Nepal still recovering from civil war, government collapse, and major earthquake

Located in southern Asia between China and India, Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world.  According to estimates from the United Nations, 40% of Nepalis live in poverty.  Most of Nepal’s residents are dependent on agriculture.  In April 2015, a devastating earthquake ravaged Nepal.  The natural disaster left 9,000 people dead.  About ¾ of Nepal is covered by mountains.  Mt. Everest, the world’s tallest mountain is located in Nepal.  In September 2015, the Nepali government established a new constitution making it the first constitution in Asia to specifically protect gay rights.

In July 2008, Ram Baran Yadav became the first president of Nepal.  Yadav’s election as president came after the abolishment of 239 years of monarchy.  Yadav’s role as president is largely ceremonial.  The prime minister has more influence under the current Nepali political system.  In October 2015, Khadga Prasad Oli was selected by Parliament to be the prime minister of Nepal.
The earthquakes from earlier this year have created an added burden for Nepal.  A 10 year civil war waged by Moaist rebels against the monarchy left more than 12,000 people dead and 100,000 refugees, according to the United Nations.  In 2012, the Nepali government collapsed.  Nepal has an expansive tourism industry but deforestation is an ongoing threat to the country’s wildlife.
Facts about Nepal:
Population: 31,551,305 (July 2015 est.)
Area: 56,827 sq. miles (Slightly larger than Arkansas)
Capital: Kathmandu
Languages: Nepali (official) 44.6%, Maithali – 11.7%
Sources: www.bbc.com, www.cia.gov

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