NEPAL- FACTS AND FIGURES

Area: 147, 181 km2

Population: 21 million (est. 1996)

Capital: Kathmandu

System of Government: Monarchy

Head of State: His Majesty Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev

Prime Minister: Sher Bahdur Duba

Key Government Ministers: Ram Sharan Mahat, Minister of Finance; Dr. PRakash Chandra Lohani, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Bal Bahadur Rai, Minister of Labour.

Language: Nepali, English widely used in Commerce

Literacy Rate: 27.5 % (according to 1995 estimates by UNESCO)

Ethnic Background: Tebetan, Mongolian, and Indo-Aryans

Religion: (1981) 89.5 % Hinduism, 5.3 % Buddhist, 2.7 % Muslim, 2.5 % other

Currency: C$1.00=N. Rupee 41.01

For more information on Nepal, visit this website:

Information Links on Nepal

The Department of Tourism in Kathmandu Website

Nepal's Customs

• Most of the people in Nepal live in rural areas, and they have a simple and traditional outlook on life. They especially enjoy foreign visitors, but tourists must be careful not to offend them.
• It is always best to be decently covered and err on the side of caution. Sun and beach wear is noy the ideal when walking around a city or village. Shorts, bare shoulders and backs may not be appreciated.
• Don't worry if a Nepal lady hesitates to shake your hand. In Nepal, people, especially the ladies, do not normally shake hands when they greet one anogher, but instead press the palms together in a prayer-like gesture known as "namaste".
• Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon.
• Visitors to Hindu temples and Buddhist shrines are expected to be unshoed (their word) as a mark of respect. In fact, a pair of open sandals is more convenient and comfortable for visiting temples and stupas. It is also a good idea to ask for permission to photograph a temple or stupa.
• Leather articles are prohibitied to be taken inside the temple precinct.
• It is better not to touch offerings or persons when they are on their way to shrines.
• Beef is strictly prohibited among both the Hindus and Buddhists, and no female animal is killed for food.