Despite being one of the poorest countries in the world, a situation made worse by an ongoing Maoist rebellion (Communist Party of Nepal), which has left more than 12,000 people dead, and more than 100,000 displaced since it started in 1996, Nepal is a stunning and surprisingly safe country.

In addition to a distinctive ancient Hindu and Buddhist culture, Nepal has the world’s highest mountain, Everest, and spectacular scenery and wildlife. For walkers and trekkers, Nepal is a true paradise: the picturesque hamlets and mountain villages are linked by hundreds of trails that have been used for centuries, with little change noticeable even today. Numerous temples and Buddhist shrines can be also be discovered en route.

The Nepalese government has also set aside more than 35% of the total area of the country as natural sanctuaries. There are now nine national parks and three wildlife reserves, located both in the mountainous zones as well as in the tropical plains. The Terai lowlands in the south form the richest habitat in the country.

Nepal was created from an amalgam of small principalities in 1768 under King Prithvi Narayan Shah. Under the control of a hereditary king, Nepal then became a ‘buffer state’ between the British empire and the territories to the north. The main instrument of British rule from the mid-19th century onwards was a hereditary prime minister drawn from the Rana family. The country became formally independent in 1923, but it was not until 1947 (the year of Indian independence) and the total withdrawal of the British from the region that Nepal achieved genuine independence.

Nepal is known as the abode of the gods. For many years a secret, unknown country, it was, in the 1950s, faced with making a leap from the 11th century to modern times. Visited first by mountaineers and trekkers, it later became the haunt of hippies.

147,181 sq km (56,827 sq miles).

26.3 million (UN estimate 2005).

178.69 per sq km.

Kathmandu. Population: 1.5 million (2005).

Constitutional monarchy.

The official language is Nepali (spoken by 49%). There are many other languages, including Maithili and Bhojpuri. English is spoken in business circles and by people involved in the travel trade.

Mainly Hindu (81%) and Buddhist (11%), with a small Muslim minority (4%).

GMT + 5.75.

As a foreign visitor, one must be careful to respect local customs in order not to cause offence. The following are some local conventions it is advisable to adhere to: never step over the feet of a person, always walk round; never offer food and drink which is ‘polluted’, in other words, food that you have tasted or bitten; never offer or accept anything with the left hand, use the right or both hands. It is rude to point at a person or statue with a finger (or even with a foot). Often when people shake their head, it means ’yes.’ Shoes and footwear should be removed when entering houses or shrines. Kitchens and eating areas of houses should also not be entered with footwear, as the hearth of a home is sacred. Do not stand in front of a person who is eating as this means your feet will be next to his food; squat or sit by his side. Local Chorten are built to pacify local demons or dead persons and should be passed by in a clockwise direction, as should temples; the earth and universe revolve in this direction. Small flat stones with inscriptions and supplications next to the Chorten should not be removed as souvenirs; this is considered sacrilege by the Nepalese. Avoid touching a Nepalese dressed all in white; his dress signifies a death in the family. Shaking hands is not a common form of greeting; the normal greeting is to press the palms together in a prayer-like gesture (Namaste). A gift given to a host or hostess will probably be laid aside unopened; to open a parcel in the presence of a guest is considered uncivil. Casual wear is suitable except for the most formal meetings or social occasions. Bikinis, shorts, bare shoulders and backs may not be appreciated. Men only remove their shirts when bathing. Overt public displays of affection, especially near religious places, are inappropriate. Seek permission before entering a temple; some do not allow westerners or non-Hindus to enter. Do not take leather articles into a temple. Nepalese cities are generally safe, but take sensible precautions with personal possessions.

Photography: Always ask permission first. In general, it is allowed outside temples and at festivals, but not at religious ceremonies or inside temples; however, there is no hard and fast rule and the only way to be sure of not giving offence is to ask first and accept the answer.

220 volts AC, 50Hz. There are frequent power cuts.

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala since 2006.

King Maharajadhira Gyanendra since 2001.