Asia · Southern Asia

Nepal

Capital: Kathmandu
Population: 29,136,808
Region: Asia
Languages: Nepali

Fun fact

Nepal is the only country in the modern world that does not follow the Gregorian or Lunar calendar, instead utilizing the solar Hindu Vikram Samvat. This means the Nepali New Year typically falls in mid-April and their official year is approximately 56 years and 8 months ahead of the Western calendar. Interestingly, the standard time in Nepal is unique for being offset from Coordinated Universal Time by 45 minutes rather than the usual full or half-hour increments. This specific time zone was adopted in 1986 to mark the moment the sun passes over Gauri Sankar, a prominent mountain peak.

Currency

The official currency is the Nepalese Rupee, denoted by the ISO code NPR. Interestingly, before the introduction of the rupee in 1932, Nepal primarily used silver mohar coins, which were so highly regarded for their purity that they circulated extensively in neighboring Tibet for centuries.

Flag symbolism

The flag of Nepal is globally unique for being the only national flag that is non-quadrilateral, consisting of two stacked triangular shapes called pennons. The deep red color, known as crimson, is the national color of Nepal and represents the brave spirit of the Nepalese people as well as the rhododendron flower. The blue border around the edges symbolizes peace and harmony that has existed since the era of Gautama Buddha. The upper shape contains a crescent moon while the lower features a sun, symbols which originally represented the royal family and prime minister but now signify the hope that the nation will endure as long as these celestial bodies.

Emblem history

The current national emblem of Nepal was adopted in 2006 following the end of the civil war and reflects a shift toward national unity and gender equality. It features the silhouette of Mount Everest at the top and green hills below, symbolizing the diverse regions of the country. A unique element is the inclusion of two hands—one male and one female—joining together to represent cooperation between all citizens. This seal is encircled by a golden garland of rhododendrons and rests above a red scroll inscribed with the national motto in Sanskrit, which translates to 'The mother and the motherland are greater than heaven.'