|
|
The history of Nepal is characterized by its isolated
position in the Himalayas and its two dominant neighbors, India and
China.
Nepal is one of the only countries which has been independent throughout
its history, never conquered, occupied, or governed by an outside power.
Although there has been speculation that it was under the Maurya Empire
in the 3rd century BCE or the Tibetan Empire in the 7th or 8th century
CE, firm evidence is lacking. From the time historical records are
clear, Nepal has continuously and successfully defended its sovereignty.
Due to the arrival of disparate settler groups from outside through the
ages, it is now a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-lingual country.
Its population is predominantly Hindu with significant presence of
Buddhists, who were in majority at one time in the past. Nepal was split
in three kingdoms from the 15th to 18th century, when it was unified
under a monarchy. The national language of Nepal is called 'Nepali', a
name given - long after unification of Nepal - to the language called
Khas Kura.
Nepal experienced a failed struggle for democracy in the 20th century.
During the 1990s and until 2008, the country was in civil strife. A
peace treaty was signed in 2008 and elections were held in the same
year.
Many of the ills of Nepal have been blamed on the royal family of Nepal.
In a historical vote for the election of the constituent assembly,
Nepal's voted to oust the monarchy in Nepal. In June 2008, Nepal's
ousted the royal household. Nepal was formally renamed the Federal
Democratic Republic of Nepal when it became a federal republic. |
|
