Situated in the lap of the Himalayas, Nepal is located between the latitude 26*22’ to 30*27’ North and longitude 80*4’ E to 88*12’ East, and elevation ranges from 90 to 8848 meters. The average length being 885 km east to west and the average breadth is 193 km from north to south. Nepal has accupied 0.03 % land on the world and 0.3 % of Asisa Continent. The country is bordering between the two most populous countries in the world, India in the East, South, and West, and China in the North. Nepal is a land locked country and home place of natural beauty with traces of artifacts. The Northern range (Himalayas) is covered with snow over the year where the highest peak of the world, the Mount Everest, stands. The middle range (Hill) is captured by gorgeous mountains, high peaks, hills, valleys and lakes. Southern range (Terai) is the gangaitic plain of alluvial soil and consist of dense forest area, national parks, wildlife reserves and conservation areas. The temperature and rainfall differ from place to place. In the geographic diversity and varied climatic conditions 23.2 million people of more than 60 caste/ethnic groups are accommodated in the country. Nepal presents an example of being united in diversity over the history and has maintained it’s pride as being an independent sovereign state.
Geographically, the country is divided in three regions; Mountain, Hill and Terai accommodating 7.44 and 49 % of the population respectively. Based on area of districts these regions constitute 35, 42 and 23% of the total land area. There are 5 development regions and 75 administrative districts. Districts are further divided into smaller units, called Village Development committee (VDC) and Municipality.
Nepal is the member of the United Nations and has established diplomatic relation with 113 (Jun 2001) countries of the world. Major export commodities are paste, Pulses, oil Cake, Catechu, Jute good Sacking, Twins, Carpets (Hand knitted wollen), Readymade garments, handicrafts, ginger.
Nepal at a Glance
Area : 147,181 sq. km
Geography : Situated between China in the North and India in the South.
Capital : Kathmandu
Population : 28,563,377 (July 2009 est.)Source: 2010 Cia World Factbook And Other Sources
People : Nepal has more than 61 ethnic groups and 70 spoken languages.
Languages : Nepali is the national language. However, more people and trade people understand and speak English, Hindi as well.
Currency : Nepalese Rupee
Political System : Multi party democracy with President as constitutional Head.
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 11,000 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.
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.
For further information for foreign tourist and delegation, please refer:
Dept. of Immigration
Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu
Tel: 00-977-1-4223681/4470650
Website: http://www.immi.gov.np