Region: South-central Asia

Capital: Kathmandu

Population: 27 070 666 (July 2004 est.)

Surface area: 147 181 square km

Currency: rupee

GDP per capita: $1 400 (2003 est.)

Historic background:
Reforms in 1990 established a multiparty democracy within the framework of a constitutional monarchy. A Maoist insurgency launched in 1996 is threatening to bring down the regime, especially after a negotiated cease-fire between the Maoists and government forces broke down in August 2003.

In 2001, the crown prince massacred ten members of the royal family, including the king and queen, and then took his own life. In October 2002, the new king dismissed the prime minister and his cabinet for "incompetence" after they dissolved the parliament and were subsequently unable to hold elections because of the ongoing insurgency. While stopping short to re-establish parliament, the king subsequently reinstated a multi-party government in June 2004.

Economy – overview:
42% of Nepal’s population is living below the poverty line. Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy, providing a livelihood for over 80% of the population and accounting for 40% of GDP. Industrial activity mainly involves the processing of agricultural produce including jute, sugarcane, tobacco, and grain. Security concerns in the wake of the Maoist conflict and the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in the US have led to a decrease in tourism, a key source of foreign exchange. The international community's role of funding more than 60% of Nepal's development budget and more than 28% of total budgetary expenditures will likely continue as a major ingredient of growth.

United Nations Membership date: 14 December 1955

New York Mission:
Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Nepal to the United Nations,
820 2nd Avenue, Suite 17B, New York, N.Y. 10017
Telephone: 212-370-3988 / 3989
Fax: 212-953-2038