Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of biodiversity due to its unique geographical position and altitudinal variation. The elevation of the country ranges from 60m at sea level to the highest point on earth, Mt.Everest at 8,848m, all within a distance of 150km resulting into climatic conditions from Sub-tropical to Arctic. Nepal occupies only 0.1% of the earth but is
8% of the world's population of birds (more than 848 species) 2% of all the flowering plants in the world 4% of mammals on earth 11 of the world's 15 families of butterflies 600 indigenous plant families 319 species of exotic orchids
Area
147,181 sq.kms.
Geography:
Situated between China in the North and India in the South.
Capital:
Kathmandu
Population :
22 Million
Language :
Nepali is the national language. English is understood by travel-trade people
Currency
Nepalese Rupee ( approximately US$ 1 = 69.05 as of August 1999.
Political System
Multi - party Democracy with constitutional monarchy.
Religion
Nepal enjoys the distinction of being the only Hindu Kingdom in the world. However, there is a harmonious blending of Hunduism and Buddhism.
Climate
1.Winter: December-February 2.Spring: March - May 3.Summer: June - August 4.Autum : September- November
Cultural Heritage
Nepal offers an incomparable scope to connoisseurs of art and culture to see and study the different aspects of the fine arts in its painting, sculpture, woodcarving or architecture. The three main historic cities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur with numerous historical monuments, old palaces and palace squares, shrines and temples, ageless traditions and legends make it a veritable living museum. The Kathmandu Valley boasts of seven World Cultural Heritage Sites all within a radius of 20 kms.
World Heritage Sites
1. Swayambhu 2. Bouddha 3. Bhaktapur Durbar Square 4. Changunarayan 5. Pashupatinath 6. Kathmandu Durbar Square 7. Patan Durbar Square 8. Lumbini (the birthplace of Lord Buddha)
Natural Heritage
Thank's to Nepal's extensive and effective Parks and Reserves system, the country has managed to preserve more endangered species of flora and fauna than any other area in Asia. Nepal has nine National Parks and three Wildlife Reserves, which include areas in the highest mountains in the world as well as sub-tropical lowland of the plains.
World Heritage Sites :
1. Everest National Park ( 1148 sq. kms)
2. Royal Chitwan National Park (932 sq. kms )
Other National Parks
Area in Sq.kms
1. Royal Bardiya National Park 2. Langtang National Park 3. Shey-Phoksundo National Park 4. Rara National Park 5. Khaptad National Park
