Nepal, an independent sovereign nation, is bordered to the north by the Tibetan Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China and to the east, south, and west by India. It spans from east to west along the southern stretch of the Himalayas. Positioned between 26°22' and 30°27' North latitude and 80°4' and 88°12' East longitude, Nepal is a compact landlocked country. The average length of the nation measures 885 kilometers from east to west, while its average width is 193 kilometers from north to south. Covering a total area of 147,181 square kilometers, Nepal is geographically divided into three regions that extend from the east to the west:
THE HIMALAYAN REGION
The altitude of this region ranges from 4,877m to 8,848m. It includes eight of the 14 highest summits in the world that exceed an altitude of 8,000 m, including Everest (8,848m), Kanchenjunga (8,586m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,463m), Cho-Oyu (8,201m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Manaslu (8,163 m) Annapurna (8,091 m), and others. With little human habitation, most areas have a wild landscape, and nature's undisturbed tranquility rules over the land. The Himalayan region is also divided into three regions:
THE MOUNTAIN REGION
This area lies between the altitudes of 610 meters to 4,877 meters above sea level and accounts for nearly 64 percent of the country's total land area. Mahabharat and Churia Mountain ranges are included in this region, along with many longitudinal fertile valleys of the principal rivers. Kathmandu Valley is also situated in this very region. Likewise, the Himalayan regions are divided into three regions, and the mountain regions are also divided into three regions:
THE TERAI REGION
This region forms a low, flat land belt and includes the country's most fertile land and dense forest areas. It accounts for 17 percent of the total land area of the country. Its width is 26 to 32 kilometers, and its altitude does not exceed 305 meters above sea level. This region is also divided into three regions:
Nepal boasts an enduring legacy of independence and sovereignty, intertwined with a rich history, culture, and traditions that trace their origins to time immemorial. The Malla Kings ruled the Kathmandu Valley before the esteemed King Prithivi Narayan Shah the Great's pursuit of national integration. These monarchs left an indelible mark on art and culture, contributing significantly to their development.
In the year 1768 A.D., the Shah dynasty ascended to the unified throne of Nepal, marking a pivotal moment. Under the leadership of Prithvi Narayan Shah, Nepal's history took a transformative course. He successfully annexed diverse warring principalities and laid the cornerstone for modern Nepal. Following Prithivi Narayan Shah's reign, his younger son, Bahadur Shah, carried forth the unification efforts. This endeavor was revived by Prime Minister Bhimsen Thapa, who was recognized as "the 1st Prime Minister of Nepal." However, Nepal's expansion encountered a stumbling block during a confrontation with the British India Company, culminating in the signing of the Sugauli Treaty in March 1816 A.D.
Another significant chapter in history unfolded with the rise of Janga Bahadur Rana to power in 1846 A.D. He established himself as the preeminent prime minister, effectively a de facto ruler, solidifying hereditary prime ministership. The turning point arrived with the revolution of 1950, which heralded the downfall of the autocratic Rana regime and ushered in a democratic system. While a multiparty parliamentary structure was embraced for a period, King Mahendra introduced a non-partisan panchayat system in 1960 A.D., altering the course of governance.
The democratic movement of 1990 was a watershed moment, leading to the restoration of a multi-party democratic framework on November 9th, 1990. Presently, Nepal stands as a staunch advocate for global peace and disarmament. The nation is a member of the United Nations (UN) and a founding member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). On May 28th, 2008, the First Constitutional Assembly notably declared Nepal to be a Federal Democratic Republic.