nepal

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The Kingdom of Nepal, situated in the Himalaya, is the world's only Hindu kingdom. It is in South Asia, sharing borders with the People's Republic of China (Tibet Autonomous Region) and India.

big>नेपाल अधिराज्य Nepal Adhirajya'''
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align=center style="vertical-align: top;" colspan=2 \| National motto: जननी जन्मभूमिष्च स्वर्गादपि गरियसि (transliteration: Ja'nani Jan'mabhumis'hcha Swar'gadapi Gariya'si) Sanskrit: Mother and the Motherland are Worth More than the Kingdom of Heaven)
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Official language	Nepali
Capital	Kathmandu
King	Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev
Prime Minister	office vacant since February 1, 2005
Area - Total - % water	Ranked 94th 147,181 km² 2.8%
Population - Total (2000) - Density	Ranked 40th 25,284,463 184/km²
Unification	1768
Currency	Nepalese Rupee (NPR)
Time zone	UTC +5:45
National anthem	Rastriya Gaan ("May Glory Crown You, Courageous Sovereign")
Internet TLD	.np
Calling Code	977

History

Main article: History of Nepal Nepal has a long history that has extended for millennia. The Kirati are one of the first Nepali groups known to historians, having migrated from the east in the 7th or 8th century BC. Lord Gautam Buddha was born in Lumbini, Nepal circa 563 BC and the Emperor Aśoka ruled over a vast empire including North India and southern Terai region of present day Nepal (though the hilly and mountainous regions were not a part of Aśoka's Empire) in the 1st century BC. By 200 AD, the Buddhist empire was displaced by resurgent Hindu fiefdoms such as the Licchavi dynasty. Around 900, the Thakuri dynasty succeeded the Licchavi era and was eventually superseded by the Malla dynasty that ruled until the 18th century. In 1768, the Gorkha king, Prithvi Narayan Shah, captured Kathmandu. In 1814, Nepal fought the Anglo-Nepalese War with the British East India Company that ended with the 1816 Sugauli Treaty, in which Nepal gave up Sikkim and the southern Terai and the British retreated. After Nepali Gurkhas aided the British in quashing the Indian Sepoy Mutiny in 1857, most of the Terai territories were returned to Nepal. The Shah dynasty was cut short in 1846 when Jung Bahadur Rana seized control of the country after assassinating several hundred princes and chieftans in Kathmandu's Kot Massacre. Ranas ruled as hereditary prime ministers until 1948 when the British colony of India achieved independence. India propped up King Tribhuvan as Nepal's new ruler in 1951 and sponsored the Nepali Congress Party. Tribhuvan's son, King Mahendra dissolved the democratic experiment and declared a "partyless" panchayat system would govern Nepal. His son, King Birendra inherited the throne in 1972 and continued the panchayat policy until 1989's "Jana Andolan" (People's Movement or Democracy Movement) forced the monarchy to accept constitutional reforms. In May 1991, Nepal's held its first election in nearly 50 years. The Nepali Congress Party and the Communist Party of Nepal received the most votes. No party has held power for more than two consecutive years since. Critics argue that the governmental reforms did not appreciably improve the political order because the new government was also characterised by extreme corruption bordering on kleptocracy. In February 1996, one of the Maoist parties started their bid to replace the parliamentary system with a socialist republic through a Maoist revolutionary strategy known as People's war. This has since grown to a civil war and resulted in the deaths of 10,000 people. According to official Nepal government accounts, on June 1, 2001, the Heir Apparent Crown Prince Dipendra went on a killing spree in the royal palace in a violent response to his parents' refusal to accept his choice for a wife. He apparently shot and killed his parents, King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya, as well as his brother, sister, two uncles and three aunts, before turning the gun on himself. His suicide attempt was not immediately successful, however, and although in a comatose state, he was proclaimed the king (in accordance with Nepalese tradition) in his hospital bed. He died three days later. See Dipendra of Nepal. Following King Dipendra's death, his uncle (King Birendra's brother) King Gyanendra was proclaimed king on June 4. Shortly afterward, he declared martial law, and dissolved the government. Gyanendra deployed Nepal's military in the grinding civil war, the Nepalese People's War, with the Maoist insurgents. King Gyanendra took control once again on February 1, 2005. See Gyanendra of Nepal for more details.

