It has been said that Nepal resembles a planet in miniature. Linking India's flat, fertile plains to the desert-like plateau of Tibet, it has a climatic and geographic diversity to rival any country ten times its size. From where the Tibetan Yak grazes and Snow Leopards prowl, to where the Rhino and Tiger roam dense steamy jungles, there is a journey of only 150km.

Dominating the northern skyline are the mighty Himalayas, revered by billions as sacred. Below the snow line, fast flowing streams provide truly exhilarating river rafting, while mountain bike enthusiasts will revel in the challenge of the foothills.

Capital:	Kathmandu
Population:	30 million (2.6% growth rate, 50% under 21)
Area:	147,181sq km (885km east to west, 160km average north to south)
Topography:	heavily mountainous (75%), pasture (13%), forested (21%), cultivated (24%)
Highest point:	8848m, 29028 ft (Sagarmatha AKA Mount Everest)
Lowest point:	61m, 200 ft (Saptari District, Terai)
Resources:	water, forests, minerals and soil
Industries:	agriculture, minerals, tourism, textiles. The majority of the population are subsistence farmers living outside of the cash economy
Exports:	carpets, garments, paper, food and raw materials associated with agriculture, minerals, forestry and livestock

The People

Nepal's people, their languages and their customs are as diverse as the terrain, ethnic groups vary as much as the climate. Over 30 languages and dozens of dialects are practiced amongst the 36 recognized ethnic groups, each with a distinct cultural and often physical identity. The official language, Nepali, is the most widely spoken (58%) and in the more populated and tourist areas English is commonly understood.

The main religions practiced are Hinduism, Buddhism and Muslim with the minority faiths made up of Jainism, Parsi and Shamanism. Although the government claims the official religion to be Hindu but the Buddhist population far exceeds the quoted 6%. Most temples and holy places are located in the hilly and mountainous regions to the north of the country and in the sparsely populated areas.

91% of the population dwell in rural areas and 81% are engaged in agriculture, mainly subsistence farming. It is a poor country but rich in warmth and humor, bathed in beauty and one that visitors can never forget.

Useful links:

Official site of Nepal Tourism Board
welcomenepal.com

Daily news links for updates on the current situation in Nepal
www.nepalnews.com
www.kantipuronline.com

Daily weather forecast for Nepal
www.nepalhomepage.com

Lonely Planet, information on Nepal
www.lonelyplanet.com/nepal

Seismic information
earthquake.usgs.gov
www-seismo.hannover.bgr.de

Prior to trekking, visit these recommended websites
www.trekinfo.com
www.cia.com.au/ianj/