
Himalayas
mean "abode of snow" in Sanskrit comprises of the highest mountain
range on earth, extending from east to west covering an area of 612,021
sq.km. with more than 20 peaks higher than 7300 meter above sea level. it
extends between latitudes 26 20 and 35 40 and between 74 50 and 95 40
running along the border with Myanmar in the east towards Pakistan in the
west.
Nepal lies in between the southern slope of Himalayas with eight of the
highest peaks in the world. This region accounts for about 64% of total
land area. It is formed by the Mahabharat range that soars up to 4,877m and
the lower Churia range. The low-land Terai occupies about 17% of the total
land area of the country.
History of Nepal
Nepal - a country with a long historical tradition is an amalgamation of a
number of medieval principalities. Before the campaign of national
integration launched by King Prithivi Narayan Shah the Kathmandu valley was
ruled by the Malla kings, whose contributions to art and culture are indeed
great and unique. In 1768 AD the Shah dynasty ascended the throne of the
unified kingdom. His majesty king Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, was tenth
king in the Shah dynasty.
Political Geography of Nepal Himalayas
Nepal has a population of more than 18 million people of different races
living in different regions with diverse culture, languages and dialects.
The Gurungs and Magars live mainly in the west. The Rais, Limbus and
Sunuwars inhabit the slopes and valleys of the eastern mid hills. The
Sherpas live in the Himalayan region. The newars constitute an important
ethnic group of the capital valley Kathmandu. There are Tharus, Yadavas,
Satar, Rajvanshis and Dhimals in the Terai region. The Brahmans, Chhetris
and Thakuris are spread generally over all parts of the kingdom.