Nepal

Draped along the greatest heights of the Himalaya, the kingdom of Nepal is a land of sublime scenery, time-worn temples, and some of the best walking trails on earth. It's a poor country, but it is rich in scenic splendour and cultural treasures. The kingdom has long exerted a pull on the Western imagination and it's a difficult place to dislodge from your memory once you return. This is why so many travellers are drawn back to Nepal, armed the second time round with a greater appreciation of its natural and cultural complexity, a stout pair of walking boots and a desire for improved leg-definition.

In June 2001, Nepal's Crown Prince Dipendra allegedly shot and killed King Birendra and eight other members of the royal family. In November 2001, King Gyanendra declared a state of emergency and issued a 'Terrorist and Destructive Activities' ordinance shortly after, designating the Maoist Nepal Communist Party a terrorist organization.

The strife caused by the royal killings has further compounded an already volatile situation. Six years of Maoist rebellion against the government made international headlines in spring 2001 with baandhs (strikes) almost every week. A ceasefire negotiated in August 2001 has since collapsed due to the intransigence of a remarkably corrupt government (The Economist), leading to a rise in armed robbery and violence by Maoist guerrillas, including several deadly attacks on government forces in early 2002. This and September 11 have had a negative impact on tourism and the whole business in the country.

Though the violence is not aimed at tourists, the current climate poses a real risk for all Western visitors in remote and rural areas. Visitors to Nepal should remain cautious and avoid public gatherings. Trekking and travelling at night outside the Kathmandu Valley are not recommended. The districts of Banke, Dang Syangja, Surkhet, Rukum, Kalikot, Jajarkot, Rolpa, Salyan and Gorka are considered especially dangerous.

Full country name: Kingdom of Nepal
Area: 140,800 sq km
Population: 24 million
Capital city: Kathmandu (pop 535,000)
People: Newars, Indians, Tibetans, Gurungs, Magars, Tamangs, Bhotias, Rais, Limbus, Sherpas
Language: Nepali (also called Gurkhali)
Religion: 90% Hindu, 5% Buddhist, 3% Muslim, 2% other
Government: Parliamentary democracy
Prime Minister: Kumar Nepal
King: no more kingdom

GDP: US$27.4 billion
GDP per head: US$1100
Annual growth: 6%
Inflation: 6.1%
Major industries: Tourism, carpet, textile, small rice, jute, sugar, oilseed mills, cigarettes, cement and brick production, rice, corn, wheat, sugarcane, root crops, milk, water buffalo meat
Major trading partners: India, US, Germany, UK, Singapore, Japan