About 27 million people. The country has more than 50 ethnic groups. The most well known Nepali ( Newari, Khasi, or gurkhali Parbat, about 50 % of the population ), as well as the Sherpas, Gurung, Maharam Tamang, Bhote, Tibetans, Limbus, and more
Until recently - a constitutional monarchy.
December 28, 2007 Nepal's parliament voted to repeal the country's monarchy and the proclamation of the Republic, which will take place after the convening of a constituent assembly. May 28, 2008 members of the Constitutional Assembly of Nepal declared the country a republic. In the next two years, while there is a formation of a new political system, the Constitutional Assembly will also perform the role of parliament in Nepal.
Former bicameral parliament temporarily disbanded May 22, 2002 According to the current law until it shall consist of the National Council ( " Rashtriya Sabha ", 60 seats, 35 of which are appointed by the House of Representatives, 10 - and 15 king - elected by an electoral college ) and the House of Representatives ( " Pratiniti Sabha ", 205 locations, deputies elected for a five-year term).
Administratively, the country is divided into 14 zones ("Ancha"), which in turn are composed of 75 districts.
Official Nepali, but residents speak other local languages likeMaite, Khas-kura, gorkhali, Parbat, Bhojpuri, etc., about 30 languages and dialects. In the business sector and trade English is widely used.
Nepal is only country in the world, professing Hinduism as the state religion (Hindus make up about 90% of the population). Buddhists up to 5%, Muslims 3% and others 2%
Nepalese cuisine is diverse. Traditional recipes are simple enough that the local environment is not surprising - Nepalese centuries lived under strict deficit of food resources ( no more than 6 % of the country is suitable for agriculture ).
The main product - rice in all possible combinations with vegetables, a variety of sauces ( preferred, of course, the burning " curry" ), sometimes with pieces of butter or yak meat, goat meat and poultry ( cow - a sacred animal to eat its meat for food is considered sacrilege ). Traditional Nepalese dish "gave" ( " dhay Bhat tarakari " ) is steamed rice with lentils and vegetable curry, as well as fresh or marinated soy. In mountainous areas, typical food are boiled and baked potatoes, wheat and millet with yak butter or buvola ( " ghiu " ).
In a lot of dairy products used in the first place - cottage cheese and sour " Dahi ", which is often mixed with crushed rice ( " dahi - chiura " ) or wheat, and a variety of wild grasses. To the table served thin pancakes made from rice, corn or wheat flour rather coarse.
Influence of neighboring India and China significantly in a variety of recipes cooking vegetables and sauces, the increasing spread of noodles and legumes.
National drink - black tea, used as a " pure " and with milk or cream ( in mountainous areas often add oil). Of alcoholic beverages consumed local brew " Lesser " alcoholic beverage made from barley "chang " ( a local variety of home-brewed beer ), rice or millet beer " Raksha " rum " kukri ", as well as all kinds of imported drinks (very expensive). In Nepal and produce decent beer varieties " San Miguel ", " Carlsberg ", " Tuborg ", "Star", " Tiger " and " Iceberg".