Zones

Main article: Zones of Nepal Nepal is divided into 14 zones (anchal, singular and plural): Bagmati, Bheri, Dhawalagiri, Gandaki, Janakpur, Karnali, Koshi, Lumbini, Mahakali, Mechi, Narayani, Rapti, Sagarmatha, Seti

Geography and Climate

Main article: Geography of Nepal Nepal is landlocked between China and India; total land area 147,181 km² (56,827 mi²). The terrain is mountainous and hilly, although with physical diversity. Three broad physiographic areas run laterally — lowland Terai Region in the south; central lower mountains and hills constituting the Hill Region; the high Himalaya, with 8,850-metre (29,035-foot) high Mount Everest and other peaks forming Mountain Region in north. Of Nepal's total land area, only 20 percent is cultivatable. Deforestation is a severe problem. Mount Everest (also known as Sagarmatha in Nepali and Chomolongma in Tibetan), the highest mountain in the world, straddles the Nepal - China border. The vista and majesty of Everest and the Himalayan range, including eight of the world's top ten peaks, (the eight-thousanders -- mountains over 8,000 metres), are major tourist attractions and are cited as wonders of the natural world. Nepal has five climatic zones based on altitude that range from subtropical in the south, to cool summers and severe winters in the north. There is annual rainfall with seasonal variations depending on the monsoon cycle, which provides 60 to 80 percent of the total annual rainfall: 2,500 mm (98.5 in) in eastern part of country; 1,420 mm (56 in) around Kathmandu; 1,000 mm (39 in) in western Nepal. In some areas of Nepal annual rainfall totals over 4,000 mm, sometimes even 6,000 mm p. a. Examples for the highest monthly rainfall at the peak of monsoon (generally July, in Mustang August).

adeldhura:	350 mm
epalganj:	510 mm
utwal:	715 mm
okhara:	920 mm
ustang:	60 mm
athmandu:	370 mm
hainpur:	320 mm
amche Bazar:	220 mm

Economy

Main article: Economy of Nepal Nepal is among the poorest and least developed countries in the world with nearly half of its population living below the poverty line (with, as of 2001, a per capita income of just over US$240). Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy, providing a livelihood for over 80% of the population and accounting for 41% of GDP. Industrial activity mainly involves the processing of agricultural produce including jute, sugarcane, tobacco, and grain. Production of textiles and carpets has expanded recently and accounted for about 80% of foreign exchange earnings in the past three years. Most industrial activity is focussed around the Kathmandu valley and the Terai cities such as Biratnagar and Birgunj. Agricultural production is growing by about 5% on average as compared with annual population growth of 2.3%. Since May 1991, the government has been moving forward with economic reforms, particularly those that encourage trade and foreign investment, e.g., by reducing business licenses and registration requirements in order to simplify investment procedures. The government has also been cutting expenditures by reducing subsidies, privatizing state industries, and laying off civil servants. More recently, however, political instability - five different governments over the past few years — has hampered Kathmandu's ability to forge consensus to implement key economic reforms. Nepal has considerable scope for accelerating economic growth by exploiting its potential in hydropower and tourism, areas of recent foreign investment interest. Prospects for foreign trade or investment in other sectors will remain poor, however, because of the small size of the economy, its technological backwardness, its remoteness, its landlocked geographic location, and its susceptibility to natural disaster. The international community's role of funding more than 60% of Nepal's development budget and more than 28% of total budgetary expenditures will likely continue as a major ingredient of growth.

Demographics and Culture

Main article: Demographics of Nepal Nepal is a multi-lingual, multi-religious and multi-ethnic society. The data below are derived from the 2002 Nepal Population Report. http://www.mope.gov.np/population/chapter5.php

Languages

Nepal's diverse linguistic heritage evolved from three major language groups: Indo-Aryan, Tibeto-Burman, and indigenous. According to the 2001 national census, 92 different living languages are spoken in Nepal (a 93rd category was "unidentified"). The major languages of Nepal (percent spoken as mother tongue) are Nepali (49%), Maithili (12%), Bhojpuri (8%), Tharu (6%), Tamang (5%), Newari/Nepal Bhasa (4%), Magar (3%), Awadhi (2%), Bantawa (2%), Limbu (1%), and Bajjika (1%). The remaining 81 languages are each spoken as mother tongue by less than one percent of the population. Nepali, written in Devanagari script, is the official, national language and serves as lingua franca among Nepalis of different ethnolinguistic groups. In the southern Terai Region (5 to 10 mile wide stretch of flat plains in the south which is a northern continuation of Gangetic plains of India), Hindi is also spoken.

