
| Location: |
Latitude: 26D 4' to 30D 27' North
Longitude: 80D 4' to 88D 12' East |
| Geography: |
Situated between China in the north and India in the south |
| Population: |
22 million |
| Capital City: |
Kathmandu |
| Language: |
Nepali is the national language. However, travel-trade people understand and speak English as well. |
| Currency: |
Nepali Rupee |
| Religion: |
Nepal enjoys the distinction of being the only Hindu Kingdom in the world. However, there is a harmonious blending of Hinduism and Buddhism. |
| Government: |
Multi-party democracy with constitutional monarchy |
| Time: |
GMT+5:45 |
| People: |
Nepal has more than 61 ethnic groups and 70 spoken languages.
Ethnic Distribution
|
| The Northern Himalayan People: |
In the northern region of the Himalayas are the Tibetan-speaking groups namely Sherpas, Dolpas, Lopas, Baragaonlis, Manangis. The Sherpas are mainly found in the east in the Solu and Khumbu region; the Baragaonlis and Lopas live in the semi-deserted areas of Upper and Lower Mustang in the Tibetan rain-shadow area; the Managis live in Manang district area; while the Dolpas live in Dolpa district of West Nepal, one of the highest settlements on earth at 4,000 meters. |
| The Middle Hills and Valley People: |
Several ethnic groups live together in harmony in the middle hills and valleys. Among them are the Magars, Gurungs, Tamangs, Sunuwars, Newars, Thakalis, Chepangs and majority of Brahmans and Chhetris. The Brahmans and Chhetris have long dominance in all pervading social, religious and political realms. There are also some occupational castes namely: Damai (tailor), Sarki (cobbler), Kami (blacksmith) and Sunar (goldsmiths). Though, there exist numerous dialects, the language of unification is the national language, Nepali. |
| Ethnic Diversity in the Kathmandu Valley: |
Kathmandu Valley represents a cultural cauldron of the country, where, people from varied backgrounds have come together to present a melting pot. The natives of the Kathmandu Valley are the Newars. Newari culture is an integration of both Hinduism and Buddhism. The Newars of Kathmandu Valley were traders or farmers by occupation in the old days. |
| The Terai People: |
The main ethnic groups in Terai are Tharus, Darai, Kumhal, Majhi and other groups that have roots in India. They speak north Indian dialects like Maithili, Bhojpuri. Owing to the fertile plains of Terai, most inhabitants live on agriculture. There are, however, some occupational castes like Majhi (fisherman), Kumhal (potter) and Danuwar (cart driver). |
| What to Wear: |
Lightweight clothing is recommended for May through October. Warm garments are required in October through March. An umbrella or raincoat is a must for the rainy season. |
| Art: |
Nepali art has been deeply influenced by religion since very early times. Early art of Nepal can be seen as stone sculpture and temple architecture. Other art include Newari Paubha and Tibetan Thanka paintings, wood and metal crafts, ceramics and clay pots, textiles, paper, Tibetan carpet, music and literature. Contemporary Nepali art represents two distinct segments, traditional idealistic paintings and the contemporary western style works. The contemporary painting is specially noted for either nature based compositions or compositions based on Tantric elements or social themes. Nepali painters have also earned international reputation for abstract works based on these themes.
Kathmandu Valley houses a number of museums and art galleries displaying art work of the past and present. Some are: The National Museum at Chhauni, Museums at Kathmandu Durbar Square, Museum of Natural History at Swayambhu, National Library at Puchowk, Kaiser Library at Thamel, National Birendra Art Gallery at Naxal, Asa Archives at Tangal, National Art Gallery at Bhaktapur Durbar Square, National Woodworking Museum at Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Bronze and Brass Museum at Bhaktapur, Nepal National Ehnographic Museum at Bhrikuti Mandap. Museums outside the Kathmandu Valley are such: Dhakuta Museum, Hattisar Museum in Bhimphedi, Mustang Eco Museum in Jomsom, Tharu Cultural Museum in Thakurdwara and International Mountain Museum in Pokhara.
|
| Safety: |
The present day safety concern in Nepal has puzzled many in the world. Nepal is absolutely safe for the tourists being the tourism backbone of the country's economy despite poltical instability. |
| Weather/Climate: |
Nepal has four major seasons, namely;
(1) Winter: December-February
(2) Spring: March-May
(3) Summer: June-August
(4) Autumn: September-November
Nepal can be visited the whole year round. |
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