Overview: Land locked, Nepal is situated between the world's two most populated countries, India and China. With a per capita income of $210 annually, it is one of the ten poorest countries in the world and has virtually no middle class. The majority of Nepalis are Hindus and Buddhists. In many areas, the two religions blend into folk rituals, festivals, and worship.

Basic facts:
Population: 23 698 421 Population growth rate: 2.52%
Ethnic groups: Newar, Indian, Tibetan, Gurung, Magar, Tamang, Bhotia, Rai, Limbu Sherpa
Religions: Hindu 90% Buddhist 5% Muslim 3% other 2%
Languages: Nepali (official) 20 other languages divided into numerous dialects
Literacy: 27.5% (male: 40.9% female: 14% )

People groups in Nepal: The two major groups in Nepalese society are Tibeto-Burmans, or Mongoloids from the north, and Indo-Aryans from the south. Many customs are inherited from both sides and have been developed by the influences of the land, climate and available resources.

The largest groups can be divided on the basis of geographical locations by altitude. Click here>> to know more on the people groups in nepal. Although these accounts depict a fundamental description of Nepalese ethnic groups, it is difficult to pin point who is "ethnic" and who is "non-ethnic", who is "indigennous" and who is "non-indigenous" in a particular place. Past migration histories mean Nepal seems to be a melting pot. This is especially prevently in urban areas.

Christianity in Nepal: From 15,000 in 1970 to an estimated 400,000 Christians today, Nepal has one of the fastest-growing Christian populations among the 3.6 billion people throughout Asia's 51 countries, according to scholars in Christian missions. Almost all the peoplegroups are receptive towards gospel except the Brahminic Hindus.The hurdles for the Gospel in Nepal are law literacy rate, threat from Maoists, poor infrastructure and communication facilities which leaves the remote areas inaccessible.

PGT in Nepal: A number of PGT Churches and fellowships are worshipping God in Truth and Spirit, in Nepal and the Indo-Nepal border areas. . The fall into different categories of people groups. We see the harvest in Nepal pleantyful and praying to the Lord of harvest for more laborers and resources to conquer this country with Gospel.

Politics and social life in Nepal: Nepal, known as the “Hindu Kingdom”, nestled between China on the north and India on the South has been in turmoil since 1996. That is when the rebel Communists (Maoists) began their attempt to overtake the monarchy/ democratic government.

The Maoist party has instituted and enforced bandhs; (forced shutdowns) blocked major highways, slowed down and sometimes cut off the supply of basics such as oil and food coming into cities. Forcing loyalty through fear by raping and torturing people in the villages, and bombing major highways, the insurgents have murdered many several thousands.

As a result, King Gyanendra took full control of the alleged corrupt government ousting Prime Minister, Deuba and turning the government into a dictatorship, leaving democracy suspended. The Royal Nepal Army is aggressively fighting the Maoists where India and the US have attempted to show their support for democracy by providing arms.

Some churches in the Kathmandu Valley have been closed by the Maoists, yet in spite of severe persecution, the Nepalese Christians are growing stronger in their faith.

To know more about our Nepal mission, write to us or e-mail us >>
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