COUNTRY OVERVIEW

Geographically, Nepal is situated between 26° 22' 30° 27' N latitude and 80° 4' E 88° 12' E longitude and occupies an area of 147,181 km². The country is nearly rectangular shape with average length of 885 km (along East to West) and average width of 200 km (along North to South). The country shares its northern border with the People's Republic of China (Tibet region) and other (east, south and west) borders are shared with India. The country is land-locked without any border touching an ocean. According to 2001 census, total population of the country is slightly higher than 23.15 million, but a UNFPA estimate (State of world population 2009 in 2009 indicated that it could be over 29 million and it is projected to reach 49 million by 2050. Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal. Urban population is only 18% of the total population but it is increasing rapidly at the rate of 4.9% during 2005-2010.

Topography and Climate

Nepal possesses huge variations in topography and climate. It lies in the region of huge topographic variability ranging from as low as 64 metres above sea level (m.a.s.l) to the highest peak in the world the Mount Everest at 8848 m.a.s.l within relatively narrow width of about 193 kilometres. As a result, Nepal experiences different types of climatic regimes and precipitation pattern across the country. Average precipitation of Nepal is 1530 mm but they show huge variation from the south to north as well as east to west. There are two patterns of monsoon seasons appearing in summer (easterlies) and winter (westerlies). Summer monsoon advances from Bay of Bangel to the west and it is the wettest period when 75% of total rainfall occurs during a few months (June-September) time. Usually, the western parts receive lesser amount of rainfall than the east during summer monsoon due to decreased moisture gradient in the wind approaching from the east. The winter monsoon (originating from the Arabian Sea) usually brings cold air and modest precipitation along the northwest regions. The winter is the driest period in Nepal. Based on the similarity of landform and terrain, Nepal can be divided into five distinct physiographic zones: Terai, Siwaliks, Hills, Middle Mountains, and High Mountains/Himalayas.

Terai
These are alluvial plains lying in the range of 60-200 m.a.s.l. Terai covers 14% of the country area. These areas have sub-tropical climate with reasonably hotter summer and mild winter (mostly above freezing temperature). Most of the rainfalls are concentrated in monsoon season. Major rivers usually deposit a lot of sediments in Terai plain where river flow decelerates significantly. This is also the fertile region of Nepal and considered as grain basket of Nepal.

Siwaliks
This region covers about 13% of the country area. These are foothills regions immediately north to Terai region reaching up to 1800 m.a.s.l. and stretching from East to West. There are also Terai like valleys in between Siwalik Hills. The climate in this region is also sub-tropical. Siwaliks are considered as important groundwater recharge zone for Terai.

Hills
The hills are characterized by moderate elevation range of 1500-2500 m.a.s.l. and covers 29% of the country area. There are steep slopes and narrow valleys. These areas have sub-tropical climate at the bottom of the hills but it gradually gets cooler and experiences warm temperate climate toward higher elevation. Some higher elevation experiences occasional snowfall during winter season.

Middle Mountains
The topography of middle mountains is also characterised by steep slopes and narrow valleys lying north to hills and it covers 20% of the country area. The elevation could range from 2000 to 4000 m.a.s.l. The climate is cold temperate and temperature in some higher elevation often remains below freezing point for 5 months in a year. Snowfall often covers the mountain tops during winter.

High Mountains/Himalayas
This is the northern most part of the country and it covers 24% of country areas. The elevation in this region is above 4000 m.a.s.l. and reaches to the highest point in the earth at 8848 m.a.s.l. The climate is alpine to tundra and most of the parts are under permafrost, snow or glaciers throughout the year.