Nepal, sandwiched between China in the north and India in the south, is the home for world's highest snow-capped mountain-Mt. Everest. About two-thirds of the country's land has been occupied by high mountains that generate the massive potential electricity that makes Nepal stand in the second potential country in the world. But, however, she has yet to yield and exploit fully of the available potentiality of the hydro-power. Currently, 15% of the total population consumes electricity, especially for lighting purpose, neglecting productive and industrial areas.
Geographically, the county is divided into three regions: Mountain, Hill and Terai accommodating 7.3, 44.3 and 48.4 % of the total population respectively.
 Map of Nepal
There are five development regions and 75 districts. The districts comprises of the Village Development Committees (VDCs) and Municipalities. At present, there are 3,915 VDCs and 58 municipalities.
After the restoration of democracy in 1990, Nepal is ruled under the constitutional monarchy and multiparty democracy. The Executive, Legislative and Judiciary bodies function independently and exercise their rights freely. There are two-tier system-- National Assembly (Upper House) and the House of Representatives (Lower House) -- under the Constitution of Nepal 1990. The government is headed by the elected Prime Minister.
At present, the population of Nepal stands at 23.2 millions. Of which the population growth rate is 2.3 % per annum and its life expectancy at birth is 59.7. Female population outnumbers slightly male population. Literacy rate is 53.74%. Male literacy rate is 65.08 % and female literacy rate is 42.49% according to the population census of 2001. About 5% of the total population have command over English language. Nepal, having 38% population below the poverty line, has been striving vigorously to work for the four fold development, especially for alleviating its poverty. 57 % of the total population of working age are economically active and among them 81% are engaged in agricultural activities. Per Capita Income is estimated about US $ 230 for 2002. |
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Last Updated on Monday, 23 February 2009 17:04 |
About Nepal