Media

Nepal had no free media till 1990. After resotration of democracy 1990 constitution has stablished all fundamental freedom and press became free. After 14 years the King Gyanendra took over the power in hand and now Every media is subjected to sensorship by the army. Government has noticed to press not to publish any matter against the king, Govt. and court. It noticed to avoid news related to terrorism without prior consent of the army. Journalists are struggling to practice free media. Protest is banned for the present eventhough journalists have demonstrated peace rally with playcard "Full Fledge Press Freedom for Peace and Democracy". There are govt. owned 2 TV channels and 3 private TV studios. There is one state owned Publication of Gorkhapatra and The Rising Nepal Radio broadcast stations: AM 6(govt. owned Radio Nepal), FM 56, shortwave 1(govt. owned, Radio Nepal) (March 2005) INTRODUCTION ABOUT RADIO NEPAL http://www.radionepal.org Radio Nepal was established on 1st April 1951. Initially, the transmission covered duration of 4 hours and 30 minutes through a 250 Watt SW transmitter. Over the years, Radio Nepal hasstrengthened its institutional capacity considerably and diversified itself in terms of programme format,technical efficiency and coverage. Radio Nepal airs programmes on Short Wave, Medium Wave and FM frequencies. Regular broadcasts cover duration of 16 hours everyday which includes 2 hours of regional broadcasts 09:30 hrs. to 11:00 hrs. in the morning and 18:05 hrs 18:30 hrs in the evening.However on public holidays, there is an additional 2 hours, extending the total duration to 19 hours. FM Kathmandu, the first FM-Channel covering Kathmandu valley and adjoining areas was started in 1995 from its premises at Singh Durbar, Kathmandu. ROLE OF RADIO BROADCASTING IN NEPAL Radio broadcasting is the cheapest and quickest means of mass communications in Nepal. In a mountainous country like Nepal, radio broadcasting has proved to be a very effective medium for disseminating information, educating people and entertaining the masses. Radio Nepal recognizes that its primary obligation is to serve its listeners. It has been providing various programs aimed at creating mass awareness in its attempt to reflect the views of all sections of the society. The people in the hilly areas and many of the remote villages have little or no access to motorable roads nor to any communication and entertainment facilities. Illiteracy being a common feature among the people, little use is made of the newspapers, which have very limited and delayed circulation. Therefore, Radio has been the most suitable means of disseminating information and providing entertainment to masses in Nepal. TRANSMISSION COVERAGE

The short Wave transmission of Radio Nepal is estimated to reach listeners throughout the kingdom.
Medium Wave transmission covers 70% to 80% of the population.

Radio Nepal's Transmission coverage map (click here to view map) PROGRAMMING (a) Regional Programmes: Two hours of programmes for audience in different regions broadcast from regional stations simultaneously from 09:30 hrs to 11:00 hrs and 17:30 hrs to 18:30 hrs every day. (b) National Programmes: Broadcast for a duration of 16 hours everyday (05:00-11:00 and 13:00-23:00 hrs.) and 18 hours on public holidays from 05:00 hrs to 23:00 hrs. Radio Nepal uses a wide range of formats including features, documentaries, docu-dramas, dramas, talk shows, interviews, music shows, live commentaries etc. Recognizing the citizen's right to be informed under a multi-party democracy, Radio Nepal attempts to provide informative, educational as well as entertainment programmes. The major programme highlights include: Educational: Programmes on religion, literature, science and technology, agriculture, distance learning, women , health and sanitation, public health, children and youth. Entertainment: Music: Nepali songs, Hindi songs and Gazals and Western music. Songs in the different national languages. Radio dramas and comedy shows.

Information:

  News and Current Affairs.   Phone-in for Parliamentarians.  Radio Reports.  Review of the press.  Developmental Programmes.

