Nepal Geography

Nepal has always been an independent country, lying between the Tibetan autonomous region of the Peoples' Republic of China in the north and India in the east, south and west respectively. The length of the kingdom is 885 kilometers from east to west, and its breath varies from 145 kilometers to 241 kilometers from north to south. The total area is 147,181 sq. kilometers. The geographical setting of the country varies from the Tropical Tarai plains to the peak of "SAGARMATHA" Mt. Everest (8848m). Nepal is proud to be the home of eight of the 10 highest peaks in the world. On the basis of topography the country can be divided into three main regions.

A. Himalayan Region : The Himalayas cover about 19 % of the total land of Nepal but only 2 % of the land is suitable for cultivation. The altitude of this region ranges 1600 ft- 29035ft (1877m - 8848 m.) It includes 8 of the highest 14 summits in the world which exceed altitude of 8000 meters.

B. Hilly Region : This region is very extensive and covers about 64 % of total area of which only 10 percent is under cultivation. The average range of this region falls between 1000 ft (1300m) to 15000 ft (4500m.) in altitude. Almost 50 % of peoples and diverse ethnic groups inhabitants this hills. Wild animals to be found here. This region is also popular for different kinds of birds.

C. Tarai Region : The Tarai region stretches east to west with fertile low land plains in the southern part of the country. This belt occupies about 17% of the total area. It provides excellent farming flat land is 60 to 300 m (200 ft - 1000 ft) above sea level. Because of its fertile soil, it is known as the "Granary" of the country. Royal Bangal tiger, one horned rhino, leopard, gharial crocodile, wild elephant, many species of birds and different types of venomous snakes are found here.