Nepal
Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal Southern Asia AREA 57K mi²; 147K km² ARABLE 13% POP 31M (±545/mi²; 211/km²) GOV’T Federal parliamentary republic CAPITAL Kathmandu (3.2M metro) GDP/CAPITA $5,000 UNEMPLOYMENT 10% IN POVERTY 20% % WEALTH HELD BY TOP 10% 24% LIFE EXP 73 years MEDIAN AGE 28 yrs INFANT MORT 23/1K live births LITERACY 69% INTERNET USERS 56% LANGUAGES Nepali (official), Maithali, Bhojpuri, Tharu, Tamang, Bajjika (among 123 languages), English widely used in business and government RELIGIONS Hindu 81%, Buddhist 8%, Muslim 5%, Kirat 3%, Christian 1%, other/unspecified 2% HEALTH 5% of GDP EDUCATION 4% of GDP MILITARY 1% of GDP GDP BY SECTOR Agriculture 25%, industry 13%, services 62% PCVs 1962–2004, 2021–present CURRENT: Yes, TTD: >14,000 / 4,000 |  Nepal Part of an ancient trading route linking India, Nepal, and Tibet runs through the heart of old Kathmandu, between the public squares of Indra Chowk and Ason Chowk. Every day at the crack of dawn this narrow lane turns into a bustling street market, bursting with color and sound. Fresh vegetables, fruits, and spices are the main items sold, and most vendors specialize in only one or two items. This vendor is selling two varieties of amla, Indian gooseberry, valued for its wide range of culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic uses. The pop-up street market quickly closes at nine, when the adjacent shops selling a wide variety of non-food goods open. |
Adult Books
Karnali Blues
Buddhisagar, Translator Michael Hutt
Genre: Novel/Fiction
Publisher: India Penguin, 2022
Language: English
Print length: 422 pages
ISBN-10: 0578889382
ISBN-13: 978-0143454397
Goodreads Ratings: 4.2/5 | Amazon Ratings: 4.7/5
Summary:
The most widely read Nepali novel to have appeared since 2010, now available in English translation. Buddhisagar was born and raised in the Karnali region of Nepal, and this novel showcases his intimate knowledge of the region through a father’s efforts to provide the best for his family in the face of poverty and dislocation.
“A rich, lively, constantly engaging story. Buddhisagar is a Nepali Charles Dickens, orchestrating a great gallery of characters… impressive, ambitious and compulsively readable.” —Michael Palin
Kids' Books
I See the Sun in Nepal
Dedie King, illustrated by Judith Inglese, translated by Chij Shrestha
Publisher: Hardwick, MA: Satya House Publications, 2010
Format: 40 pgs, col. illus.
Languages: Bilingual in English and Nepalese
ISBN-10: 0981872093
ISBN-13: 978-0981872094
Age Range: 5–8 yrs.
Summary:
Taking place in a rural village in Nepal, this story follows a young girl living a traditional life with familiar daily routines: chores, school, playing with friends, and family time. Readers will recognize the similarities and differences between their own daily life and the culture of Nepal. Bilingual in English and Nepalese (Devanagari). Includes country overview and glossary.
Films
Film: The Red Suitcase
Director: Fidel Devkota
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: 2023
Language: Nepalese
Synopsis: Two men embark on separate journeys to a remote village in Nepal. The link between the journeys is a red suitcase, but the film reveals nothing more, forcing the viewer to entertain ever more unsettling possibilities as the story slowly unfolds.
Reviews: Official Selection, Venice International Film Festival 2023. “An uncanny magical-realist chiller that greatly rewards those willing to stay the course.” —The Take-Up, Kayla McCullough
Available: Amazon Prime
Music
Sushant KC: Sushant KC Channel
