Editing Nepal

{{SHORTDESC:Country in South Asia}}

'''Nepal''' (Nepali: नेपाल), officially the '''Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal''', is a landlocked country located in South Asia, mainly in the Himalayas. It shares borders with [[China]] to the north and [[India]] to the south, east, and west. Nepal is renowned for its natural beauty, being home to the world's highest peak, [[Mount Everest]] (8,848.86 meters or 29,031.7 feet). The capital and largest city is [[Kathmandu]].

==Etymology==
The name "Nepal" is believed to have originated from the Sanskrit word ''Nepāl'', meaning "at the foot of the mountains" or "the land of the mountains." Historically, the name might have also been derived from the Nepalese kingdom located in the Kathmandu Valley.

==History==
===Ancient History===
The history of Nepal dates back to ancient times. It is traditionally believed to be the birthplace of [[Prince Siddhartha Gautama]], who later became [[Buddha]]. The Kathmandu Valley, the heart of Nepal, was historically a hub for trade, culture, and religion. The earliest documented civilizations in Nepal trace their origins to the [[Kirata]] dynasty around 700 BCE, followed by the [[Licchavi]] dynasty (circa 400–750 CE), which introduced significant architectural, religious, and cultural developments.

===Medieval Period===
During the medieval period, Nepal was divided into several small kingdoms. The Kathmandu Valley was the most significant area, dominated by various dynasties, including the [[Malla]] kings (12th to 18th century), known for their remarkable contributions to art, culture, and architecture.

===Unification of Nepal===
Nepal was unified in the 18th century by King [[Prithvi Narayan Shah]], who established the Shah dynasty. The unification of various smaller kingdoms into a centralized kingdom marked the beginning of modern Nepal.

===Modern History===
In the 19th century, the [[Shah dynasty]] faced increasing influence from the [[British Raj]] in India. Following the [[Sugauli Treaty]] of 1815, Nepal ceded significant territories to the British, including parts of modern-day India. The political structure of Nepal changed several times, moving from a kingdom to a constitutional monarchy, and eventually, after years of civil war and political struggle, Nepal transitioned into a federal democratic republic in 2008, formally abolishing its monarchy.

==Geography==
Nepal is a landlocked country, bordered by the [[Tibet Autonomous Region]] of China to the north and India to the south, east, and west. It is located in the [[Himalayas]], with an area of 147,516 square kilometers (56,956 square miles). The country is divided into three distinct geographic regions:

* The **Himalayan Region** in the north, home to some of the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest and the [[Kanchenjunga]].
* The **Hilly Region** in the middle, characterized by its diverse landscape of valleys, ridges, and rolling hills.
* The **Terai Region** in the south, which is a flat plain and serves as Nepal’s agricultural heartland.

===Climate===
Nepal's climate varies significantly due to its topography. The Terai region experiences a subtropical climate, while the Himalayan region has an alpine climate, with temperatures dropping below freezing at higher elevations. The monsoon season lasts from June to September, bringing heavy rains, especially in the lowland regions.

==Government==
Nepal is a federal democratic republic. The political system is based on the [[Constitution of Nepal]], which was adopted in 2015. The government consists of three branches:
* The **executive**, led by the Prime Minister.
* The **legislature**, which is a bicameral parliament made up of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly.
* The **judiciary**, which includes the Supreme Court and lower courts.

Nepal has a multi-party political system, and elections are held at both national and local levels. The President is the ceremonial head of state, while executive power is vested in the Prime Minister.

==Economy==
Nepal’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, which accounts for about one-third of its GDP. Other important sectors include tourism, remittances, and services. The country is known for its agricultural products, such as rice, maize, and wheat. 

Nepal’s tourism industry is centered around its natural beauty, especially the Himalayas, attracting trekkers, mountaineers, and adventure tourists from around the world. The UNESCO-listed [[Sagarmatha National Park]], home to Mount Everest, is one of Nepal's top tourist destinations.

In recent years, Nepal has also been developing its infrastructure, including roads, airports, and energy production, though challenges such as political instability and the lack of adequate resources remain.

==Demographics==
As of 2021, Nepal has a population of approximately 30 million people. The population is diverse in terms of ethnicity, language, and religion. The majority of the population practices [[Hinduism]], which is also the state religion, though the country is secular. [[Buddhism]] is also widely practiced, particularly in the Kathmandu Valley, and there are smaller communities of Christians, Muslims, and indigenous groups.

The official language of Nepal is [[Nepali]], which is spoken by the majority of the population. Other languages spoken in Nepal include [[Maithili]], [[Bhojpuri]], [[Tamang]], [[Newar]], and many others, reflecting the country's ethnic diversity.

==Culture==
Nepal’s culture is influenced by both Hinduism and Buddhism, with a strong focus on festivals, rituals, and family. Some of the most important cultural celebrations include [[Dashain]], [[Tihar]], and [[Holi]], which are celebrated by Hindus, and [[Buddha Jayanti]], which marks the birth, enlightenment, and death of [[Buddha]].

Nepal has a rich tradition of art and architecture, especially in the Kathmandu Valley, known for its temples, stupas, and palaces. Traditional music, dance, and crafts such as thangka painting, pottery, and wood carving play a central role in the cultural life of Nepal.

===Cuisine===
Nepali cuisine is influenced by Indian, Tibetan, and regional Southeast Asian food traditions. Popular dishes include **dal bhat** (lentil soup with rice), **momo** (dumplings), and **sel roti** (a type of rice doughnut). Tea, especially **masala chai**, is a popular beverage. 

==Education==
Nepal’s education system is a combination of public and private institutions, with the government focusing on improving literacy rates and expanding access to education. Primary education is free and compulsory, and the government has made significant strides in increasing enrollment. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, gender disparities, and rural-urban divides remain.

==Transportation==
Nepal has a developing transportation network, with roads, highways, and airports connecting its cities and regions. The most notable international gateway is [[Tribhuvan International Airport]] in Kathmandu. Nepal is working on expanding its infrastructure, although travel can be difficult due to the country's rugged terrain.

==Sports==
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Nepal, with cricket also being widely followed. Nepal has a national football team that competes in regional tournaments, and the country has a growing interest in international sports events. The country also has a strong tradition of [[mountaineering]], with many professional climbers achieving success on the world stage, particularly in the Himalayas.

==See Also==
* [[Mount Everest]]
* [[Kathmandu]]
* [[Buddhism in Nepal]]
* [[Nepali language]]
* [[Hinduism in Nepal]]
* [[Geography of Nepal]]
* [[Nepalese cuisine]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External Links==
* [https://www.tourism.gov.np/ Official Nepal Tourism Board website]