About Nepal

With its breathtaking scenery, rich culture, hospitable people and unparalleled opportunities for adventure, Nepal captures the imagination of all who are lucky enough to discover it, and is never forgotten. Home to many of the largest mountains on Earth, including the iconic Mount Everest, Nepal is as varied as it is beautiful and offers its visitors more spectacular sights, sounds and experiences than any other country can hope to, from its lush jungle to the snowy peaks of the Himalayas.

However this beautiful and hospitable country is also one of the world’s most impoverished nations. With a stagnant economy, crippled by international debt, heavily dependent on foreign aid as well as having to import almost everything it needs, over 60 percent of Nepal’s growing population of over 26 million live in terrible poverty - most of them eking out an existence dependent on agriculture. Nepal has higher levels of child malnutrition than its main South Asian neighbours, as well as weaker health facilities and appalling adult-literacy. Around 72 per cent of adults are illiterate - one of the lowest rates in the world.

Political history and a new hope for peace
Recently, increased political insecurity has brought added hardship to Nepal. Traditionally ruled by an ineffective monarchy, multiparty parliamentary democracy arrived in Nepal during the early 1990s. However the country’s political system has been plagued by gross internal corruption and strife. Successive coalition governments have come and gone with frequent regularity. In recent years groups of Maoist rebels, disillusioned with Nepalese politics, have escalated their campaign against the constitutional monarchy. The shocking massacre of Nepal’s royal family by its own crown prince in 2001 has only added to this instability. Nepal then became gripped in the midst of a violent conflict between the army and the Maoist rebels. Over 13,000 people are estimated to have died in the conflict.

However now is a time of hope and promise for Nepal. The Maoists and the political parties have signed a deal that looks to bring lasting peace to Nepal, with the desire for change being brought to the political forum rather than being fought out on the streets and hillsides of Nepal. It is an exciting time for the people of Nepal, who have become accustomed to daily bloodshed and infringements of civil liberties. Democracy promises to become a real and meaningful concept once more.

Why volunteer in Nepal?
There has never been a better time to visit or volunteer in Nepal – you will find yourself in an invigorating climate of newfound opportunity. Volunteers are needed more than ever as many aspects of development have been stalled by the insurgency. Attendance at many schools suffered, especially in the more remote villages, and institutions were crippled by Maoist 'taxes' and felt unable to expand and consolidate for fear of being targeted. This real need, combined with the opportunity to enjoy the legendary hospitality of the Nepali people and the beauty of their country without the dangers inherent in a politically unstable climate make for a truly rewarding trip.