Nepal covers an area of 147,181 sq. km. Its largest city, Kathmandu is the capital of the country. The first female president of the country is Bidhya Devi Bhandari.
Agriculture, Manufacturing industries, and services make up the country’s economy. Tea, rice, corn, wheat, sugarcane etc. are some of the agricultural products grown in the country.
Nepal experiences five climate seasons namely spring, autumn, summer, monsoon, and winter. The best time to visit are during spring and autumn. Spring is the time for rhododendrons while the clearest skies are seen after the monsoon season in October and November.
Transportation is somewhat difficult in Nepal due to its mountainous nature. There are road transport systems, railways, and airports in the country to make movement from one place to another easier.
86% of the population practice Hinduism, 8% are Buddhists, 4% practice Islamic religion and about 1% of the population are Christians. There are very few traditional worshippers although most people in the rural areas still believe in the existence of witchcrafts, ghosts, and spirits.
The official language of the country is Nepali. Other languages are also spoken in the country. The customary way of greeting is by putting one’s palms together in front of your chest and saying “Namaste”.
The main meal in the country is Dal, Bhat and Tarkari. Nepalese take this meal twice a day. Some people substitute rice (Bhat) with "dhedo" which is made from flour and water or butter. Most of the Nepalese people use their bare fingers to eat. They do not eat beef items. It is recommended that you don’t ask for beef items anywhere and in any part of Nepal. Nepalese people find it offensive.
Some tourist attractions in the country include;
- Boudhanath Stupa (Bodhnath):
The Bodhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in the world, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stupa sustained minor damage during the 2015 earthquake but is now in good condition. The stupa is a symbol of enlightenment.
- Pokhara: It is surrounded by some of the world’s largest mountain. It is the starting point for the trek up the mountains. It is the second largest city in the country and is a great place for relaxation.
- Chitwan National Park: This Park is a home to Rhinos, buffalos, tigers, bears, leopards etc. It is a place for wildlife viewing. There are also about 500 species of birds and dolphins and crocodiles also live in the fresh water but they rarely come out.
About 300 hotels are in the country to provide comfort when you visit. In 2012, the country recorded about 598,204 visits. Nepal is a very exciting place to spend your holiday.
