Nepal is the state recognized as the highest mountain on the planet. Where is Nepal located? What are the geographic features of Nepal? Which city is the capital of the state? The answers to these questions can be found in the text of the article.
Geographic features
Nepal is located on the territory of the highest mountain system in the world - the Himalayas. The country borders on the north with China, more precisely with its autonomous republic of Tibet, eight-thousanders pass along the border, including Everest. It is the highest point in the world (8848 meters). In general, there are 8 eight-thousanders in Nepal, and there are only 14 of them on the planet. The southern border of the country touches another great state - India. Thus, Nepal on the world map seems to be bordered by the most densely populated countries in the world.
Incredible elevation changes are another feature of this territory. So, the drop from Everest to the lowest point is about 8800 meters. Almost the entire territory of the country falls on the Himalayas, only one seventh of which is free from mountains.
Climatic zones
Where Nepal is located, the territory is divided into three climatic zones. The first is Terai, that is, mountains no more than 450 meters high.meters. It has a tropical hot climate. This zone is located on the border with India and is the most densely populated. Agriculture and cattle breeding are developed here. This zone provides food for the entire country. The second climatic zone is more hilly, where a subtropical climate prevails. Here is the capital of the state - Kathmandu. The height of the mountains is up to 2000 meters. The third zone is the highlands, which covers half of the country. The climate here is different: from a temperate zone to an icy one. It is a favorite place for climbers from all over the world. This is used by the authorities of the country, who collect fees for the opportunity to conquer the highest points in the world.
The state in the Himalayas and its capital
About 70% of the people of Nepal work in the agricultural sector. This is the only area, besides tourism, that brings money to the treasury. Nepalese work on pastures and terraces to grow crops. In recent years, the production of high-quality fabrics - pashmina and cashmere - has begun to develop. They are exported to Europe. The bowels of the earth in the place where Nepal is located are empty: neither gas, nor oil, nor other resources are being produced. Therefore, the urban part of the population accounts for less than 15%. Of the major cities, one can single out the capital - Kathmandu, as well as Pokhara, Patan, Biratnagara. All of them are located in the second climatic zone - with mountains of medium height. The city of Kathmandu is the modern capital of the country. It is the cultural and educational center of Nepal. Pathan led the state until the end of the 18th century. Today the city is called Lalitpur, which means "city of beauty". It is located near Kathmandu, they are separated by the sacred river for the Nepalese - Bagmati. The cities of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur are united by UNESCO into one site protected as the Kathmandu Valley. This is an area with unique monuments of history, culture and architecture. The main squares of the cities have preserved the appearance of the Middle Ages: graceful buildings, narrow streets, majestic squares.
Attractions
In a small mountainous state, there are many sights and holy places. The main architectural monuments are the palace squares of the three ancient cities of Nepal, which were discussed above. The area of each city has the name Durbar. In the capital, this square is a complex of historical buildings, palaces, Hindu and Buddhist temples in the central part of the city.
On the outskirts of Kathmandu is one of the main shrines of Buddhists - Swayambhunath. This is a temple complex, in the center of which is the majestic Swayambhunath Stupa. It is surrounded by Tibetan monasteries and a school. Within the complex, there are many monkeys that are fed by pilgrims and tourists. Not far from the capital is the Stupa Boudhanath known to all Buddhists in the world. This structure includes three terraces in the form of a cross, a stupa in the form of a hemisphere, and a tower. The building symbolizes all four elements.
One of the oldest temples in Nepal is Pashupatinath in Kathmandu, on both sides of Bagmati. It is considered the main temple of Lord Shiva in the world. Thus, manyhistorical monuments are also significant religious centers.
Population
The country of Nepal on the map of ethnic groups and peoples of the world is concentrated between the two most populous countries in the world: India and China. About 31 million people live in Nepal. The ethnic composition is heterogeneous. Approximately half of the population is Nepalese. Ethnic groups such as Bahuns and Chkhetris are widespread. There are many representatives of Newari, Magars, Tkharu and others. The official language is Nepali.
The leading religion of Nepal is Hinduism - about 80% of the inhabitants. Many practice Buddhism. There are religious Hindu and Buddhist centers in the country.
Tourism
An important tourism industry in the place where Nepal is located is mountaineering. Climbers from all over the world come here every year to conquer at least one eight-thousander.
There are eight of them here. Annapurna is the smallest Nepalese eight-thousander. It was first conquered in 1950 by French climbers. It is considered one of the most dangerous giants in the world.
Hiking in not very high mountains is very popular in Nepal. They are called trekking. The country has created many national parks. So, the track near Annapurna, in the nature reserve, is the most popular. Hikes to the foot of Everest are organized.
Flights over the Himalayas by paragliding or hot air balloon are common. Cycling enthusiasts conquer mountains on their bikes. Nepal provides its visitors with a lot of options for both active and cultural holidays.
