Nepal, constitutionally a Hindu kingdom with long-standing legal provisions prohibiting discrimination against other religions , is the only official Hindu country in the world. The 2001 census identified 80.6% of the population as Hindu and Buddhism was practiced by about 11% of the population (although many people labelled Hindu or Buddhist often practice a syncretic blend of Hinduism, Buddhism and/or animist traditions). About 4.2% of the population is Muslim and 3.6% of the population follows the indigenous Kirant religion. Christiani ...

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Culture of Nepal, Culture of Nepal - Tribes & ethnic groups, Culture of Nepal - High Himalayas, Culture of Nepal - Temperate zone, Culture of Nepal - Terai region, Culture of Nepal - Music & dance, Culture of Nepal - Art & Craft, Culture of Nepal - Folklores & folktales, Culture of Nepal - Languages & literatures, Culture of Nepal - Religions & philosophy, Culture of Nepal - Festivals & celebrations, Culture of Nepal - Food and drink

Read more here: » Culture of Nepal: Encyclopedia II - Culture of Nepal - Religions & philosophy

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Demographics of Nepal, Demographics of Nepal - Languages, Demographics of Nepal - Religion, Demographics of Nepal - Ethnicity, Demographics of Nepal - Vital statistics

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The culture of Nepal, the rich cultural heritage of the Kingdom of Nepal, has evolved over centuries. This multidimensional cultural heritage encompasses within itself cultural diversities of various ethnic, tribal, and social groups, located at different altitudes, and is also manifested in various other forms, including music and dance; art and craft; folklores and folktales; languages and literature; philosophy and reli ...

Including:

• Culture of Nepal - Tribes & ethnic groups
• Culture of Nepal - High Himalayas
• Culture of Nepal - Temperate zone
• Culture of Nepal - Terai region
• Culture of Nepal - Music & dance
• Culture of Nepal - Art & Craft
• Culture of Nepal - Folklores & folktales
• Culture of Nepal - Languages & literatures
• Culture of Nepal - Religions & philosophy
• Culture of Nepal - Festivals & celebrations
• Culture of Nepal - Food and drink

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The Kingdom of Nepal (IPA: /[nəˈpɑːl]/ listen ▶ (help·info)) is a landlocked Himalayan country in South Asia, bordering the People's Republic of China to the north and India to the south, east and west. Nepal has the distinction of being the world's only Hindu state, with over eighty percent of the people following this faith. For a relatively small country, the Nepali landscape is uncommonly diverse, ...

Including:

• Nepal - History
• Nepal - Geography
• Nepal - Economy
• Nepal - Government and politics
• Nepal - Military and foreign affairs
• Nepal - Subdivisions
• Nepal - Demographics
• Nepal - Culture

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Buddhist influences are evident in the culture of Nepal, including that of many Hindu and Animist castes. Due to Nepal's close proximity to Tibet, Tibetan Buddhism is the most widely practised form, but the Newar practice Vajrayana Buddhism. Many Buddhist groups are also influenced by Hinduism. Buddhism is the dominant religion of the thinly-populated northern areas, which are inhabited by Tibetan-related peoples, namely the Sherpa, Lopa, Manangi, Thakali, Lhomi, Dolpa and Nyimba. They constitute ...

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Buddhism in Nepal, Buddhism in Nepal - Overview, Buddhism in Nepal - History, Buddhism in Nepal - Buddhism during the Kirata period ?-300, Buddhism in Nepal - Buddhism during the Mauryan period 300-400, Buddhism in Nepal - Buddhism during the Licchavi period 400-750, Buddhism in Nepal - Buddhism during the Thaukri period 600-1200, Buddhism in Nepal - Buddhism during the Malla dynasty 1200-1769, Buddhism in Nepal - Buddhism during the Shah dynasty 1769-1846, Buddhism in Nepal - Buddhism during the Rana dynasty 1846-present

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Nepal’s 2001 census enumerated 103 distinct caste/ethnic groups including an "unidentified group". The caste system of Nepal is rooted in the Hindu religion while the ethnic system is rooted in mutually exclusive origin myths, historical mutual seclusion and the occasional state intervention. The major caste/ethnic groups identified by the 2001 census are Chetri (15.8%), Hill Brahmin (12.7%), Magar (7.1%), Tharu (6.8%), Tamang (5.6%), Newar (5.5%), Muslim (4.3%),  Kami (3.9%), Rai (3.9), Gurung (2.8%), and Damai/Dholi (2.4%). The remaining 92 caste/ethnic groups (including the world-famous Sherpa) each constitute l ...

