Are you curious to learn some weird and wonderful facts about Nepal?
If so, excellent! You are in exactly the right place my friend…
It’s time to chat about Nepal facts.
Let’s dive right in…
Facts About Nepal
1 – Nepal is the second poorest country in Asia. More than two-thirds of Nepalese people live on less than $2 per day (US).
2 – In 2015, it was reported that about 25% of children under 5 years old were stunted due to malnourishment.
3 – 25 per cent of people living in Nepal are living below the poverty line on around 50 cents per day.
4 – There are more than 100 ethnic groups in Nepal, but 90% of people identify as Hindu.
5 – In 2001, there was an armed uprising against the monarchy and government that left 13 dead and 800 injured.
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6 – The literacy rate in Nepal is only 47%.
7 – The population is over 28 million people and Nepal is one of the poorest and least developed countries with a very young democracy.
8 – Nepal has an elected government that holds democratic elections every five years.
9 – Nepal was once part of British India before gaining independence in 1947.
10 – Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia. It shares a border with India and China.
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11 – Nepali is the official language spoken in Nepal and it belongs to Indo-European family.
12 – Buddhism is one of two major religions practiced in Nepal (the other being Hinduism).
13 – It has the world’s highest mountain range, the Himalayas.
14 – The currency of Nepal is the Nepalese rupee (NPR).
15 – Nepal’s government system is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy.
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16 – Nepali was added to UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2009 as an endangered language that needs protection from extinction because it is not being passed on to new generations at a sustainable rate.
17 – Nepalese food is diverse due to its many cultural influences – it is influenced by Indian cuisine but also other Himalayan cuisines such as Tibetan and Sherpa cuisine.
18 – It was conquered by British colonists on 1 November 1814, who ruled until 21 December 1923 when Nepal was deemed to be an independent and sovereign state. This is when they signed The Nepal-Britain Treaty.
19 – Lumbini Province, Nepal is the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
20 – The capital of Nepal is Kathmandu and it has a population of 1 million. Kathmandu was founded by King Prithivi Narayan Shah in 1768 AD.
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21 – The national dish for Nepal is Dal Bhat Tarkari – lentils served with rice and vegetables or meat curry (depending on region).
22 – Mount Everest (8,848 meters) is located on the border between Tibet and Nepal.
23 – The first democratically elected head of state was Dr Baburam Bhattarai who became prime minister following a 10-year civil war which ended in 2006.
24 – Nepal is the only Hindu Kingdom in the world.
25 – Kathmandu was once called “the city of temples” because there are over 100 different religious temples scattered throughout the city.
Bonus Facts
There are more than 40 ethnic groups in Nepal each with their own language and culture. There are many ethnic groups living there, including Newars, Tamang, Gurungs and Magars.
The country has been impacted by natural disasters like earthquakes and floods.
Nepalese food features lots of spices like ginger, garlic and turmeric.
It was ruled by monarchs for many centuries until it became a republic in 2008.
Buddhism was introduced to Nepal by King Ashoka’s son Mahendra during the 3rd century BC.
The Nepali language, which is spoken by about 40% of the population, uses Sanskrit as its script.
Nepal is the only country in South Asia that has a Hindu king.
The average life expectancy for men and women in Nepal is 69 years old (males) and 72 (females).
Finally, women are not allowed to work outside their homes without permission from their husbands or fathers; however they can own property and businesses inside their home as well as inherit family wealth if they have no brothers.
