Introducing the fascinatinng land of Nepal

• Terai Region - This is the southernmost region of Nepal. It is a low-lying plain that covers 17% of Nepal’s total land area. It is very fertile land and is a key agricultural area.

Next we highlight the major cities in Nepal

The population is 29.6 million people, according to the World Population Review. Itemized below are the major cites by population.

1. Katmandu - The population of the city is 862,400 while the entire Katmandu Valley has a population of 5 million people.

2. Pokhara - 513,504

3. Bharatpur -369,268

4. Lalitpur - 294,098

5. Birgunj - 272,382

6. Biratnagar - 243,927

Below are some interesting facts about these cities, beginning with Katmandu.

• Katmandu is the economic hub of Nepal and is the gateway for tourists visiting the country. This city contains hotels, restaurants, trekking agencies, guides, as well as souvenir and handicraft shops.

• Key industries include:

  • Tourism

  • Small scale manufacturing: rice, jute, sugar, oil seed mills, cigarettes, cement and brick

  • Services: Finance, healthcare, education, transportation, communication and real estate

  • Agriculture: cereals, (rice, wheat, maize), oil seeds, potatoes, sugarcane, jute, and livestock products

Below are some interesting facts about the city of Pokhara.

Pokhara is the second largest city in Nepal. It is a picturesque city in central Nepal with stunning views of natural beauty and it is referred to as a gateway to the Annapurna mountain range.

It is often referred to as tourist capital of Nepal. Some of the attractions in the area include:

• Phewa Lake - This emerald lake is at the heart of the area’s tourism offering breathtaking reflections of the Annapurna range. The eastern shore, known as Lakeside has hotels, restaurants and shops.

• Sangrot - This popular spot has spectacular sunrise and sunset views of the Himalayas.

• Devils Falls - This is a unique waterfall where the Pardi Khola stream disappears underground.

• Trekking - Pokhara is a major starting point for treks in the Annapurna region, including Annapurna Base Camp.

• Cultural Sites - The Katmandu Valley contains seven groups of monuments that showcase Nepal’s historical and artistic achievements.

Other interesting facts about Nepal

Nepal is a fascinating country with a rich and diverse religious landscape, characterized by a long history of interfaith harmony (or syncretism).

Here's an overview:

1. Major Religions and Demographics:

• Hinduism: The dominant religion in Nepal, practiced by over 81% of the population according to the 2021 census. Nepal was officially a Hindu kingdom until 2008 and still protects and fosters the Hindu religion. Many prominent Hindu pilgrimage sites, like Pashupatinath Temple, are located in Nepal.

• Buddhism: The second largest religion, with about 8.2% of the population identifying as Buddhist. Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is in Nepal. Buddhist practices, especially among ethnic groups like the Newar, are often strongly influenced by Hinduism, and vice-versa.

• Islam: Muslims constitute about 5.1% of the population, mostly concentrated in the southern Terai region. The majority are Sunni. Islam has been present in Nepal since the 11th century.

• Kirant Mundhum: An indigenous ethnic religion practiced by about 3.2% of the population.

• Christianity: Adherents of Christianity make up about 1.8% of the population, with a large majority being Protestant. Christianity was officially banned in Nepal for a long period until 1951.

• Other Religions: Smaller populations adhere to animism, Bon (a Tibetan religious tradition), Sikhism, Jainism, and the Baháʼí Faith.

2. Historical Context:

• Ancient Roots: Hinduism has been present in Nepal since recorded history began, with archaeological evidence of Hindu practices dating back to the 3rd century CE.

• Birthplace of Buddha: Lumbini in Nepal is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, in the 5th century BCE.

• Hindu Kingdom to Secular State: Nepal was a Hindu kingdom for centuries. In 2006, after a movement for democracy, it was declared a secular state. The constitution, however, defines secularism as the "protection of religion and culture handed down from time immemorial," emphasizing the preservation of existing religious traditions, including Hinduism.

• Christianity's Arrival: The first Roman Catholics arrived in the Kathmandu Valley in the early 18th century, but Christian missionaries were later expelled. The modern growth of Christianity is relatively recent, beginning around 1951 when the country's borders opened.

