Nepal

Nepal is a landlocked country located in South Asia, in the Himalayas, bordered to the north by Tibet and to the south, east, and west by the Republic of India. With an area of 147,000 square kilometres and a population of approximately 30 million, Nepal has a rich and varied geography.

The mountainous north has eight of the world's ten tallest mountains, including the highest point on Earth — Mount Everest, called Sagarmatha in Nepali.

Kathmandu is the nation's capital and the country's largest metropolis. Hinduism is practised by a large majority of the population, making Nepal home to one of the highest proportions of Hindus in the world. Buddhism, though a minority religion, is historically linked with Nepal since Gautam Buddha was born in Lumbini, in south Nepal.

Many Nepalis do not distinguish between Hinduism and Buddhism and follow both religious traditions. The country is safe to travel to and known for its warm hospitality. Since 2008, Nepal is a democratic Republic.