A small country of 147,000 km 2 (a fourth of the size of France), the Kingdom of Nepal is situated in Asia between India and China.

The only country in the world in which Hinduism was the national religion until 2006, Nepal has a population of 27.1 million of which a great majority are Hindus, with small Buddhist and Muslim minorities.

Numerous ethnic groups are represented in Nepal including: Sherpa, Khas, Kirat, Magar, Gurung, Newar, Tharu, Rai, Tamang, Bahun, Chhreti and Tibetans.

Conscience of the caste system remains widespread and deeply affects social behavior, despite such discrimination being illegal.

The population lives on agriculture and livestock farming (38%), as well as international aid. The manufacturing industry (23%) is limited to processing agricultural produce. Jute and rice are the main export crops. Tourism is the second largest industry: home to the world's highest summits and dotted with Hindu and Buddhist temples, Nepal has always fulfilled the dreams of those who love far away places.