Nepal is a small nation that sits between China and India. Nepal is famous for its mountain range, the Himalayas. The Himalayas have the world’s highest peak — Mount Everest, which is 29,0035 feet high. Everest isn’t the only giant mountain in the range, however. Eight of the 10 highest mountain peaks in the world are in Nepal. These huge mountains were formed 10-15 million years ago. India and the rest of Asia are on two different tectonic plates. When these two giant plates of rock smashed into each other the land wrinkled and formed Himalaya Mountains. The lowest points in Nepal are at sea level.
• The capital of Nepal is Kathmandu.
• The money is the Nepalese rupee.
• The area of Nepal is 54,363 square miles.
• Nepal is about the size of Arkansas.
• The major religions are Hinduism and Buddhism.
• Sherpas are known for their amazing ability tonavigate and survive in the mountains.
• Many Sherpas are born and raised at 12,000 feet and above. They often guide climbers and tourists through the mountains.
• Only 10 percent of the population lives in the mountains.
• Some of the exotic animals that live in Nepal are the Bengal tiger, the snow leopard and the Ganges fresh water dolphin.
• Nepal was a monarchy until June 2008.
• The official language is Nepali.
• 92 percent of their energy comes from hydroelectric plants (rivers).
• The Nepali word for Everest is “Sagarmatha.” It means “Forehead of the Sky.” Sherpas call Everest the ‘Goddess Mother of the World’ or “Chomolungma.”
• The Nepali calendar is 57 years and 8.5 months ahead of the Gregorian calendar (the Calendar that America uses).
• Cows are the national animal of Nepal, making it is illegal to kill them.
• Nepal has the only flag that isn’t a square or rectangle.
• Nepal has never won a gold medal in the Olympics.
• A popular sport is Elephant Polo.
• The population was 27.8 million in 2013.
• Everest is named after the British surveyor Sir George Everest.
• Tourism is one of the most important industries in Nepal.
• Most of the population live in the Katmandu Valley.
• Less than half of the population can read.
