FAO Representation

Country Information

Nepal is situated in the lap of the Himalayas. It is located between the latitude 26*22' to 30*27' North and longitude 80*4' E to 88*12' East, and elevation ranges from 90 to 8848 meters. The average length being 885 km east to west and the average breadth is 193 km from north to south.

The country borders with the two most populous countries in the world, India in the East, South, and West, and China in the North. Nepal is a land locked country and home to natural beauty with traces of artifacts.

The Northern range (Himalayas) where the highest peak of the world, the Mount Everest stands is covered with snow over the year. The middle range (Hill) includes gorgeous mountains, high peaks, hills, valleys and lakes. The Southern range (Terai) is a gangaitic plain of alluvial soil and consists of dense forest area, national parks, wildlife reserves and conservation areas. The temperature and rainfall differ from place to place.

23.2 million people of more than 60 caste/ethnic groups live in this geographic diversity and in varied climatic conditions. Nepal presents an example of being united in diversity throughout history and has maintained its pride as being an independent sovereign state.

Geographically, the country is divided into three regions; Mountain, Hill and Terai accommodating 7.44 and 49 % of the population respectively. Based on area of districts these regions constitute 35, 42 and 23% of the total land area. There are 5 development regions and 75 administrative districts. Districts are further divided into smaller units, called Village Development committee (VDC) and Municipality.

Currently, there are 3914 VDCs and 58 Municipalities in the country. Each VDC is composed of 9 wards, Municipality ward ranges from 9 to 35. Kathmandu is the capital city.There are number of peaks, rivers and lakes in the country.

Nepal is a member of the United Nations and has established diplomatic relations with other countries of the world. Major export commodities are paste, Pulses, oil Cake, Catechu, Jute good Sacking, Twins, Carpets (Hand knitted wollen), readymade garments, handicrafts and ginger.

Economic growth of the country has not improved markedly over time to overtake population growth. As the country estimated population growth is 2.3 per annum, the gain achieved by developmental activities has been concealed by the growing population. Little over half (57%) of the population of working age is reported economically active in 1991 and among them 81% were engaged in agricultural activities. Contribution of non-agricultural activities are gradually increasing in the GDP.  

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