Name :
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Nepal
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Official Name :
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Kingdom of Nepal
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Capital :
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Kathmandu
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Climate :
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Varies from cool summers and severe winters in north to subtropical summers and mild winters in south.
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Race :
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Two major groups, the Indo-Nepalese and the Tibeto-Nepalese
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Language :
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Nepali, 20 other languages divided into numerous dialects
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Official Language :
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Nepali
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Religion :
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90% Hindu, 5% Buddhist, 3% Muslim, 2% other.
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Government :
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Parliamentary democracy as of 12 May 1991.
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Population (in mil) :
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23.4
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Literacy Rate :
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27.5%
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Visas :
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All foreign nationals (except Indians) require visas. Single-entry tourist visas are issued for up to 30 days and can be extended for a maximum of three months. Permit travel around the Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara and Chitwan National Park in the Terai. Trekking permits are required if you intend striking out from the main roads; they can be obtained from immigration offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
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Immunisations :
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Altitude sickness, hepatitis A, malaria (low-lying areas only), meningococcal Meningitis (Kathmandu Valley region) and typhoid
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Time :
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GMT/UTC plus five hours 45 minutes
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Electricity :
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220V, 50 Hz (when available)
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Weights & Measures :
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Metric
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Currency :
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Nepalese rupee
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Travellers Cheque :
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Major international currencies such as the US dollars, pounds sterling and Indian rupee are accepted in the country.
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Credit Cards :
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Tipping :
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Tipping is fairly common in upmarket restaurants in Kathmandu at about 10% of the bill if service was good.
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Bargaining :
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Bargaining is commonplace in markets and tourist shops
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