Nepal Profile

Nepal has distinct and brave history, and has always been an independent, sovereign country with a glorious culture and traditions that date back to time immemorial.
In the geographic diversity and varied climate conditions 23.2 million people of more than 60 caste/ethic groups are accommodated in the country. Nepali representing different group fall either in Aryan or Mongolian family. Despite of the diversity in terms of ethnicity, languages, culture, Nepali by nature are followers of rituals, religions of their own beleif. 86 percent of Nepali are Hindus, 7.8 percent are Buddhists, 3.5 percent are Muslims and 2.2 percent are Jain Cristian and others.

Nepali is the lingua franca of the country and is written in Devnagari. There are more than twenty languages spoken in the country. English is spoken and understood by the people of urban centers.
Population Total: 2,32,14,681, Male: 1,15,87,547, Female: 1,16,27,134

IT Policy and its impact
With the vision like "To place Nepal on the global map of Information Technology within the next five years", Nepal despite of constraints of resources, is marching ahead in its direction.
For development and promotion of Information Technology, financial assistance has been provided to four universities of the country by the government. With an aim to disseminate knowledge on information technology in schools, Internet Services has been made available to them. Likewise, government initiated computer trainings are being conducted with a view to produce skilled manpower.
The constructiion of Information Technology Park in Kavre along Banepa-Panauti highway (about 30 KMs east of Kathmandu) has been completed and is operational. In organisation front, High Level Commission for Information Technology (HLCIT), under the chairmanship of Rt. Hon. Prime Minister, is an apex government body responsible for overall ICT developemnt in Nepal. National Information Technology Center, secretariat to HLCIT is implementing agency of the ICT programs. Private participation in the field of operation of Internet Services, Cyber cafes, training institutions, hardware & related equipment assembly, software development, web design and export of IT enabled services have increased. The services have covered all development regions and major commercial and tourist cities.
The active role played by Computer Association of Nepal, IT Professional Forum, ISP Association of Nepal, and other Business Associations have driven the country towards the use of ICT in economic development thereby alleviating the poverty.