Country Report

Country Report

Nepal is a small Asian country located between China and India. Nepal covers 147,181 square kilometers and has a population estimated at 30 million as of July 2012 [1]. The capital of Nepal is Kathmandu. As of 2010, nearly 20% of the population lived in urban areas [1]. Agriculture is the most common industry in Nepal, with 75% of it's people being part of the industry [1]. As of a 2001 census, the religion of Nepal is composed of: 80.6% Hindu, 10.7% Buddhist, 4.2% Muslim, 3.6% Kirant, and 0.9% Other [1]. As of this same census, the language makeup of Nepal is: 47.8% Nepali (The official language), 12.1% Maithali, 7.4% Bhojpuri, 5.8% Tharu (Dagura/Rana), 5.1% Tamang, 3.6% Newar, 3.3% Magar, 2.4% Awadhi, 10% other, and 2.5% unspecified [1].

Most people in Nepal living in rural areas make a living on subsistence farming [2]. It is common for multiple generations of a family to live in the same house [2]. The caste system in Nepal is no longer official but is still influential. The caste system is made up of many ethnic groups, starting at the highest and in descending groups they are: 1. Bahun, Chhetris, Rajputs, 2. Magar, Gurung, 3. Limbu, Kirat, Tharu, Bhote, Tamang, 4. Butchers, Washermen, Some Tanners, Europeans, Muslims, 5. Blacksmiths, Some Tanners, Tailors, Fishermen and Scavengers [2]. There is also a special case for the ethnic group of Newars, which spans nearly all caste groups in Nepal [2]. One of the most important belief systems in Nepal is Karma. This is based on the Hindu concept of reincarnation, where your condition is determined by a previous life, which is the idea of Karma. Dharma is the idea that you should accept your condition and fulfill it without trying to escape it. Because of this believe, many Nepalese do not assume responsibility for situations, and the status quo is reinforced [2].

Nepal's terrain varies greatly, with tall mountains in the north, including the Himalayas and Mt. Everest, lower mountains and valleys in the center, and plains, forests, and swamps in the south region known as Terai [3]. Terai is the main farming region where a variety of crops are grown: rice, pulses, wheat, barley, sugarcane, oilseeds, jute, tobacco, cotton, indigo, and opium [3]. In the lower mountain valleys, common crops include: rice, wheat, barley, oilseeds, potatoes, corn, and various vegetables (Coulumbia). Some other resources include medicinal herbs from the Himalayas and various types of wood including bamboo that grow in Terai [3]. Livestock is common in all areas, including: oxen, yaks, sheep, goats, and poultry [3]. The main exports are: carpets, clothing, leather and jute goods, and grain [3]. The main imports are: gold, machinery an equipment, petroleum products, and fertilizer [3]. The majority of trade is with India [3].

In 1951, Nepal became a monarchy and formed a government with the Nepalese Congress Party, after having ended the rule of the Ranas – a group of ministers who controlled the country instead of the king [4]. In 1955 King Tribhuwan died and Mahendera becomes the new king, who later creates a multiparty constitution in 1959 [4]. In 1960, King Mahendera suspends parliament, and later replaces it with non-party council system called panchayat, which gives complete power to himself [4]. In 1972, King Mahendera dies and Birendra becomes king [4]. In 1980, a constitutional referendum keeps the panchayat system, but allows direct election to the national assembly [4]. Following protest, civil disobedience, and boycotting from Nepali Congress Party and other political groups over several years, King Birendra eventually leads to a new democratic constitution in 1990 [4]. In 1991, the Nepali Congress Party wins elections and forms the first government with Girija Prasad Koirala as Prime Minister [4]. In 1994, the government receives a vote of no confidence, and it is followed by a series of short-lived governments, already having made it to the 9^th government in 2000 [4]. In 1995, a Maoist revolt starts a civil war in an attempt to abolish the monarchy [4]. On June 1^st, 2001, Crown Prince Dipendra shoots many members of the royal family including King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya, then kills himself [4]. After the royal massacre, Gyanendra becomes king; governments continue to be short-lived and ineffective [4]. After several failed peace negotiations with the Maoists, King Gyanendra abolishes the government and assumes direct control to fight the Maoists in 2005 [4]. This causes leads to several opposing political parties to support the Maoists in overthrowing the king, eventually leading to the king reinstating congress in 2006, whose first act was to take away his power [4]. In 2006, The Maoists sign a peace agreement and join parliament in 2007, but leave the government later in 2007 over demands that the monarchy be abolished [4]. Late in 2007, the government agrees to abolish the monarchy, and the first elections are held in 2008 with the Maoists receiving the most seats, but not a majority [4]. In 2008, Nepal becomes a republic and Ram Baran Yadav, a non-Maoist becomes the first president [4]. Later in 2008, Maoist leader Prachanda becomes Prime Minister, but later resigns in 2009 due to disagreement with The President, causing the Maoists to leave the government [4]. Madhav Kumar becomes the new Prime Minister in 2009, but later resigns in 2010 due to Maoist pressure [4]. In 2011, after a long stalemate, Jhalnath Khanal is elected Prime Minister, in 2011, but later resigns that same year when the government fails to agree on a constitution [4]. Later in 2011, Maoist Baburam Bhattari becomes Prime Minister, who dissolves parliament in 2012 after the final deadline for a new constitution is missed, resulting in new elections [4]. Prime Minister Bhattari remains head of government while a new parliament is formed to create a constitution [4].

Works Cited

[1] "The World Factbook: Nepal." CIA - The World Factbook. Central Intelligence Agency, 16 Oct. 2012. Web. 22 Oct. 2012. <https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/np.html>.

[2] Feller, Tessa. Culture Smart!: Nepal. London: Kuperard, 2008. Print.

[3] "Nepal." Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6Th Edition (2011): 1. MasterFILE Premier. Web. 27 Oct. 2012.

[4] "Nepal Profile." BBC News. BBC, 31 July 2012. Web. 27 Oct. 2012. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-12499391>.