10 Fascinating Facts about Nepal. Image Credit: G-Adventures

10 Fascinating Facts about Nepal

Nepal, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal is a landlocked central Himalayan country in South Asia. It has a population of 26.4 million and is the 93rd largest country by area. Bordering China in the north and India in the south, east, and west, it is the largest sovereign Himalayan state. Kathmandu is the nation’s capital and the largest city in Nepal. It is a multi-ethnic nation with Nepali as the official language. There are so many fascinating facts about Nepal that a lot of people around the world are unaware of.

It has been assumed that “Nepal” might be a Sanskritization of “Newar”, or “Newar” might be a later form of “Nepal”.

Nepal is a beautiful country with never ending stunning landscapes, charismatic mountains, and mesmerizing lakes. There are so many beautiful places to visit in Nepal. People might not know all these bits of trivia about the fascinating country Nepal, a truly unique travel destination which is fortunately now recovering from the devastating earthquake in April 2015.

Here are our top 10 fascinating facts about Nepal:

Namaste is the standard greeting

Four nepali children greeting with Namaste. Image Credit: BTJPrayer

Namaste is the standard greeting. Image Credit: BTJPrayer

Namaste is the standard greeting in Nepal. Namaste can mean Hello, Good Bye, and Thank You but translates to “I salute the God in you.” People put their palms together and then bow their forehead, and say “Namaste” while greeting people in Nepal.

Major Part of Himalayas

Himalayas. Image Credit: Kesari Tours

Major Parts of Himalayas. Image Credit: Kesari Tours

The Himalayas is shared among five countries including Nepal, Bhutan, India, China, and Pakistan. The mountainous north of Nepal has eight of the world’s ten tallest mountains, including the highest point on Earth, Mount Everest.

Only national flag that is not quadrilateral in shape

Nepali Flag. Image Credit: YouTube

Only national flag that is not quadrilateral in shape. Image Credit: YouTube

Nepal’s flag is maroon with two triangular shapes stacked on one another with blue border. The upper triangle consists of the moon and the lower triangle consists of the sun. The triangles are said to represent Hinduism and Buddhism. They also represent the Himalayan Mountains. It is the only national flag in the world that is not rectangular in shape.

Once named as the weed capital

Marijuana plants in Nepal. Image Credit: Shuttershock

Once named as the weed capital. Image Credit: Shuttershock

Nepal was once named as the weed capital. Weed is said to be illegal and is not available for buy and sale.  You can find Marijuana plants in gardens, on the side of the road, in ditches, on mountainsides, pretty much everywhere in Nepal. And that is the reason why Nepal was once given the title of weed capital and is on our list of ten fascinating facts about Nepal.

Birthplace of Lord Gautama Buddha

Statue of Gautama Buddha and his followers. Image Credit: Shuttershock

Birthplace of Lord Gautama Buddha. Image Credit: Shuttershock

Lord Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) was born in Kapilvastu, Lumbini that lies in Nepal. Lumbini is a sacred place for Buddhists. Buddhism specializes in keeping our mind peaceful and calm.

Kumari, the only living Goddess in the world

Kumari, the only living Goddess in the world. Image Credit: Asia Pacific Daily

Kumari, the only living Goddess in the world. Image Credit: Asia Pacific Daily

Kumari means virgin in Nepali and is the tradition of worshiping young pre-pubescent girls as manifestations of the divine female energy in Hindu tradition. Kumari, also known as the “living goddess” is the incarnation of the goddess “Taleju”.

Since 1816, Nepal Gurkhas have been part of the British Army

Nepali soldiers with british prince, Harry. Image Credit: Nepal24Hours

Since 1816, Nepal Gurkhas have been part of the British Army. Image Credit: Nepal24Hours

“Better to die than being a coward” is the motto of the world-famous Nepalese Gurkha soldiers who are an integral part of the British Army since 1816 when a peace agreement was settled by the British East India Company.

Nepal holds a number of records

Shey Phoksundo Lake in Nepal. Image Credit: Trekking in Nepal

Shey Phoksundo Lake in Nepal. Image Credit: Trekking in Nepal

Mount Everest being the peak of the world at the height of 8,848 meters, there are others like Tilicho lake—the highest lake on earth at the height of 4800m, Shey Phoksundo Lake—the deepest lake of 145m at the height of 3600m, the deepest gorge Kalidanki of 1200m and the highest valley on Earth—the Arun valley lies in Nepal. This is how Nepal has been able to hold a high profile in the world with these records even it is among the smallest countries around the world.

Not a single drop of blood has ever been shed in the name of religion and ethnic riot

National Anthem of Nepal. Image Credit: YouTube

National Anthem of Nepal. Image Credit: YouTube

There hasn’t been a single case where there has been a clash in the name of religion in Nepal. Something for the world to learn from Nepalese people who hold the best feeling for Unity and Patriotism.

Nepal has over 123 Languages and 80 ethnic groups

Nepal has over 123 Languages and 80 ethnic groups. Image Credit: YouTube

Nepal has over 123 Languages and 80 ethnic groups. Image Credit: YouTube

There are many ethnic groups in Nepal and they speak hundreds of different languages. Not accents, but languages. Sometimes even Nepalis can’t communicate with each other as they speak different languages.

So, there you go! These are the 10 fascinating facts about Nepal. Which of these facts interested you the most? Let us know through the comments below.

Reference: Desinema