BACKGROUND:
In 1951, the Nepalese monarch ended the century-old system of rule by hereditary premiers and instituted a cabinet system of government. Reforms in 1990 established a multiparty democracy within the framework of a constitutional monarchy. A Maoist insurgency, launched in 1996, has gained traction and is threatening to bring down the regime. In 2001, the Crown Prince massacred ten members of the royal family, including the king and queen, and then took his own life. In October 2002, the new king dismissed the prime minister and his cabinet for "incompetence" after they dissolved the parliament and were subsequently unable to hold elections because of the ongoing insurgency. The country is now governed by the king and his appointed cabinet, which has negotiated a cease-fire with the" Maoist insurgents", until elections can be held at some unspecified future date.

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 60m above sea level to the highest point on earth, Mt. Everest at 8,848m, all within a distance of 150 km with climatic conditions ranging from subtropical to artic. The wild (this huge) 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.

FACTS:

Land boundaries: Total: 2,926 km

Border countries: China 1,236 km, India 1,690 km

Area: 147,181 sq.km

Geography: Situated between China in the north and India in the South

Capital: KATHMANDU

Population: 25 Million

Currency: Nepalese Rupee (approximately US$ 1 equals Rs. 62.0)

Religion: Nepal enjoys the distinction of being the only Hidnu kingdom in the world. However, there is a harmonious blending of Hinduism and Buddhism.

Climate: Nepal has four major seasons, namely, Winter- December- February, Spring- March-May, Summer- June- August Autumn: September-November

People: Nepal has more than 61 ethnic groups and 70 spoken Languages

FESTIVALS:

NAVAVARSHA : (April)

Nepali new year's day usually falls in the second week of April.

BAISAKH POORNIMA : (April)

As Nepal is the birth place of Lord Buddha, the Light of Asia, the triple anniversary of the Buddha's birth, enlighten- ment and death is observed with many colorful ceremonies on this day. People celebrate the occasion with great veneration paying homage to Buddha at places like Swayambhunath, Baudhanath and Lumbini.

http://www.nepalhomepage.com/society/festivals/buddhajayanti.html

GAIJATRA (Cow Festival): (July-August)

It is a carnival that last eight days. Dancing, singing, comedy and anything that causes mirth and laughter are its highlights.

http://www.nepalhomepage.com/society/festivals/gaijatra.html

DASHAIN or DURGA PUJA: (September- October)

The Dashain festival is the most important festival of the Nepalese. The entire country is in enthusiastic holiday mood at the time of the festival.

http://www.nepalhomepage.com/society/festivals/dashain.html

TIHAR (DEPAWALI): (October-November)

Known as the Festival of Lights, Tihar is celebrated for five days. Houses are illuminated at night and special sweets of different varieties are prepared.

http://www.nepalhomepage.com/society/festivals/tihar.html

LOSHAR: (February)

Tibetan New year, celebrated by all Himalyan people. Songs and dances are and on this day devotees throng Bouddhanath in Kathmandu for celebration and worship.

http://www.nepalhomepage.com/society/festivals/shivaratri.html

FAGUN PURNIMA (Holi)

The ancient Hindu festival of Holi falls on late February or on early March. Allegedly named after the mythical demoness Holika, it is a day when the feast of colours is celebrated. The festival is of a week. However, it's only the last day that is observed by all with colours.

http://www.nepalhomepage.com/society/festivals/fagupurnima.html

FOOD:

The national dish is daal bhaat, boiled rice (bhaat) with a thin lentil sauce (daal), accompanied by curried vegetables (tarkaari) and possibly a dab of pungent pickle (achaar). In rice-growing areas daal bhaat is eaten twice a day, the first meal at around 10:30 a.m. and the second shortly after sunset. Sweet, milky tea and snacks like beaten or popped rice, flat bread, or curried potatoes tide the hungry over until mealtime. Ethnic groups have their own specialties, but basically it's all subsistence food most Nepalese eat with the right hand, though urban diners have adopted silverware. Metal spoons are said to ruin the flavor of food and to make you thinner--not a good thing. Daal bhaat is often served on a gleaming steel platter divided into compartments; add the daal and other condiments to the

rice in the main compartment, a little at a time, knead the resulting mixture into mouth-sized balls with the right hand, then push it off the fingers into your mouth with the thumb.

Tibetan Culture