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Why is Nepal in the News
Recently, Nepal’s youth led massive demonstrations after the government banned Facebook, WhatsApp, and other social media. The protesters, known as Gen Z, demanded action against corruption and unfair privileges given to politicians’ children (the “Nepo Kids”). Unemployment was at 12.6%, raising more anger. The protests turned violent, resulting in 19 deaths and the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. The social media ban was later removed, but unrest continued.
Nepal: Geographical Insights
- Nepal is a small, landlocked country between India and China.
- Its length is 880 km east-west, and the width is 150–250 km north-south.
- The total area of Nepal is 147,516 sq km.
- From the lowest point Kechana Kalan (60 meters) to the highest Mount Everest (8,848 meters), Nepal has huge altitude diversity.
- 75% of Nepal is covered by mountains.
- There are over 140 ethnic groups and 92 spoken languages, showing a richly mixed population.
Nepal’s Three Main Regions
- Himalayan Region: This zone (15% land) has the world’s highest peaks like Mount Everest (8,848m), Kanchenjunga (8,586m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), and Annapurna (8,091m).
- Mid Hills: The largest region (68%) has valleys like Kathmandu and Pokhara. Ethnic groups include Gurung, Magar, Newar, and Tamang. The climate here is mild and suitable for agriculture.
- Tarai Region: The southern lowlands grow rice, wheat, and sugarcane. Main groups: Tharu and Madhesi.
Rivers, Valleys, and Mountains
Nepal has three big river systems: Koshi, Gandaki, and Karnali. The Koshi River is called the “sorrow of Bihar” because it often floods. The Gandaki River has one of the world’s deepest valleys near Pokhara. The Karnali River is the longest in Nepal, and is popular for rafting. The Kathmandu Valley was formed when an ancient lake broke open. The beautiful Pokhara Valley is famous for tourism and farming. Focus keywords: Nepal Rivers, Gandaki River, Koshi River, Karnali River, Kathmandu Valley.
Climate and Demographics
Nepal has five main seasons: spring, summer, monsoon, autumn, and winter. The average yearly rainfall is 1,600 mm, but Pokhara gets up to 3,345 mm and Mustang gets less than 300 mm. The Tarai can reach above 40°C. Nepal’s population is about 29 million. Main ethnic groups: Chhetri (16.6%), Brahmin-Hill (12.2%), Magar (7.1%), Tharu (6.6%), Tamang (5.8%), Newar (5%).
FAQs
Q1. What is Nepal’s current population and growth rate?
Nepal’s population in 2021 is about 29.16 million (2,91,64,578). The annual growth rate is 0.92%. Nepal’s fast growth is due to improving healthcare and migration. The population density is 200 people per sq km. Cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara are the most densely populated, while remote mountain zones have fewer people.
Q2. Which are Nepal’s main mountains and their heights?
Mount Everest (8,848m; world’s tallest), Kanchenjunga (8,586m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,485m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna (8,091m) are all in Nepal. The Himalayas attract climbers and trekkers from around the globe every year, contributing to Nepal’s economy through tourism and climbing permits. These peaks are important for world geography exams.
Q3. What are the key rivers of Nepal and their uses?
Koshi, Gandaki, and Karnali are Nepal’s top river systems. Koshi is the largest, flowing into India and causing yearly floods, while the Gandaki River creates deep valleys good for hydroelectric power and irrigation. The Karnali River is the longest and is loved by adventure tourists for rafting. Rivers supply water for drinking, farming, electricity and help support many villages near their banks. Water disputes and flood control are also major current affairs topics.
Q4. Who are the main ethnic groups of Nepal?
Chhetri (16.6%), Brahmin-Hill (12.2%), Magar (7.1%), Tharu (6.6%), Tamang (5.8%), Newar (5%). There are about 142 ethnic and language groups in Nepal. The country is famous for harmony between groups, but sometimes tensions arise, especially in the Tarai region. Culture, festivals, language, and food are highly diverse, making Nepal a “Unity in Diversity” society.
Q5. Why did Nepal’s historic Gen Z protests happen?
The Gen Z protests in Nepal in 2025 started because young people wanted fairer government, less corruption, and more jobs. The youth were angry over a temporary ban on Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, and X, as well as political favoritism (“Nepo Kids”). Unemployment reached 12.6%, making it hard for young people to find jobs. The government’s tough response caused crowds to clash with security forces, leading to 19 deaths. Students, social activists, and even school children were part of Nepal’s largest ever youth protest.
Q6. What is Nepal’s climate and how does it affect life?
Nepal has eight climate zones: tropical, subtropical, temperate, subalpine, alpine, and more. The Tarai is hot and humid, with summer temperatures over 40°C; the Himalayas are cold and snowy year-round. Monsoon (June–September) brings most rain. Pokhara is the wettest city (up to 3,345 mm rain), Mustang is driest (under 300 mm). Climate change has made weather less predictable and affected farming, leading to water shortages and new health risks.
