|
Nepal-a country of
amazing extremes, is the home of the world's highest
mountains, historic cities and the forested plains
where the lordly tigers and the great one-horned
rhinoceros trundle at ease. In fact enchantment is
everywhere-for anyone in search of Shangrila !
History
Nepal- a country with a long historical tradition is
an amalgamation of a number of medieval
principalities. Before the campaign of national
integration launched by King Prithivi Narayan Shah,
the Kathmandu Valley was ruled by the Malla Kings,
whose contributions to art and culture are indeed
great and unique.
In 1768 AD the Shah dynasty ascended the throne of the
unified kingdom. His Majesty King Birendra Bir Bikrarn
Shah Dev, is tenth King in the Shah dynasty. The new
democratic constitution of the kingdom was promulgated
on November 9, 1990. Nepal is one of the founder
members of South Asian Association for Regional
Cooperation SAARC of which the third summit was held
in Kathmandu in Nov. 1987.
People
Nepal has a population of more than 18 million people
made of different races living in different regions,
with diverse culture, languages and dialects. The
Gurungs and Magars live mainly in the west. The Rais,
Limbus and Sunuwars inhabit the slopes and valleys of
the Eastern mid hills. The Sherpas live in the
Himalayan region. The Newars constitute an important
ethnic group of the capital valley Kathmandu. There
are Tharus, Yadavas, Satar, Rajvanshis and Dhimals in
the Terai region. The Brahmans, Chhetris and Thakuris
are spread generally over all parts of the kingdom.
Religion and Culture
Hinduism and Buddhism constitute two major religions
of Nepal. A remarkable feature of Nepal is the
religious homogeneity what exists, particularly
between the Hindu and Buddhist Communities. Apart from
the Hindus and Buddhists, Muslim from the third
largest religious group. The exquisite medieval Art &
Architecture of the Kathmandu Valley vividly reflect
the artistic ingenuity and the religious tradition of
the people.
Language
Nepali, serves the purpose of the kingdom's lingua
franca in Nepal. The educated people speak and
understand English as well.
Climate
Nepal has four climatic seasons (a) Spring : March-May
(b) Summer : June -August (c) Autumn :
September-November and (d) Winter : December-February.
The average temperature and rainfall records in
Kathmandu are presented here under.
|