Programmes on information and education constitute 42% of the total programming and entertainment covers the remaining 58% which also include commercials. RADIO NEPAL: FM - KATHMANDU In consonance with the policy of forging ahead in tune with the changing broadcasting scenario, Radio Nepal launched the first FM Channel in Nepal on he 30th of Kartik 2052 B.S.(16th Nov.1995). The FM Channel airs programmes on 100 MHz on the FM band through a 1 KW stereo transmitter installed at Khumaltar, Lalitpur. A fairly well equipped studio with stereo facilities has been established at Singh Durbar. This studio along with the provision of a standby studio has made it possible to broadcast programmes live. Radio Nepal has a policy of leasing out its air time to private parties to broadcast programmes on its FM channel by permitting private operators to use their own staff. These programmes have proved to be very popular among the urban youth of Kathmandu. NEWS AND CURRENT AFFAIRS Radio Nepal broadcasts news bulletins in at regular intervals (hourly) from 06:00 hrs until the close of the transmission. News bulletins in English are broadcast at 08:00 hrs, 14:00 hrs and 20:00 hrs everyday.In additional to the news in Nepali and English, there are bulletins in other languages at various timings. They are Magar, Gurung, Tamang, Rai Bantawa, Limbu, Newari, Bhojpuri, Hindi, Urdu, Tharu East and Tharu West, Avadhi, Sherpa, Maithili, Sanskrit, Kham Magar and Doteli. Radio Nepal attempts to provide prompt and accurate coverage of all national and international news including political, economic and social highlights in a balanced and objective manner. It attempts to safeguard the basic principle of public interest and the public's right to be informed as the prime public broadcaster of the country. The station has designated stringer reporters in more than 50 districts for coverage of news and information.

COMPUTERIZATION OF THE NEWS ROOM In its effort to utilize the advances in modern technology and introduce useful changes in its broadcast environment, Radio Nepal has recently launched a project called "Newsroom Computerization Project". The overall concept of the project is to eventually make a paperless newsroom. A special broadcast software, NewsBoss, developed by Desktop technologies, Australia has been initially licensed to seven workstations linked-up within a local area networking system. With the support from UNESCO, Radio Nepal is proud to be among the few radio stations in Asia trying to turn the news system digital. The main features of the system are:

  Text Editing  Audio Editing  Auto recording  Wire Service  Prompter for the news delivery  Archiving

It is a pilot project and is implemented in the central newsroom. Upon the satisfactory performance of this system, Radio Nepal has a plan to computerize its regional stations' newsrooms and interconnect them to the central grid. RADIO PROGRAM DISTRIBUTION THROUGH V-SAT NETWORK Radio Nepal started its program distribution through V-SAT Network from 26th August 1999. Earlier it was distributing its program to the different broadcast stations through the telephone lines of NepalTelecom ( NTC ). In the system introduced recently, the main hub station is at Singhadurbar, Kathmandu and the programme can be received in all the receiving stations. With the introduction of new system, an AM high quality monaural program channel now available is through the V-SAT. The system has the facility of upgrading to provide multichannel capability for further use. AUDIENCE SURVEY There is an in house Audience Survey Unit, which undertakes surveys periodically to find out patterns of listenership and effectiveness of the programs, broadcast by Radio Nepal. Reports of such surveys are available for reference at Radio Nepal. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Radio Nepal enjoys cordial relations with all friendly countries and broadcasting organizations. It is a member of the Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) and liaises closely with the regional broadcasting centre and Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD). Training programmes at Radio Nepal are conducted on a regular basis either by in-house trainers or in cooperation with other friendly institutions. Several training courses have been conducted in cooperation with the Deutsche Welle (The Voice of Germany) and the BBC. Programmes under the SAARC Audio Visual Exchange SAVE are broadcast every month. Organizations like JICA, USIS and UNICEF have extended generous assistance in the past and continue to show renewed interests in our activities. Occasionally Radio Nepal joins hands with International broadcasting stations to co-produce programs of mutual interest. OTHER FACILITIES Radio Nepal has its own studios for programme production, music recording, drama recording, talks shows and news broadcasts. A music library at its premises in Singh Durbar has a collection of about 20,000 songs. Foreign broadcasting Stations also make use of our Studio facilities and transmitters for live and other broadcasts on a rental basis. The Broadcasting Headquarters at Singha Durbar in Kathmandu has two broadcasting houses consisting of one drama studio, two music studios, one reporting studio, three continuity studios, one news studio and seven programme production studios. One of the music studios is equipped with a 24 track recording facility. This studio is open for hiring purposes for anyone desirous of recording music digitally whether solo track or for albums after payment of studio charges which are very relatively reasonable compared to other private studios. The complex also has one open air live theatre facility for functions and musical performances. Like other transmitting stations, the Head quarters also has a 100 kVA stand by diesel generator to cope with occasional power failure. ARCHIVING The mainstream of broadcasting business these days is moving towards digitization. Radio Nepal is making a modest effort to make use of the latest development in computer and digital radio. The task of digitizing old songs and mastering on digital format (COMPACT DISC) has recently been initiated. Today, CD has become the dominant digital storage medium due to its large storage capacity, high fidelity and low cost. Now our valuable songs of the good old days, which were recorded on analog reel tape, are getting new life. BUSINESS DIVISION After the change in its structure in 1984A.D. as a self-sustaining board, Radio Nepal has been more aware in marketing. It has been adopting the policy of selling commercial air-time to interested parties. Promotional advertisements in the form of jingles and other formats as well as sponsored programmes are aired. The time division categories are as follows: NATIONAL TRANSMISSION: Super time 05:15 to 13:30 hours Saturday

