Nepal in Brief
Nepal-a
country of amazing extremes, is the home of the world's highest mountains, historic
cities and the forested plains where the lordly tigers and the great one-horned
rhinoceros trundle at ease. In fact enchantment is everywhere-for anyone in search
of Shangrila !
History
Nepal- a country with a long historical tradition is an amalgamation of a number of medieval principalities. Before the campaign of national integration launched by King Prithivi Narayan Shah, the Kathmandu Valley was ruled by the Malla Kings, whose contributions to art and culture are indeed great and unique.
In
1768 AD the Shah dynasty ascended the throne of the unified kingdom. His Majesty
King Birendra Bir Bikrarn Shah Dev, is tenth King in the Shah dynasty. The new
democratic constitution of the kingdom was promulgated on November 9, 1990. Nepal
is one of the founder members of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
SAARC of which the third summit was held in Kathmandu in Nov. 1987.
People
Nepal
has a population of more than 18 million people made of different races living
in different regions, with diverse culture, languages and dialects. 
The
Gurungs and Magars live mainly in the west. The Rais, Limbus and Sunuwars inhabit
the slopes and valleys of the Eastern mid hills. The Sherpas live in the Himalayan
region. The Newars constitute an important ethnic group of the capital valley
Kathmandu. There are Tharus, Yadavas, Satar, Rajvanshis and Dhimals in the Terai
region. The Brahmans, Chhetris and Thakuris are spread generally over all parts
of the kingdom.
Religion & Culture
Hinduism and Buddhism constitute
two major religions of Nepal. 
A
remarkable feature of Nepal is the religious homogeneity what exists, particularly
between the Hindu and Buddhist Communities. Apart from the Hindus and Buddhists,
Muslim from the third largest religious group. The exquisite medieval Art &
Architecture of the Kathmandu Valley vividly reflect the artistic ingenuity and
the religious tradition of the people.
Language
Nepali, serves the purpose of the kingdom's lingua franca in Nepal. The educated people speak and understand English as well.
Climate
Nepal has four climatic seasons (a) Spring : March-May (b) Summer : June -August (c) Autumn : September-November and (d) Winter : December-February. The average temperature and rainfall records in Kathmandu are presented here under.