Geography of Nepal
Nepal covers an area of 147 181 kms² and stretches about 200 kms north to south and 800 kms west to east. Linked with China in the north, Nepal shares its others borderlines with India.
At latitude 27°42'N and longitude 85°19'E, the country can be divided into three geographic zones.
The Himalaya:
The Himalayan range covers the northern border of the country and represents 16% of the total area of Nepal. In this part of the country, you can find 8 of the 14 highest peaks in the world such as Mount Everest (8848m), Kanchenjunga (8598m) or Dhaulagiri (8167m). Some of the Nepal's most beautiful animal and plant-life are also found here. Although rare, the Snow Leopard and Danphe Bird are much talked-about sights among visitors. The people in this region produce and sell cheese besides working as mountain-guides and porters.
The Hills:
This region covers 65% of the country. Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal is located here. Elevation ranges from 500 to 3000 metres. During summer the temperature reaches an average of 32°C. Areas in the eastern hills receive more rainfall because of the monsoon clouds, which come from the southeast. The rivers in the west are dependent upon the melted snow that flows down from the Himalayas. Wild animals that we can find here are the Spotted Leopard, the Barking Deer, and the Himalayan Black Bear. The hilly region is also popular for different kinds of birds.
The Terai:
The Terai represents 17% of Nepal and covers the south belt of the country. It provides excellent farming land and the elevation of flatlands is 70 to 300 metres. In the sub-tropical forest of Terai are found a rich wildlife, which include the Royal Bengal Tiger, One Horned Rhinoceros and the Gharial Crocodile. About 48% of the country's population occupies this region.
This features an astonishing topographical variation with an elevation ranging from 70 meters to 8848 meters.
