Let’s explore some general information about Nepal:
Location and Geography: Nepal lies along the southern slopes of the Himalayan mountain ranges. It is landlocked, bordered by India to the east, south, and west, and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the north. The country’s territory extends roughly 500 miles (800 kilometers) from east to west and 90 to 150 miles from north to south.
Capital: The capital of Nepal is Kathmandu.
Population: As of 2023 estimates, Nepal has a population of approximately 29.6 million people.
Currency: The official currency is the Nepalese rupee, with an exchange rate of 1 USD equals 133.229 Nepalese rupees.
Head of State and Government: President: Ram Chandra Poudel
Prime Minister: Prachanda (Pushpa Kamal Dahal)
Recent News: On January 25, 2024, Nepal requested Russia to send back Nepalis recruited to fight in Ukraine and the bodies of those killed.
Geopolitical Importance: Nepal, wedged between India and China, seeks to maintain a balance in its foreign policy to remain independent.
It plays a crucial role in denying China access to the rich Gangetic Plain, marking the southern boundary of the Chinese sphere north of the Himalayas in Asia.
Nepal’s rugged terrain, rich cultural heritage, and proximity to the world’s highest mountains make it a captivating destination for travelers and adventurers alike.
Nepal is one of richest countries in the world in terms of biodiversity, as the country of unique topography and varied climatic conditions. Altitudinal variation is so distinct the elevation of the country ranges from 60 meter above sea level to the worlds highest point Mt. Everest 8848m in a short distance of 150 kilometres. Several ecosystems are mountain ranges, forests, green hills and valleys. The country is a melting pot of different ethnic communities. The country has more then 70 ethnic groups and over 71 different dialects. Nepal is a home to 2% of all the flowering plants, 8%of the world’s population of bird, 4%mammals, over 500 species of butter flies, over 600 indigenous plant species and 300 more species of exotic orchids.