      A' time 05:15 to 09:30 hours Sunday to Friday      B' time 17:00 to 22:00 hours Sunday to Saturday       C' time 13:00 to 17:00 hours                     10:05 to 22:55 hours Sunday to Saturday                    13:30 to 17:00 hours Saturday

IN THE INTERNET In an attempt to reach interested listeners world wide, Radio Nepal has entered the Internet since April 1997. Since the start of this service, increasing numbers worldwide have visited the home page. The growing popularity of Radio Nepal in cyberspace is encouraging and there are plans in the offing to expand this service to include some programmes and music in addition to the existing Nepali and English news bulletins and Ghatna Ra Bichar, program in the evening and Paribesh in the morning (a news and current affairs). LOOKING AHEAD From its modest beginning, Radio Nepal has expanded considerably over the years. With over 800 staff members in different divisions and the acquisition of equipment in tune with the technological innovations, Radio Nepal aims to emerge as the media for the millions in Nepal as well as across national frontiers. There are plans for fill in stations at different parts of uncovered areas and the operation of a second channel in the existing premises to cope with the increasing demand for more air time from different INGOs and NGOs. Few small FM stations to be operated with the partnership of local agencies like the Municipalities and District Development Committees are to be established in the near future. Radio Nepal faces the challenges of moving with the changing times in the light of the new innovations in broadcast technology. Most of its outdated transmission equipment needs to be replaced or refurbished. In program production, the digitization process has already been started, but a lot needs to be done. With the good wishes of all its listeners Radio Nepal aims to offer quality and distinctiveness in addition to its responsibility to inform, educate and entertain. Radios: 840,000 (1997) Television broadcast stations: 5 (plus 9 repeaters) (2005) Televisions: 130,000 (1997) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 6 (2000) Internet users: 60,000 (2002) Country code (Top level domain): NP

Religions

Nepal, constitutionally a Hindu kingdom with long-standing legal provisions prohibiting discrimination against other religions and proselytization, is the only official Hindu country in the world. The 2001 census identified 80.6% of the population as Hindu and Buddhism was practiced by about 11% of the population (although many people labelled Hindu or Buddhist often practice a syncretic blend of Hinduism, Buddhism and/or animist traditions). About 4.2% of the population is Muslim and 3.6% of the population follows the indigenous Kirant religion. Christianity is practiced by less than 0.5% of the population.

Ethnicity

Nepal’s 2001 census enumerated 103 distinct caste/ethnic groups including an "unidentified group". The caste system of Nepal is rooted in the Hindu religion while the ethnic system is rooted in mutually exclusive origin myths, historical mutual seclusion and the occasional state intervention. The major caste/ethnic groups identified by the 2001 census are Chhetri (15.8%) Hill Brahmin (12.7%), Madheshi (33%), Magar (7.1%), Tamang (5.6%), Newar (5.5%), Muslim (4.3%), Kami (3.9%), Rai (3.9), Gurung (2.8%), and Damai/Dholi (2.4%). The remaining 92 caste/ethnic groups (including the world-famous Sherpa), each constitute less than 2 percent of the population.

