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Updated: March 2009

Nepal

Overview | World Vision's history in Nepal | World Vision in Nepal today

Overview

Nepal is a landlocked country in central Asia bordered by China to the north and India to the south. The rugged Himalayas dominate most of the country and include Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain. A flat plain follows the Ganges River along the southern border. The climate varies from cool summers and severe winters in the north to subtropical summers and warm winters in the far south. Natural resources include quartz, timber, copper, cobalt, iron ore, and hydropower.

There are more than 100 different castes and ethnic groups in Nepal, including the Chetri, Brahman, Magar, Tharu, Tamang, and Newar. In addition to many people groups, there are 92 identified languages spoken in Nepal. The most frequently used language is Nepali, spoken by nearly half of the population. Other languages include Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tharu, and Tamang. Many people in government and business speak English.

The kingdom of Nepal was unified in 1768 by King Prithvi Narayan Shah, who had fled India following the Moghul conquests. In 1923, Britain recognized the independence of Nepal. However, 30 years later, the king took control and proclaimed a constitutional monarchy. An insurgency led by Maoist extremists broke out in 1996; the ensuing nine-year civil war would claim the lives of nearly 12,000 people. In April 2006, massive pro-democracy protests took place, and in late 2007, parliament voted to abolish the monarchy and establish a federal democratic republic.		Nepal map


 

Country statistics 
Population27.6 million
Land mass54,363 square miles
People per square mile508
Life expectancy61 years
Under age 5 mortality rate51/1,000
Literacy rate49%
Access to safe water90%
Average annual incomeUS$290
Religion
Hindu80.6%
Buddhist10.7%
Muslim4.2%
Other4.5%
 
 
Nepal ranks among the poorest and least developed nations in the world. Agriculture is the foundation of the economy, providing a livelihood for 76 percent of the people. Nepal’s remote location, security concerns, and lack of technology have hindered the economy, leaving almost one-third of its population living below the poverty line. Approximately 42 percent of people in Nepal are unemployed, and nearly 70 percent live on less than $2 a day.

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World Vision's history in Nepal

World Vision began working in Nepal in 1982, along with local organizations, to serve children and families. These efforts included establishing a child sponsorship program and developing infrastructure and agriculture in poor rural areas west of Kathmandu. World Vision also assisted in relief and development efforts serving refugees from neighboring Bhutan. The national office was opened in Katmandu in 2001, making World Vision the first Christian international nongovernment agency in the country. In the 21st century, development projects have been established in Lalitpur and Kailali, where many children live on the streets.

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World Vision in Nepal today

World Vision is committed to partnering with the people of Nepal to enhance their lives today and to help enact sustainable solutions for the future of their communities, families, and children. World Vision operates more than 20 development programs, most of which are supported by donors in Hong Kong, Australia, Canada, and the UK. World Vision United States does not currently fund any programs in Nepal.

For more information on World Vision’s work in Nepal, please contact the United States office.

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