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Demographics of Nepal, Demographics of Nepal - Languages, Demographics of Nepal - Religion, Demographics of Nepal - Ethnicity, Demographics of Nepal - Vital statistics

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The legend states dances in the Indian subcontinent originated in the abode of Lord Shiva - the Himalayas, and the Himalayan Kingdome of Nepal - where he performed the tandava dance, and this indicates that dance traditions of Nepal are of very ancient origin. With altitudes and the ethnicity, dances of Nepal slightly change, in style as well as in the costume. Accompanying music and musical instruments also change in tune with the themes, which revolve round topics like crop harvestings, marriage rites, war stories, a lonely girl’s yearning for her love, and several other ...

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Culture of Nepal, Culture of Nepal - Tribes & ethnic groups, Culture of Nepal - High Himalayas, Culture of Nepal - Temperate zone, Culture of Nepal - Terai region, Culture of Nepal - Music & dance, Culture of Nepal - Art & Craft, Culture of Nepal - Folklores & folktales, Culture of Nepal - Languages & literatures, Culture of Nepal - Religions & philosophy, Culture of Nepal - Festivals & celebrations, Culture of Nepal - Food and drink

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Nepal's diverse linguistic heritage evolved from four major language groups: Indo-Aryan, Tibeto-Burman, Mongolian and various indigenous language isolates. According to the 2001 national census, 92 different living languages are spoken in Nepal (a 93rd category was "unidentified"). The major languages of Nepal (percent spoken as mother tongue) are Nepali (49%), Maithili (12%), Bhojpuri (8%), Tharu (6%), Tamang (5%), Newari/Nepal Bhasa (4%), Magar (3%), Awadhi (2%), Bantawa (2%), Limbu (1%), and Bajjika (1%). The remaining 81 languages are each spoken as mother ...

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Demographics of Nepal, Demographics of Nepal - Languages, Demographics of Nepal - Religion, Demographics of Nepal - Ethnicity, Demographics of Nepal - Vital statistics

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Nepal has a estimated population of 27.7 million as of July 2005, with a growth rate of 2.2%. 39% of the population is 14 years and below, 57.3% are aged between 15 and 64, and 3.7% above 65. The median age is 20.07 (19.91 for males and 20.24 for females). There are 1,060 males for every 1,000 females. Life expectancy is 59.8 years (60.9 for males and 59.5 for females). Total literacy rate is 45.2% (6 ...

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Nepal, Nepal - History, Nepal - Geography, Nepal - Economy, Nepal - Government and politics, Nepal - Military and foreign affairs, Nepal - Subdivisions, Nepal - Demographics, Nepal - Culture

Read more here: » Nepal: Encyclopedia II - Nepal - Demographics

Main article: Festivals of Nepal Several festivals are celebrated in Nepal, lasting from one day to several days. Dashain is the longest and the most important festival of Nepal. Generally Dashain falls in late September to mid October, right after the end of the mansoon season in Nepal. It is "a day of Victory over Demons". Tihar is another important festival of Nepal. Other important festivals include Buddha Jayanti (the celebration of the birth of Buddha); Maha Shivaratri, a festival of Lord Shiva, and during Maha Shi ...

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Culture of Nepal, Culture of Nepal - Tribes & ethnic groups, Culture of Nepal - High Himalayas, Culture of Nepal - Temperate zone, Culture of Nepal - Terai region, Culture of Nepal - Music & dance, Culture of Nepal - Art & Craft, Culture of Nepal - Folklores & folktales, Culture of Nepal - Languages & literatures, Culture of Nepal - Religions & philosophy, Culture of Nepal - Festivals & celebrations, Culture of Nepal - Food and drink

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See also Demographics of Nepal Nepal has a population of more than 27 million people, consisting of over 40 different races, ethnic and social groups, spread over different altitudes, and in different stages of cultural lifestyles. In the far west and high hills, people with almost Stone Age existence may be found, and in the capital city of Katmandu, a jet age life can be glimpsed. Culture of Nepal - High Himalayas. Whilst the lower areas of Nepal are mainly Hindu, the higher parts are generally Buddhists. This is ...