Urban Population

District	Pop. 1991¹	Pop. 2001	Average growthrate	proj. 2005
Kathmandu	Kathmandu	414.264	671.846	4,7	807.300
Lalitpur	Lalitpur	117.203	162.991	3,4	190.900
Pokhara	Kaski	95.311	156.312	5,0	190.000
Biratnagar	Morang	130.129	166.674	2,5	184.000
Birganj	Parsa	68.764	112.484	4,9	136.200
Dharan	Sunsari	68.173	95.332	3,6	109.800
Bharatpur	Chitwan	54.730	89.323	4,9	108.200
Butwal	Rupandehi	44.243	75.384	5,3	92.700
Mahendranagar	Kanchanpur	62.432	80.839	2,7	89.900
Janakpur	Dhanusha	55.021	74.192	3,1	83.800
Dhangadhi	Kailali	45.094	67.447	4,1	79.200
Bhaktapur	Bhaktapur	61.122	72.543	1,7	77.600
Hetauda	Makwanpur	54.072	68.482	2,4	75.300
Triyuga	Udaypur	-	55.291	3,9	64.400
Nepalganj	Banke	48.556	57.535	1,9	62.000
Siddharthanagar	Rupandehi	35.456	52.569	2,9	58.900
Madhyapur-Thimi	Bhaktapur	-	47.751	4,0	55.900
Mechinagar	Jhapa	-	49.060	2,8	54.800
Gulariya	Bardiya	-	46.011	4,1	50.700
Tribhuvananagar	Dangdeukhuri	29.152	43.126	4,0	50.500
Itahari	Sunsari	-	41.210	4,3	48.800
Lekhnath	Kaski	-	41.369	3,2	46.900
Tikapur	Kailali	-	38.722	4,1	45.500
Kirtipur	Kathmandu	-	40.845	2,7	45.400
Ratnanagar	Chitwan	-	37.791	4,1	44.500
Kamalamai	Sindhuli	-	32.828	5,3	40.400
Kalaiya	Bara	17.265	32.260	5,6	40.100
Tulsipur	Dangdeukhuri	20.752	33.876	4,0	39.600
Birendranagar	Surkhet	22.888	31.381	3,1	35.500
Damak	Jhapa	41.419	35.009	-1,7	35.000
Rajbiraj	Saptari	23.847	30.353	2,3	33.200
Kapilbastu	Kapilbastu	17.146	27.170	4,6	32.500
Byas	Tanahu	20.175	28.245	3,4	32.300
Lahan	Siraha	19.046	27.654	3,8	32.100
Putalibazar	Syanja	-	29.667	1,4	31.400
Prithivinarayan	Gorkha	-	25.738	2,2	28.100
Panauti	Kabhrepalanchok	-	25.563	2,4	28.100
Gaur	Rautahat	23.258	25.383	2,2	27.700
Dipayal-Silgadhi	Doti	12.259	22.061	5,8	27.600
Inaruwa	Sunsari	18.562	23.200	2,2	25.300
Siraha	Siraha	-	23.988	1,0	25.000
Ramgram	Nawalparasi	-	22.630	1,8	24.300
Tansen	Palpa	13.617	20.431	4,0	23.900
Jaleswor	Mahottari	18.161	22.046	2,0	23.900
Baglung	Baglung	-	20.852	3,2	23.700
Bhimeswor	Dolakha	-	21.916	1,3	23.100
Khadbari	Sankhuwasabha	-	21.789	1,5	23.100
Dhankuta	Dhankuta	17.155	20.668	1,9	22.300
Bidur	Nuwakot	18.862	21.193	1,3	22.300
Waling	Syanja	-	20.414	2,0	22.100
Narayan	Dailekh	-	19.446	2,1	21.100
Malangwa	Sarlahi	13.666	18.484	2,7	20.600
Bhadrapur	Jhapa	15.123	18.145	1,8	19.500
Amaragadhi	Dadeldhura	-	18.390	1,1	19.200
Dasharathchand	Baitadi	-	18.345	0,2	18.500
Ilam	Ilam	13.150	16.237	2,1	17.600
Banepa	Kabhrepalanchok	12.622	15.822	2,3	17.300
Dhulikhel	Kabhrepalanchok	9.664	11.521	1,6	12.300
colspan=2 \| Sum of urban Population	1.742.359	3.197.834	3,5	3.545.500
colspan=4 \| increase 91-01 for first 36 mun.	1.742.359	2.528.218

¹ by 1991 only 36 municipalities were established

Music

See Music of Nepal

Holidays

Nepal uses three calendars: the Western (Gregorian), the official solar Bikram Sambat, and the lunar calendar. Dates for many religious Nepalese holidays are set according to the lunar calendar (somewhat like Easter is for Christians), so there are no fixed dates for Nepalese holidays in either the Western or the official calendar. Generally, the two major holidays, Dashain and Tihar, fall in October and November.

Nepal