Elongated along the Himalayas, Nepal is a landlocked country with a total land area of 140,800 sq kms (56,136 sq miles). The country is bordered by China to the north and India to the south, east and west. Its topography varies from the high snow-clad peaks and the mid mountain region with fertile valleys to the southern plains known as Terai. So is the climate ranging from the alpine in the north to hot and humid in the southern plains.

World’s highest peak Mt. Sagarmatha (Everest), 8,848 metres (29,028 ft) lies in Nepal. Draped along the greatest heights of the Himalayas, Nepal is a land of sublime scenery, time-worn temples, and some of the best walking trails on earth. Nepal has a habitat of different rare species of flora and fauna. In order to protect the fragile eco-system, Nepal has set up 13 national parks and wildlife reserves in different parts of the country.

Well over half of its population live in the hills and the rest live in the southern lowlands. The people of Nepal share a bond of common aspirations and faith in the independence and integrity of national irrespective of religion, race, caste or tribe.

Nepal is a developing country with an agricultural economy. In recent years, the country’s efforts to expand into manufacturing industries and other technological sectors have achieved much progress. Farming is the main economic activity followed by manufacturing, trade and tourism. The chief sources of foreign currency earnings are merchandise export, services, tourism and Gurkha remittances. The annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is about US$ 4.3 billion.