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Culture of Nepal, Culture of Nepal - Tribes & ethnic groups, Culture of Nepal - High Himalayas, Culture of Nepal - Temperate zone, Culture of Nepal - Terai region, Culture of Nepal - Music & dance, Culture of Nepal - Art & Craft, Culture of Nepal - Folklores & folktales, Culture of Nepal - Languages & literatures, Culture of Nepal - Religions & philosophy, Culture of Nepal - Festivals & celebrations, Culture of Nepal - Food and drink

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Folklores and folktales have remained an integral part of Nepalese society, and they reveal different dimensions of social and cultural life of the people. Some tales tell of love and affection, others recount hatred and battles, including some which describe demons, ghosts and cannibalism. Nepalese folklores and folktales have various regional and ethnic colors, and some of them are variations of such tales of other areas which have traveled to Nepal, and being retold with changed names and places. There are other tales which are purely of ...

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Culture of Nepal, Culture of Nepal - Tribes & ethnic groups, Culture of Nepal - High Himalayas, Culture of Nepal - Temperate zone, Culture of Nepal - Terai region, Culture of Nepal - Music & dance, Culture of Nepal - Art & Craft, Culture of Nepal - Folklores & folktales, Culture of Nepal - Languages & literatures, Culture of Nepal - Religions & philosophy, Culture of Nepal - Festivals & celebrations, Culture of Nepal - Food and drink

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As per 2001 census, at least 92 different living languages are spoken in Nepal, though other studies list 123 living languages[1]. Nepal’s linguistic heritage has evolved from three major language groups, namely, Indo-Aryan, Tibeto-Burman, and indigenous. The major languages of Nepal (percent spoken as mother tongue) are Nepali (49%), Maithili (12%), Bhojpuri (8%), Tharu (6%), Tamang (5%), Newari/Nepal Bhasa (4%), Magar (3%), Awadhi (2%), Bantawa (2%), Limbu (1%), and Bajjika (1%). The remaining languages are each spoken as mother tongue b ...

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Culture of Nepal, Culture of Nepal - Tribes & ethnic groups, Culture of Nepal - High Himalayas, Culture of Nepal - Temperate zone, Culture of Nepal - Terai region, Culture of Nepal - Music & dance, Culture of Nepal - Art & Craft, Culture of Nepal - Folklores & folktales, Culture of Nepal - Languages & literatures, Culture of Nepal - Religions & philosophy, Culture of Nepal - Festivals & celebrations, Culture of Nepal - Food and drink

Read more here: » Culture of Nepal: Encyclopedia II - Culture of Nepal - Languages & literatures

A typical staple food of an average Nepalese consist of Dal-Bhat [2] (lentil soup and cooked rice) with Tarkari, that is, vegetable curries. This is consumed twice daily, generally in the morning, and shortly after the sunset. Between these main meals, , during mid-day, snacks like chura (beaten rice) and tea are consumed. Sometimes, meat, eggs, and fish preparations are also consumed. Most of the Nepalese prefer eating with their right hand, though some people have started using spoons, forks, and knives. While eating with hands, lentil soup is poured over cooked rice, a little vegetable curries are added, a ...

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Culture of Nepal, Culture of Nepal - Tribes & ethnic groups, Culture of Nepal - High Himalayas, Culture of Nepal - Temperate zone, Culture of Nepal - Terai region, Culture of Nepal - Music & dance, Culture of Nepal - Art & Craft, Culture of Nepal - Folklores & folktales, Culture of Nepal - Languages & literatures, Culture of Nepal - Religions & philosophy, Culture of Nepal - Festivals & celebrations, Culture of Nepal - Food and drink

Read more here: » Culture of Nepal: Encyclopedia II - Culture of Nepal - Food and drink

Neolithic tools found in the Kathmandu Valley indicate that people have been living in the Himalayan region for at least 9,000 years. It appears that people who were probably of Tibeto-Burman ethnicity lived in Nepal 2,500 years ago. Indo-Iranian / Aryan tribes entered the valley around 1500 BCE. Around 1000 BCE, small kingdoms and confederations of clans arose in the region. One of the princes of the Sakya confederation was Siddharta Gautama (563–483 BCE), who renounced his royalty to lead an ascetic life and came to be known as the Bu ...

