Information on the Himalayas: Nepal
One of the world's poorest countries, it is striving to overcome the legacy of deadly 10-year Maoist rebellion.
Nepal has been under the sway of an hereditary monarchy or ruling family for most of its known history, largely isolated from the rest of the world.
AT-A-GLANCE
Politics: Parliament reinstated in May 2006 after uprising against king; Maoists entered transitional government in January 2007; monarch has been stripped of powers.
Security: Government, Maoists have signed deal proclaiming end to rebellion; Southern Nepalese have been pushing for greater rights and autonomy
Economy: Civil strife wrecked the economy and Nepal is dependent on aid; tourism is a key foreign exchange earner
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When King Gyanendra's direct rule ended in April 2006 the rebels entered talks on how to end the civil war. A landmark peace deal was agreed in November and in early 2007 the Maoists joined an interim government.
Nepal has been at odds with neighbouring Bhutan over the repatriation of thousands of refugees living in camps in Nepal. The refugees - Bhutanese of Nepalese descent - fled violence in their homeland in the early 1990s.
With the world's highest mountain, Everest, and spectacular scenery and wildlife, the country has great potential as a tourist destination.
It also boasts a distinctive Hindu and Buddhist culture. But its environmental challenges including deforestation, encroachment on animal habitats and vehicle pollution in the capital, Kathmandu.
Most of the population depend on agriculture, and around 40% of Nepalis are estimated to live in poverty.
Foreign aid is vital to the economy and Nepal is also dependent on trade with neighbouring India.
- Population: 26.3 million (UN, 2005)
- Capital: Kathmandu
- Area: 147,181 sq km (56,827 sq miles)
- Major language: Nepali
- Major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism
- Life expectancy: 61 years (men), 62 years (women) (UN)
- Monetary unit: 1 Nepalese rupee = 100 paisa
- Main exports: Carpets, clothing, leather goods, jute goods, grain
- GNI per capita: US $270 (World Bank, 2006)
- Internet domain: .np
- International dialling code: +977
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