3. Syncretism and Harmony:

• Blending of Beliefs: A unique characteristic of religion in Nepal is the extensive syncretism or blending of beliefs and practices, particularly between Hinduism and Buddhism. Many Nepalis practice a combination of both, sharing deities, temples, and festivals. For example, Buddha is widely worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists.

• Peaceful Coexistence: Nepal has a long history of religious harmony and tolerance, with different religious communities generally coexisting peacefully. Unlike some neighboring nations, there have been no severe religious riots or confrontations between Hindus and Muslims.

• Shared Spaces: Temples, stupas, mosques, and monasteries are not just monuments but integral parts of daily life, often representing shared sacred spaces.

4. Freedom of Religion:

• Constitutional Guarantee: The constitution of Nepal (2015) establishes the country as a secular state and guarantees the right of individuals and communities to profess, practice, and preserve their faiths.

• Prohibition on Conversion: While freedom of religion is protected, the constitution and subsequent penal code prohibit proselytism and converting persons from one religion to another, especially through coercion or inducement. This aspect has been a point of concern for some human rights groups.

• Registration of Organizations: Except for Buddhist monasteries, all religious groups must register as NGOs or nonprofit organizations to own property, operate legally, or receive government grants.

In essence, Nepal's religious landscape is a vibrant tapestry woven with ancient traditions, peaceful coexistence, and unique cultural blending, with Hinduism at its core, but a significant presence of Buddhism, Islam, and indigenous faiths contributing to its distinct identity.

Nepal boasts a rich and diverse religious history, deeply  with its cultural fabric. For centuries, it was officially a Hindu state and remains a country where Hinduism is the dominant religion. However, it is also the birthplace of Buddhism and home to a variety of other faiths intertwined.

Here's a brief overview:

Ancient Origins and Early Development:

Hinduism: The history of Hinduism in Nepal dates back to ancient times, with archaeological evidence of Hindu religious practices in the Kathmandu Valley from as early as the 3rd century CE during the Licchavi period. The Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu sites, was originally built in the 5th century. Hinduism in Nepal has developed its own indigenous character while retaining its doctrinal ideologies from the larger Brahmanical tradition.

Below is an image of a Hindu Temple in Nepal:

Buddhism: Nepal holds immense significance for Buddhism as it is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, Lord Buddha, in the city of Lumbini (5th century BCE). Buddhism in Nepal is characterized by a unique and harmonious coexistence with Hinduism. The lines between the two religions are often blurred, and it is common for followers of both faiths to share temples and deities.

Below is an image of a Buddhist Stupa. Interestingly, a stupa is not meant to be entered. Buddhists often perform a ritual where they walk around the stupa in a clockwise direction as a form of mediatation and devotion.

Christianity: The growth of Christianity in Nepal is an amazing story, considering the fact that historically, it had been a Hindu-majority nation.

Christianity was first introduced in the 17th and 18th centuries by European missionary groups. Their progress was impeded when Nepal agreed to the unification of Nepal legislation in 1769. Prior to this agreement, Nepal was fragmented into several small, warring kingdoms. This unification laid the foundation for the modern country of Nepal. The unification also led to two centuries where Christianity was prohibited.

In 1951, there were significant democratic reforms that made Nepal a multi-party democratic, secular state. After these reforms the growth of Christianity accelerated significantly making the church in Nepal one of the fastest growing worldwide. Despite this growth Christianity in Nepal is still a minor religion with only about 1.7% of the population. There are many in Nepal who seek to reverse Nepal’s secular status. Despite the opposition the Christian community continues to grow, demonstrating their resilience and adaptability.

A significant factor in the resurgence of Christianity was the focus of the Christian community on a service-oriented approach where the Christian organizations focused on providing vital medical facilities and services, rural development initiatives, and educational programs. The humanitarian contributions led to the appeal for Christianity.

Nepal’s Christian population has experienced phenomenal growth, particularly since the 1990’s. In fact, the Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary identified the Nepali church as one of the fastest growing in the world. According to Nepal’s official census, the Christian population in 1951 was 458 people and as of 2021, it has grown to over 500,000. Some estimate that the actual number of Christians is currently between 1-3 million people, or 10% of the population. The appeal of Christianity lies in its promise of individual dignity and the ability to break down the historical caste barriers. Despite the significant growth of Christianity, it remains a minority religion. Christianity is estimated to be 1.7% of the total population of Nepal.

Below is an image of a worship service in a Christian church in Nepal.