Nepal – World Atlas: Kids Encyclopedia

Nepal: World Encyclopedia for Students and Children

System of government: Monarchy
Capital: Kathmandu
Location: Central Himalayas; Nepal has borders with India to the south, east and west, and China to the north
Area: 140,797 sq km
National composition: Numerous hills clans, the largest being the Gurkhas
Religions: Hinduism, Buddhism
Official language: Nepali
Currency: Nepali rupee = 100 paisa
Highest elevation: Everest (Sagarmatha) in the Himalayas
Chief rivers: Numerous fast-flowing mountain streams
Climate: Subtropical monsoon type, but the climate is greatly influenced by the altitude

Forests cover one-third of the mountain kingdom of Nepal. They yield quality timber, such as larch and deodar (god tree). Mountain meadows provide grazing for goats, sheep and yaks, but the Himalayan peaks are capped by snow and ice. The mountain meadows contain highly varied flora, including numerous herbs used both in traditional medicine and in the manufacture of drugs.

In 1980 agriculture employed 93 percent of the work-force, as compared with 2 percent in industry. Maize, oil seeds, potatoes, rice, tobacco and wheat are grown at lower altitudes and jute is a major export. In recent times, Nepal has started a geological survey and the results so far seem promising. Some manufacturing is developing and tourism and fees levied on climbing expeditions are other sources of revenue.

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