Skip to Main Content

Nepal 2024

Nepal

Nepal

Laundry day in Kathmandu unfolds at a comfortably slow pace, as a couple relaxes over tea while colorful clothing dries on the line. Kathmandu is Nepal’s capital city and the center of Nepalese culture and art. It is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world, dating back to the 2nd century. Kathmandu’s appeal can be found in its historic structures and chaotic energy, but its charm comes from the warm hospitality of the people who call it home.

Michael Dixon © 2013
PCV Ukraine 2011–2014 | PC Response Armenia 2015; Kosovo 2016
Community Development

Nepal

Southern Asia

Area 57K mi2; 147K km2

Arable 15%

Population 30.8 (544/mi²; 210/km²)

Gov’t Federal parliamentary republic

Capital Kathmandu (1.6M)

GCP/Capita $3,800

Unemployment 5%

In Poverty 25%

Infant Mortality 25/1K live births (68th)

Life expectancy 73 yrs

Median Age 25 yrs

Literacy 68%

Languages Nepali (official), Maithali, Bhojpuri, Tharu, Tamang, Newar, Bajjika, Magar, Doteli, Urdu (among 123 languages), English (also spoken in government and business)

Religions Hindu 82%, Buddhist 9%, Muslim 4%, Kirant 3%, Christian 1%, other/unspecified 1%

Health 5% of GDP

Education 4% of GDP (109th)

Military 1% of GDP (108th)

Labor Force Agriculture 69%, industry 12%, services 19%

PCVs 1962–2004, 2012–present CURRENT: 0, TTD: 3,880

Adult Books

The Nepal Nexus
By Sudheer Sharma. Translated by Sanjaya Dhakal.

Genre: Fiction
Publisher: Penguin Viking (2019)
ISBN-10: 0618043713
ISBN-13: 978-0618043712

Summary:
The author, a seasoned journalist with an insider’s perspective on the inner workings of the Nepali government, as well on as the long Maoist insurgency, other popular uprisings, and the long state of emergency, examines two turbulent decades that shaped present-day Nepal. He stresses that the dire conditions of poverty and oppression sparking revolt also inspired the commitment to the country’s sociopolitical transformation. Presenting important figures from kings to rebels to current Nepali and Indian leaders, he analyzes their interactions and respective roles in what became a project of nation building.

“The author deserves congratulations for making this very insightful study accessible to a wider readership. […] The book is meticulously presented and makes fascinating reading.” (Raj Kumar Verma, South Asia Research)

>

Kids' Books

How Buffalo Lost Her Coat: A Children’s Tale from Nepal
By Belinda DuPont, illus P.G. Rob

Format: PB, 36 pages
ISBN-10: 1728397448
ISBN-13: 978-1728397443
Age Range: 6–8 years / Grades 1–2
Publisher: AuthorHouse UK (January 7, 2020)

Summary:
When a buffalo calf is born it has a beautiful brown and hairy coat, but by the time it is adult the coat has disappeared and only a grey leathery skin is left. When children ask where the coat has gone, this is the story they are told.

Films

Film: Seto Surya (White Sun)
Genre: Drama, Adventure, History
Director: Deepak Rauniyar
Country: Nepal
Release Date: 2016
Language: Nepali
Color: Color
Run Time: 89 minutes

Synopsis:
Anti-regime partisan Chandra confronts physical, social and political obstacles for his father's funeral. His search for a solution takes him to neighboring mountain villages and encounters with the police and rebel guerrillas. A portrait of post-civil war Nepal during the fragile deadlocked peace process.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfSLkMzv_aI

Trailer:
https://www.google.com/search?q=white+sun+film&oq=white+s&aqs=chrome.0.69i59j69i57j46 i67i650j46i131i433i512j0i433i512j69i60l3.2114j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF- 8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:9f183d2c,vid:ADtFVw-AdS0

Viewer comment:
The best Nepali movie to date. White Sun is a balance of emotions and humour, and it portrays condition of villages of Nepal humorously. I think it's a great satire. Once you start watching the movie you will be living all the experiences Dayahang Rai goes through in the movie. The dialogue will hit you hard. It is the best Nepali movie I have ever watched; I feel lucky not to miss this movie.

Become a Member

Join RPCVs of Wisconsin - Madison to stay connected and support Peace Corps community initiatives! 

 

SIGN UP

       
 

  Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Wisconsin-Madison is a public charity registered under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States. Its EIN is 39-1669348. It is also an affiliate group of the National Peace Corps Association (NPCA).


NPCA champions lifelong commitment to Peace Corps ideals by connecting, engaging and promoting its members and affiliate groups as they continue to make a difference in communities in the U.S. and abroad. NPCA is also dedicated to advocating for, contributing to, and supporting the betterment of the Peace Corps. Visit NPCA to learn more