TOP 10 SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT NEPAL

We all know that the highest peak of world Mt. Everest lies in Nepal but there’s a lot more to Nepal than Mt. Everest. From endangered wildlife to Hinduism; from Nepali calendar to Kathmandu – this landlocked country is full of fascinating facts.

So, let’s know more about Nepal:

No. 10

Last Hindu Country of the World is Nepal.

Until 2006 AD, Nepal was the only country in the world with Hinduism as the official religion but after democracy Nepal is a secular state under the Interim Constitution which was promulgated on January 15, 2007. Still 85% of total population of Nepal follows Hinduism.  Thus, Nepal is the last Hindu country in the world.

No. 9

Shortest Man in the World is from Nepal.

His name was Chandra Bahadur Dangi. He was the shortest human ever verified by Guinness World Records. He was just 54.6 cm tall. He was born on 30^th November 1939 in Salyan district of Nepal. He died on 3^rd September 2015 at the age of 75. His exact cause of death was not disclosed, although The Kathmandu Post reported that he had previously been suffering from pneumonia.

No. 8

Kathmandu was once a Lake.

According to Hindu mythology as well as geological studies, it is confirmed that the capital of Nepal ‘Kathmandu’ was once a lake. Nepalese mythology holds that Manjushree, who came from China to worship lord swayambhu in Kathmandu, saw the huge lake there and drained out the water of Kathmandu valley in order to allow civilization develop in the fertile valley. Then a beautiful valley with black and fertile soil appeared. Apart from mythology, there is ample geological evidence to demonstrate the Kathmandu valley was once a lake. You can see the present Kathmandu in the below image.

No. 7

Nepal is called Amazon of Asia.

In terms of biodiversity, Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world. It is rightfully called Amazon of Asia as it is a home for the variety of unique species of Flora and Fauna.Nepal has more than 900 species of birds, which accounts to 8.9% of the total species of birds all around the world. It has 4.2 % of the world’s butterfly species and 3.96 percent of the world’s mammal species.

No. 6

Nepal is home to 10 UNESCO World heritage sites.

UNESCO is a specialized agency of the United Nations aimed at contributing "to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development. A World heritage site is a place that is listed by the UNESCO as having special cultural or historical significance and Nepal is home to 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites. They are:

• Pashupatinath
• Hanumandhoka durbar square
• Patan durbar square
• Bhaktapur durbar square
• Changunarayan
• Bauddhanath
• Swayambhunath
• Lumbini
• Chitwan national park
• Sagarmatha national park

No. 5

Gautam Buddha was Born in Nepal.

Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism and preacher of peace in the world was born in Lumbini, Nepal. The word “Buddha” means a person who has personally been able to perceive the ultimate truth. Buddha’s name was “Siddhartha Gautam” before being recognized as the enlightened being. Lord Buddha is symbolized for Peace and he is also said as “Light of Asia”. Most of the historians agree that his lifetime was between 563B.C. to 483B.C.

No. 4

Nepal is 56 years and 8 months ahead than the world.

Other countries of the world are in the year 2020 while Nepal is in the year 2077. Other countries are following Gregorian calendar while Nepalese are following Nepali calendar. Nepali Calendar is also called Bikram Sambat. The current Nepali Year according to Nepali calendar is 2077 Bikram Sambat. Nepali Calendar is approximately 56 years and 8 months ahead than the English Calendar. In Nepal the New Year starts from the middle of April.

No. 3

8 of the 10 highest peaks lie in Nepal.

We all know that the highest peak of world Mt. Everest which is 8848 m tall lies in Nepal but do you know 8 of the 10 highest peaks of the world also lies in Nepal. Nepal is the home of mountains. Mt. Everest the world’s highest peak lies in Nepal including other 7 mountains. They are:

• Mt. Kanchenjunga (third highest)
• Mt. Lhotse (fourth highest)
• Mt. Makalu (fifth highest)
• Mt. Cho Oyu (sixth highest)
• Mt. Dhaulagiri I (seventh highest)
• Mt. Manaslu (eighth highest)
• Mt. Annapurna (tenth highest)

No. 2

The Only Triangular Flag In The World Is Of Nepal.

Nepal is only the country having a triangular flag. Other countries have either rectangular flag or squared flag. It is proved in the history that the Design of Nepali flag is over 2000 years old.

No. 1

Nepal is Always An Independent Country.

The famous warriors in the world - “Gurkhas” are from Nepal. Nepal is such a country in the world, which was never under any foreign rule in the history. Nepal doesn’t celebrate Independence Day because Nepal was never colonized in the history. Nepal is famous all over the world because of brave Gorkhalis. The Gurkhas are also known for weapon the Khukuri, which was used in the Anglo-Nepalese War, as well as in the First and Second World Wars.