A Glimpse of Nepal
Nepal has the biggest natural museum in the world. Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position and latitudinal variation. The elevation of the country ranges from 600 m above sea level to the highest point Mt. Everest at 8,848 m, all within a distance of 150 km with climatic conditions ranging from subtropical to arctic. This wild variation fosters an incredible variety of ecosystems, the greatest mountain range on earth, thick tropical jungles teeming with a wealth of wildlife, thundering rivers, forested hills and frozen valleys.
Within this spectacular geography is also one of the richest cultural landscapes anywhere. The country is a potpourri of ethnic groups and sub-groups who speak over 70 languages and dialects. Nepal offers an astonishing diversity of sightseeing attractions and adventure opportunities found nowhere else on earth. And you can join in the numerous annual festivals that are celebrated throughout the year in traditional style highlighting enduring customs and beliefs. In these backdrops, we are glad to extend our warm hospitality and hope your stay in Nepal is a memorable one.
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Religion
According to the Interim Constitution of Nepal, 2007, Nepal is a secular state. Eighty-six percent of Nepalis follow Hinduism; while eight percent follow Buddhism and three percent follow Islam. The population comprises various groups of different races which are further divided into different castes. However, there is a harmonious blending among all religion.The distinction in caste and ethnicity is understood more easily with a view of customary layout of the population.
Some of the main groups are such: Gurungs and Magars who live mainly in the western region; Rais, Limbus and Sunwars who live in the eastern mid hills; Sherpas, Manangpas and Lopas who live near the mountains of Everest, Annapurna and Mustang respectively; Newars who live in and around the capital valley of Kathmandu; Tharus, Yadavas, Satar, Rajvanshis and Dhimals who live in the Terai region; and Brahmins, Chhetris and Thakuris generally spread over all parts of the country. Nepali is the official language of the state, spoken and understood by 90 percent of the population. Multiple ethnic groups speak more than a dozen other languages in about 30 different dialects. English is spoken by many in government and business offices. It is the mode of education in most private schools of Kathmandu and some other cities.
Temperature and Rainfall
Nepal's climate varies with its topography. The climate ranges from tropical to arctic varying with the altitude (29,028 ft. to a little below 1,000 ft. above sea-level). The Terai region, which lies in the tropical section of the country, has a hot, humid climate. The mid-land regions are pleasant all the year round, although winter nights are cool. The northern region, at an altitude above 1 1,000 ft., has an alpine climate with a considerably lower temperature in winter.
Seasons & Clothing: Nepal has four seasons: (a) March-May - Spring, (b) June-August - Summer, (c) Sept-Nov. - Autumn, (d) Dec-Feb -Winter.
Clothing depends on place and time. It is recommended that one have both light and warm clothing. For summer in the Terai or Kathmandu, only light clothes are needed.
Geography
The country can be divided into three main geographical regions.
Himalayan Region
The altitude of this region ranges between 4,877 m - 8,848 m. It includes eight of the 14 highest summits in the world which exceed an altitude of 8,000 including Everest, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and others.
Mountain or Hill Region
This region accounts for about 68% of the total land area. It is formed by the Mahabharat range that soars up to 4,877 m and and the lower Churia range.
Terai Region
The low -land Terai occupies about 17% of the total land area of the country.
Political Administrative Division of Nepal
Nepal is constitutionally (Interim Constitution, 2007) declared as Federal Republic State. However, the political administration is going to run under the unitary system until the new restructuring of state is completed. Currently the political administration of Nepal is as follows:
1. Central Government (One) 2. Development Regions (Five) 3. District Government (75 District Development Committees-DDCs) 4. Municipal Government (One Metropolitan City, Four Sub-Metropolitan City and 53 Municipalities) 5. Village Government (3915 Village Development Committees-VDCs)
Note:
It is unfortunate that since 2002, local governments (DDCs, VDCs and Municipalities) are running without elected representatives. This is the amazing circumstances in the democratic governance system.
Representative Umbrella Organizations of Local Governments
1. ADDCN (Representative Organization of all 75 DDCs.
2. MuAN (Representative Organization of all 58 Municipalities)
3. NAVIN (Representative Organization of all 3915 VDCs)