About Nepal
The Kingdom of Nepal
has three geographic zones: the arable Ganges River plain to the south,
the central hill country, and the rugged Himalayas to the north. Home to
eight of the ten highest mountain peaks in the world, including Mt.
Everest, it has a superb system of walking trails. There are 20 spoken
languages and numerous ethnic groups, including Newars, Indians,
Tibetans, Gurungs, Magars, Tamangs, Botias, Riais, Limbus, and Sherpas.
Few towns in Nepal have more than 10,000 people, and a number of Nepalis
move with the seasons in order to take advantage of favorable growing
conditions or range for their livestock. People living in the mountains
often travel to India to trade or purchase supplies. Rice and jute are
the major export crops. Agriculture and tourism are the two most
important industries. Unemployment in Nepal is high, and the living
standards for most Nepalis are among the lowest in the world. Nepal has
a constitutional monarchy and its parliament is made up of a 60 member
National Council and a 205 member House of Representatives. Popular
sports include soccer, volleyball, and cricket. The program is located
at the Sann Research Institute in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. With
its narrow bustling streets, and plethora of fascinating pagodas,
shrines, temples, and historical sites, Kathmandu has long been a
tourist mecca.
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Nepalese
Educational System Nepal has one of the lowest literacy rates in the world: 41.4% (men) and
23.8% (women). In rural areas girls often leave school by age 12 to work
the family farm or care for siblings. While primary education is free in
Nepal, often the facilities are inadequate. Conversely, many Nepalies
cannot attend secondary school because it is too expensive.
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