Nepal

About Nepal

Capital

Kathmandu

Continent

Independence Date

28 May 2008

Official Language	Nepali
Second Language	English, Maithili, Bhojpuri
Population	~31 million
Passport Color	Red
Passport Rank	#99
Dialing Code	977
Country TLD	.np

Nepal Overview

Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia, situated between China to the north and India to the south, east, and west. Home to the Himalayas, it includes the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest. The capital and largest city is Kathmandu.

Nepal’s landscapes range from subtropical Terai plains to alpine valleys and towering peaks. Cultural and natural highlights include the Kathmandu Valley (UNESCO), Pashupatinath and Boudhanath stupas, Chitwan and Bardia National Parks (rhinos & tigers), Pokhara and Annapurna trekking, and the Everest region (Sagarmatha).

The economy spans agriculture, tourism & trekking, remittances, hydropower, and light manufacturing (garments, carpets). Nepali is the official language; the currency is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR).

Quick Facts About Nepal

Coordinates	28.3949° N, 84.1240° E
Bordering Countries	China (N), India (S/E/W)
Region / Continent	Asia (South Asia, Himalayas)
Total Area	~147,516 sq km
Population Density	~200–210 people per sq km
Highest Point	Mount Everest (Sagarmatha/Chomolungma) – 8,848.86 m
Major Rivers	Koshi (Sapta Koshi), Gandaki (Sapta Gandaki), Karnali, Bagmati
Climate Type	Subtropical (Terai) to temperate (hills) to alpine (high Himalaya); monsoonal
Famous For	Himalayan trekking, Everest, Kathmandu Valley heritage, wildlife safaris
Major Landmarks	Sagarmatha NP (UNESCO), Annapurna region, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, Lumbini (Birthplace of Buddha)
Official Language	Nepali
Currency	Nepalese Rupee (NPR)
Government Type	Federal Democratic Republic
Time Zone	UTC+5:45 (NPT)
Major Exports	Garments, carpets, leather goods, tea & cardamom, handicrafts; hydropower (growing)
Visitor Entry	Visa policy varies by nationality (many eligible for visa-on-arrival/eVisa)—verify current rules