Nepal is a country of extremes: Eight of the world's ten highest mountains are in Nepal, the world's highest lake is also here as is the deepest valley in the world. Some of the poorest and richest people on earth live within a few miles of each other. However, the vast majority of Nepalis are subsistance farmers living on what they can grow themselves. Nepal has some incredibly remote villages and some very overpopulated towns. The conflict has also increased the shift towards the towns.

The situation of Nepal, particularly in terms of politics and development, is changing so fast that any facts written here will be out of date within a week!

For up-to-date facts and figures, please consult our suggested on-line resources.