C.H.A.N.C.E for Nepal

About Nepal

Kathmandu Valley
Nepal lies between India and Tibet. The capital is Kathmandu. Nepal is one of the world’s ten poorest nations. Nepal is a land of great beauty, charm and diversity.
Nepal has a literacy rate of 45%. 42% are unemployed. Nepal is just over half the size of the UK with a population of 29 million. Nepal has eight of the world’s highest mountains, including Mount Everest.
There are numerous ethnic groups; the main religions are Hinduism and Buddhism. The people are warm, gentle and generous of spirit. The poorest are willing to share what little they have. Life expectancy is 59 years and one in five children die before they reach the age of five.
2.6 million children are forced to work for their own survival. Children under 16 represent 40% of the population with 40% of these receiving no education. Tourism is the main source of income with wonderful trekking opportunities.
For the past 12 years there has been increasing political unrest with corruption and conflict between the government, monarchy and the Maoist insurgents which have taken its toll on the people of Nepal. Health and education are not guaranteed, especially out of the cities. Many people living outside the capital live a hand to mouth existence and farm the land to survive.