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Country Profile for NEPAL |
Risk Rating |
General Information |
Country Map |
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Red (High Risk)
InTouch advice:
Most parts of the country are dangerous. Do not travel unless absolutely necessary. Amber (Moderate Risk) InTouch advice: Some parts of the country are dangerous. Travel with caution. Green (Low Risk) InTouch advice: Most parts of the country are safe. Travel freely. |
Capital: Kathmandu Major Languages: Nepali Currency: Rupee Timezone: GMT +5:45 |
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Overview
Overview
Nepal has recently been engulfed in a period of political conflict between the government and Maoist rebels. After a decade of violence and widespread civil unrest the two sides agreed a ceasefire in 2006. Elections two years later saw the Maoists form a majority government and the security situation has since improved significantly.
The peace is somewhat fragile and incidents of political violence and civil unrest are still common. A large number of protests become violent and visitors should avoid all large scale public gatherings and monitor local media for developments. There are also a number of smaller separatist groups which operate in Nepal. Madhesi separatists in the southern Terai region have engaged with violent clashes with security forces and all non-essential travel to this region should be avoided.
The threat of crime is rated at moderate in Nepal and petty crimes, such as pick-pocketing and mugging, are the most likely to affect tourists. A large proportion of incidents occur in the Kathmandu Valley region and along the countries trekking paths. Visitors should remain vigilant whilst in these areas and take necessary security precautions.
Alerts
Alert for Nepal
Protests against Maoist Prime Minister - 24 January 2013:
At least 25 people have been wounded during protests against the prime minister in Dailekh. Activists from seven opposition parties gathered outside a Maoist conference and demanded the resignation of Baburam Bhattarai. The protesters have accused Mr Bhattarai of obstructing an investigation into the murder of a Journalist in 2004.
Judge shot dead in Kathmandu - 31 May 2012:
A Supreme Court judge has been shot dead in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu. Unknown gunmen travelling on motorcycles opened fire on Rana Bahadur Bam as he was being driven to work. Bam was accused of taking bribes from criminals and was under investigation by the Judiciary Council.
Four killed in Janakpur bombing - 01 May 2012:
At least four people have been killed after a bomb exploded close to a political rally in the south-eastern city of Janakpur. The Democratic Terai Liberation Front claimed responsibility for the attack, calling on political parties to fight for the rights of people in southern Nepal.
Kathmandu bomb blast kills three - 27 February 2012:
At least three people have been killed after a bomb exploded in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu. The Unified National Liberation Front claim that they carried out the attack.
Death of youth leader sparks national strike - 19 December 2011:
The death of a local youth leader while in prison has sparked a national strike in Nepal, bringing the country to a standstill. Large numbers of riot police have been patrolling the streets of the capital, Kathmandu, and a number of small protests have broken out in the city.
Riot police clash with Youth Association Nepal activists - 04 December 2011:
Riot police have clashed with members of the Youth Association Nepal at the Tribhuvan International Airport.
Series of bus bombings kills one and injures dozens - 28 March 2011:
A series of low-intensity bombs have exploded on public transport in Nepal, killing one person and leaving another 46 injured. Although no group have taken responsibilty for the attacks the Janatantrik Terai Mukti Morcha (JTMM) rebel group are suspected.
Data
Nepal Data Sheet
Population: 26.5 million
Major Religion/s: : Hinduism, Buddhism
International dialling code: +977
International dialling prefix: 00
Emergency services: Police 100, Medical 422 8094, Fire 101
Drives: Left
Voltage: 230V
Climate: Varies from tropical in the south to artic at altitude
Other Major Cities: Biratnagar, Lalitpur
Borders: India, China (Tibet)
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Journalists Under Attack
Journalists Under Attack
- 13 May 2013 Journalists injured during police action in Nepal
- 24 Jan 2013 Nepalese journalists threatened during Bhattarai visit
- 07 Jan 2013 Former Maoist rebel confesses to burying journalist alive
- 26 Sep 2012 Concerns for missing journalist in Nepal
- 12 Sep 2012 Naresh Khadka
1 journalist casualties. - 11 Sep 2012 Missing journalist found dead
- 30 Aug 2012 Journalist beaten by political activists
- 19 Jul 2012 Journalist threatened after publishing story about school fees, another assaulted
- 13 Jun 2012 Journalist threatened in Nepal
- 05 Jun 2012 Nepal, on the brink of collapse
- 21 May 2012 Increased attacks on journalists in Nepal on the eve of constitutional change
- 16 Apr 2012 Nepali journalists attacked and threatened
- 01 Apr 2012 Journalist killed in Nepal
1 journalist casualties. - 08 Nov 2011 Journalist concerned for his safety after criminal gang seeks him out
Media Safety
Media Safety
- 13 May 2013 Journalists injured during police action in Nepal
By Freedom Forum via IFEX Security personnel intervened at a peaceful sit-in by journalists in ... - 24 Jan 2013 Nepalese journalists threatened during Bhattarai visit
The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the threats and acts of intimidation against journalists ... - 07 Jan 2013 Former Maoist rebel confesses to burying journalist alive
A group of Maoist former rebels have been arrested over the death of a ... - 26 Sep 2012 Concerns for missing journalist in Nepal
The International Federation of Journalists shares the serious concern expressed by its affiliate, the ... - 12 Sep 2012 Naresh Khadka
Naresh Khadka, who was Secretary of the Bajhang Chapter of FNJ, succumbed to serious ... - 11 Sep 2012 Missing journalist found dead
Reporter of Community Radio Sky, Chandan Nepali, 30, of Marbhung VDC-1 has been found ... - 30 Aug 2012 Journalist beaten by political activists
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate the Federation of Nepali Journalists ... - 19 Jul 2012 Journalist threatened after publishing story about school fees, another assaulted
On 11 July 2012, a reporter for the daily Nayapatrika, Raj Kumar Gole, received ... - 13 Jun 2012 Journalist threatened in Nepal
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate the Federation of Nepali Journalists ... - 21 May 2012 Increased attacks on journalists in Nepal on the eve of constitutional change
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins partners in the South Asia Media Solidarity ... - 16 Apr 2012 Nepali journalists attacked and threatened
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate the Federation of Nepali Journalists ... - 01 Apr 2012 Journalist killed in Nepal
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate the Federation of Nepali Journalists ... - 08 Nov 2011 Journalist concerned for his safety after criminal gang seeks him out
Freedom Forum is concerned over an incident that took place in Banke, a district ...
Security News
Security News
- 05 Jun 2012 Nepal, on the brink of collapse
For more than two decades, Nepal, a resource-rich, impoverished country wedged between China and ...