Nepal

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. Mission Personnel Bethsaba Nafziger Community health worker, United Mission to Nepal Associate, Nepal Dale Nafziger Self-help Development Project Manager, United Mission to Nepal Associate, Nepal Partners Gandaki Boarding School Nepal Council of Churches Founded in 1999, the Council’s goals are (1) to support members as they discern how to be Christian and Nepali, fulfilling both obligations in ways that help create interfaith respect and cooperation, (2) to encourage Christian youth to consider service professions and (3) to encourage church members to participate in mission and to be involved in issues related to human rights, social justice, and peace and reconciliation. Shanti Nepal This medical facility has recently become independent of United Mission to Nepal and is working to establish itself as a self-supporting clinic.

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%