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About Nepal |
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| Nepal is a very poor country where over 80% of the people live in impoverished rural areas. Geographically the country can be roughly divided into three regions. In the North lie the high mountains of the Himalaya. In the South are the plains of the Terai, a region similar to Northern India. In between lies a band of steep hills and valleys. Most areas lack the basic facilities of running water, sanitation and electricity. The transport and communication systems are equally primitive. Many village communities live far from a road, which may be several days walk away. They may well not have access to a postal system or a telephone service. Life in the rural village is still largely based on a feudal system where corruption is rife and the most deprived members of the community may therefore have little or no opportunity to improve their circumstances. People's lives are physically very hard. If they are unable to grow enough food to feed the family, family members, including children, may have to work for other people. This may be work on the land, or in other people's houses, or carrying heavy loads from one place to another. Often there is not the means to send a child to school and parents who have not themselves had the benefit of an education may not recognize the importance of educating their children. In any case, going to school may require a long and arduous walk there and back again each day. | ||
| After a long period of civil unrest, there is now relative peace in the country. The autocratic and unpopular King has been deposed and there have been free elections to a Constituent Assembly which has the job of agreeing a constitution. In 2010 they hope to have full democratic elections. | ||
| Nepal is a relatively safe place for tourists and the people are extremely kind and welcoming to foreigners. Travelers should take suitable health precautions. | ||
