One of the least developed infrastructures of the world, is found in Nepal, a country which is mostly hilly or mountainous. Until recently, Christianity was not recognized as a legitimate faith by the government, and conversions are still discouraged in this officially Hindu kingdom.
Most of our relationships are with the ecumenical United Mission to Nepal, which focuses on preventive and curative healthcare, rural community development, education, engineering and ecologically appropriate industrial development. However, the political instability caused by attacks by a “Maoist” movement against the Nepalese government has caused some rural project offices to close.
Pray for: The United Mission to Nepal as it conducts its various ministries, and as the Nepalese and expatriate staff face dangerous situations.
The churches in Nepal as they struggle to grow and define themselves in their Nepali context, and for the unity of this religiously diverse nation.
Population (2014 est) – 30,986,975
Area – 91,470mi
Capital – Kathmandu
Ethnic Background
- Chhettri – 16.6%
- Brahman-Hill – 12.2%
- Magar – 7.1%
- Tharu – 6.6%
- Tamang – 5.8%
- Newar – 5%
- Kami – 4.8%
- Muslim – 4.4%
- Yadav – 4%
- Rai – 2.3%
- Gurung – 2%
- Damai/Dholii – 1.8%
- Thakuri – 1.6%
- Limbu – 1.5%
- Sarki – 1.4%
- Teli – 1.4%
- Chamar/Harijan/Ram -1.3%
- Koiri/Kushwaha – 1.2%
- Other – 19%
Exports – clothing, pulses, carpets, textiles, juice, pashima, jute goods
Imports – petroleum products, machinery and equipment, gold, electrical goods, medicine
Life Expectancy (2014 est) – M 66 years, F 69 years
Infant Mortality (2014 est) – 40.43 deaths/1,000 live births
Adult Illiteracy Rate – 42.6%