Facts

See FAST FACTS for South Asia Region.

Slightly larger than the U.S. state of Arkansas

Nepal has 8 of the 10 highest mountain peaks in the world.

Brief History: Until recently, what was the only Hindu kingdom in the world was ruled exclusively by a monarchy. For the past decade, the country has been engulfed in what has been called “The People’s War” by the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoists). The Maoist party began an insurgency against the government, wanting to overthrow it and instate a new Communist government in its place. Because of the violence of the Maoists, the king declared a state of emergency in February 2005 and claimed all governmental power for himself. Though the state of emergency lasted only a few months, the king retained control until April 2006, when he conferred power back on the parliament and the prime minister. The new government has formed a peace agreement with the Maoist party and allowed them representation in the government.

Official name: Nepal

Population: 29 million

Religion: Hinduism – 75%

Unengaged Unreached People Groups: 7
{see our section on the Unreached}

Official Language: Nepali

Capital: Kathmandu

The flag of Nepal is the only national flag which is not rectangular. The two separate pennants belonged to rival branches of the Rana Dynasty, which formerly rules the country. The moon in the upper part of the flag represents the royal house. The sun in the lower part symbolizes a branch of the Rana family, members of which acted as prime ministers until 1961. Crimson is deemed the national color. [2]