Nepal
Country of colourful and friendly people, some of the highest mountains in the world, impressive nature and the attractive capital Kathmandu
Basic information
Capital: Kathmandu
Population: 28mln
Religions: Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Kirant, other
Languages: Nepali, Maithali, Bhojpuri, other local
Climate: Nepals weather is generally predictable and pleasant. There are four climatic seasons: March to May (spring), June to August (summer), September to November (autumn) and December to February (winter). The monsoon is approximately from the end of June to the middle of September. About 80 per cent of the rain falls during that period, so the remainder of the year is dry. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons; winter temperatures drop to freezing with a high level of snowfall in the mountains. Summer and late spring temperatures range from 28ºC (83ºF) in the hill regions to more than 40ºC (104ºF) in the Terai. In winter, average maximum and minimum temperatures in the Terai range from a brisk 7ºC (45ºF) to a mild 23ºC (74ºF). The central valleys experience a minimum temperature often falling bellow freezing point and a chilly 12ºC (54ºF) maximum. Much colder temperatures prevail at higher elevations. The Kathmandu Valley, at an altitude of 1310m (4297ft), has a mild climate, ranging from 19-27ºC (67-81ºF) in summer, and 2-20ºC (36-68ºF) in winter.
Currency: Nepalese rupee (NPR)
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Exact population: 28,287,147 (July 2006 est.)
Literacy: Total population: 45.2%; male: 62.7%; female: 27.6%
Ethnicities: Chhettri 15.5%, Brahman-Hill 12.5%, Magar 7%, Tharu 6.6%, Tamang 5.5%, Newar 5.4%, Muslim 4.2%, Kami 3.9%, Yadav 3.9%, other 32.7%, unspecified 2.8% (2001 census)
Area: Total: 140,800 sq km; land: 136,800 sq km; water: 4,000 sq km
Land boundaries: Total: 2,926 km; border countries: China 1,236 km, India 1,690 km
Terrain: Tarai or flat river plain of the Ganges in south, central hill region, rugged Himalayas in north
Extremes: Lowest point: Kanchan Kalan 70 m; highest point: Mount Everest 8,850 m
Imports: India 46.3%, China 10.8%, UAE 9.3%, Saudi Arabia 4.1% (2004)
Exports: India 47.4%, US 22.7%, Germany 8.4% (2004)
Industries: Tourism, carpet, textile; small rice, jute, sugar, and oilseed mills; cigarette; cement and brick production
Source: CIA World Factbook
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