Nepal

South Asia

Nepal is a country in South Asia, home to 29.7 million people, with an area of 147,181 km². Its capital is Kathmandu.

Capital: Kathmandu
Population: 29.7 million
Area: 147,181 km²
Region: South Asia
Density: 202 / km²
Status: Sovereign state

Nepal · South Asia · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What Nepal is known for

Nepal is best known for Mount Everest, Kathmandu Valley and Chitwan National Park.

Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia, bordered by China to the north and India to the south, east, and west. It is known for its diverse geography, including the Himalayan mountain range, which includes Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. Nepal is also home to a rich cultural heritage, with Hindu and Buddhist temples and monasteries dotting the landscape.

Nepal at a glance

Language: Nepali is the official language, but numerous other languages and dialects are also spoken
Currency: Nepalese rupee (NPR)
Religion: Hinduism and Buddhism are the predominant religions in Nepal, but there are also significant populations of Muslims and Christians
National dish: Dal bhat (lentil soup and rice) with vegetable and/or meat curries
Climate: Nepal has a varied climate depending on elevation, with subtropical in the lowlands to alpine and arctic in the highest elevations
Main industries: Agriculture, including rice, wheat, and maize cultivation; tourism, including mountaineering and trekking; manufacturing, including textiles and handicrafts; and hydropower
GDP: $29.59 billion (nominal, 2021 estimate)
Development: Nepal is considered a developing country with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 142 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in Nepal

Some of the main tourist attractions in Nepal include:

Mount Everest the highest peak in the world, located in the Himalayas on the border between Nepal and China.
Kathmandu Valley a UNESCO World Heritage site that includes the cities of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan, known for their rich cultural heritage and architecture.
Chitwan National Park a national park in southern Nepal that is home to diverse wildlife, including tigers, rhinoceroses, and elephants.
Pokhara a picturesque city located near the Himalayas, known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities such as trekking, paragliding, and boating.
Lumbini a UNESCO World Heritage site and the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.
Annapurna Circuit a trekking route that circles the Annapurna mountain range, offering stunning views and a glimpse into traditional Nepali culture.
Boudhanath Stupa one of the largest stupas in the world, located in Kathmandu and an important site for Tibetan Buddhism.
Swayambhunath Stupa a Buddhist temple complex located on a hill overlooking Kathmandu, also known as the "Monkey Temple" for the monkeys that inhabit the area.
Pashupatinath Temple a Hindu temple located on the banks of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu, known for its rich architecture and religious significance.
Langtang National Park a national park in central Nepal that is home to diverse wildlife, including snow leopards and red pandas.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Nepal has to offer. The country's natural beauty and cultural heritage make it a popular destination for tourists from around the world.

Nepal in pictures

Nepal on video

The player loads when you press play — nothing is requested from the video host before that.

Nepal compared with its neighbours

How it sits against the other countries of South Asia.

Country	Population	Area	Capital
Afghanistan	42.6 million	652,230 km²	Kabul
Nepal	29.7 million	147,181 km²	Kathmandu
Sri Lanka	23.1 million	65,610 km²	Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Bhutan	790,000	38,394 km²	Thimphu