Nepál

Nepál, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked country in South Asia. It lies mainly in the Himalayas, bordered by the People’s Republic of China to the north and by India to the south, east, and west. The capital and largest city is Kathmandu. It covers about 147,000 square kilometers and has a population around 30 million.

Geography and environment: The terrain ranges from the Terai plains in the south through hills to high mountains, including Mount Everest on the northern border. It contains several national parks and protected areas. The climate is shaped by the monsoon and elevation.

Administration and politics: Since the abolition of the monarchy in 2008, Nepal has been a federal parliamentary republic. The 2015 constitution created seven provinces and a bicameral legislature with a president as head of state and a prime minister as head of government. The two houses are the House of Representatives and the National Assembly.

Administrative divisions: The country is divided into 77 districts and seven provinces, which are named Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpashchim.

Demographics and culture: Nepali is the official language; many regional languages are spoken. The population is ethnically diverse. Hinduism is the largest religion, with Buddhism, Islam and other faiths present. The state is secular, and freedom of religion is protected.

Economy and people: Nepal’s economy is mixed, with agriculture as a major sector and growing services and tourism. Hydroelectric power offers long-term potential. Remittances are significant. Tourism concentrates on trekking routes such as Everest and the Annapurna circuit.

History: The area was home to several kingdoms before being unified in the 18th century by Prithvi Narayan Shah. It became a constitutional monarchy in the 20th century, a republic in 2008, and adopted its current constitution in 2015.