Nepal
Laundry day in Kathmandu unfolds at a comfortably slow pace, as a couple relaxes over tea while colorful clothing dries on the line. Kathmandu is Nepal’s capital city and the center of Nepalese culture and art. It is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world, dating back to the 2nd century. Kathmandu’s appeal can be found in its historic structures and chaotic energy, but its charm comes from the warm hospitality of the people who call it home.
Michael Dixon © 2013
PCV Ukraine 2011–2014 | PC Response Armenia 2015; Kosovo 2016
Community Development
Nepal
Southern Asia
Area 57K mi2; 147K km2
Arable 15%
Population 30.8 (544/mi²; 210/km²)
Gov’t Federal parliamentary republic
Capital Kathmandu (1.6M)
GCP/Capita $3,800
Unemployment 5%
In Poverty 25%
Infant Mortality 25/1K live births (68th)
Life expectancy 73 yrs
Median Age 25 yrs
Literacy 68%
Languages Nepali (official), Maithali, Bhojpuri, Tharu, Tamang, Newar, Bajjika, Magar, Doteli, Urdu (among 123 languages), English (also spoken in government and business)
Religions Hindu 82%, Buddhist 9%, Muslim 4%, Kirant 3%, Christian 1%, other/unspecified 1%
Health 5% of GDP
Education 4% of GDP (109th)
Military 1% of GDP (108th)
Labor Force Agriculture 69%, industry 12%, services 19%
PCVs 1962–2004, 2012–present CURRENT: 0, TTD: 3,880
Adult Books
By Sudheer Sharma. Translated by Sanjaya Dhakal.
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: Penguin Viking (2019)
ISBN-10: 0618043713
ISBN-13: 978-0618043712
Summary:
The author, a seasoned journalist with an insider’s perspective on the inner workings of the Nepali government, as well on as the long Maoist insurgency, other popular uprisings, and the long state of emergency, examines two turbulent decades that shaped present-day Nepal. He stresses that the dire conditions of poverty and oppression sparking revolt also inspired the commitment to the country’s sociopolitical transformation. Presenting important figures from kings to rebels to current Nepali and Indian leaders, he analyzes their interactions and respective roles in what became a project of nation building.
“The author deserves congratulations for making this very insightful study accessible to a wider readership. […] The book is meticulously presented and makes fascinating reading.” (Raj Kumar Verma, South Asia Research)
Kids' Books
By Belinda DuPont, illus P.G. Rob
Format: PB, 36 pages
ISBN-10: 1728397448
ISBN-13: 978-1728397443
Age Range: 6–8 years / Grades 1–2
Publisher: AuthorHouse UK (January 7, 2020)
Summary:
When a buffalo calf is born it has a beautiful brown and hairy coat, but by the time it is adult the coat has disappeared and only a grey leathery skin is left. When children ask where the coat has gone, this is the story they are told.
Films
Genre: Drama, Adventure, History
Director:
Country: Nepal
Release Date: 2016
Language: Nepali
Color: Color
Run Time: 89 minutes
Synopsis:
Anti-regime partisan Chandra confronts physical, social and political obstacles for his father's funeral. His search for a solution takes him to neighboring mountain villages and encounters with the police and rebel guerrillas. A portrait of post-civil war Nepal during the fragile deadlocked peace process.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfSLkMzv_aI
Viewer comment:
The best Nepali movie to date. White Sun is a balance of emotions and humour, and it portrays condition of villages of Nepal humorously. I think it's a great satire. Once you start watching the movie you will be living all the experiences Dayahang Rai goes through in the movie. The dialogue will hit you hard. It is the best Nepali movie I have ever watched; I feel lucky not to miss this movie.
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