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Nepal, Nepal - History, Nepal - Geography, Nepal - Economy, Nepal - Government and politics, Nepal - Military and foreign affairs, Nepal - Subdivisions, Nepal - Demographics, Nepal - Culture

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Nepal is divided into 14 zones and 75 districts grouped into five development zones. Each district is headed by a chief district officer responsible for maintaining law and order and coordinating the work of field agencies of the various government ministries. Bagmati Bheri Dhawalagiri Gandaki Janakpur Karnali Kosi Lumbini Mahakali Mechi Narayani RaptiSee also:

Nepal, Nepal - History, Nepal - Geography, Nepal - Economy, Nepal - Government and politics, Nepal - Military and foreign affairs, Nepal - Subdivisions, Nepal - Demographics, Nepal - Culture

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Until 1990, Nepal was an absolute monarchy under the executive control of the king. In 1990, King Birendra agreed to large-scale political reforms by creating a parliamentary monarchy with the king as head of state and a prime minister as head of government. Nepal's legislature is bicameral constituting of a House of Representatives and a National Council. The House of Representatives consists of 205 members directly elected by the people. The National Council has 60 members, 10 nominated by the king, 35 elected by the House of Repres ...

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Nepal, Nepal - History, Nepal - Geography, Nepal - Economy, Nepal - Government and politics, Nepal - Military and foreign affairs, Nepal - Subdivisions, Nepal - Demographics, Nepal - Culture

Read more here: » Nepal: Encyclopedia II - Nepal - Government and politics

Nepal's military consists of the Royal Nepalese Army which includes the Royal Nepalese Army Air Service, (the air force unit under it), and the Nepalese Police Force. Service is voluntary and the minimum age for enlistment is 18 years. Nepal spends $99.2 million (2004) on its military—1.5% of its GDP. The king is the commander-in-chief of the military, which is currently engaged in the civil war against the Maoist insurgents. Most of the equi ...

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Nepal, Nepal - History, Nepal - Geography, Nepal - Economy, Nepal - Government and politics, Nepal - Military and foreign affairs, Nepal - Subdivisions, Nepal - Demographics, Nepal - Culture

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Nepal is of roughly rectangular shape, 850 km wide and 200 km broad, with an area of 147,181 km². Although Nepal shares no boundary with Bangladesh, the two countries are separated by a narrow strip of land about 24 km wide, known as the Chicken's Neck. Efforts are underway to try and make this area a free-trade zone. Nepal is commonly divided into three physiographic areas—the Mountain, Hill, and Terai Regions. These ecological belts run east–west and are bisec ...

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Nepal, Nepal - History, Nepal - Geography, Nepal - Economy, Nepal - Government and politics, Nepal - Military and foreign affairs, Nepal - Subdivisions, Nepal - Demographics, Nepal - Culture

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Culture to the south and Tibetan to the north. Similarities can be observed in the clothing, way of life, language and food. A typical Nepalese meal is dal-bhat, boiled lentils served with rice and usually vegetables. This is consumed twice daily, once in the morning and again after sunset. Between these main meals, snacks such as chiura (beaten rice) and tea are consumed. Meat, eggs, and fish are also consumed, particularly in the mountainous regions, where the diet tends to be richer in protein. Millet-based alcoholic drinks are popular, including jaad ...

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Nepal, Nepal - History, Nepal - Geography, Nepal - Economy, Nepal - Government and politics, Nepal - Military and foreign affairs, Nepal - Subdivisions, Nepal - Demographics, Nepal - Culture

Read more here: » Nepal: Encyclopedia II - Nepal - Culture