Nepal History, People, Geography, and Economy

Nepal is a collision zone. The towering Himalaya Mountains attest to the colossal tectonic force of the Indian Subcontinent as it plows into mainland Asia. Nepal also marks the collision point between Hinduism and Buddhism, between the Tibeto-Burmese language group and the Indo-European, and between Central Asian culture and Indian culture. Its little wonder, then, that this beautiful and diverse country has fascinated travelers and explorers for centuries. Capital: Kathmandu, population 702,000 Major Cities: Pokhara, population 200,000, Patan, population 190,000, Biratnagar, population 167,000, Bhaktapur, population 78,000 Government As of 2008, the former Kingdom of Nepal is a representative democracy. The president of Nepal serves as chief of state, while the prime minister is head of government. A Cabinet or Council of Ministers fills out the executive branch. Nepal has a unicameral legislature, the Constituent Assembly, with 601 seats. 240 members are directly elected; 335 seats are awarded by proportional representation; 26 are appointed by the Cabinet. The Sarbochha Adala (Supreme Court) is the highest court. The current president is Ram Baran Yadav; former Maoist rebel leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal (aka Prachanda) is Prime Minister. Official Languages According to Nepals constitution, all of the national languages can be used as official languages. There are over 100 recognized languages in Nepal. The most commonly used are Nepali (also called Gurkhali or Khaskura), spoken by nearly 60 percent of the population, and Nepal Bhasa (Newari). Nepali is one of the Indo-Aryan languages, related to European languages. Nepal Bhasa is a Tibeto-Burman tongue, part of the Sino-Tibetan language family. Roughly 1 million people in Nepal speak this language. Other common languages in Nepal include Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tharu, Gurung, Tamang, Awadhi, Kiranti, Magar, and Sherpa. Population Nepal is home to nearly 29,000,000 people. The population is primarily rural (Kathmandu, the largest city, has less than 1 million inhabitants). Nepals demographics are complicated not only by dozens of ethnic groups but by different castes, which also function as ethnic groups. In total, there are 103 castes or ethnic groups. The two largest are Indo-Aryan: Chetri (15.8% of the population) and Bahun (12.7%). Others include Magar (7.1%), Tharu (6.8%), Tamang and Newar (5.5% each), Muslim (4.3%), Kami (3.9%), Rai (2.7%), Gurung (2.5%) and Damai (2.4%). Each of the other 92 castes/ethnic groups make up less than 2%. Religion Nepal is primarily a Hindu country, with more than 80% of the population adhering to that faith. However, Buddhism (at about 11%) also exerts a lot of influence. The Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, was born in Lumbini, in southern Nepal. In fact, many Nepalese people combine Hindu and Buddhist practice; many temples and shrines are shared between the two faiths, and some deities are worshiped by both Hindus and Buddhists. Smaller minority religions include Islam, with about 4%; the syncretic religion called Kirat Mundhum, which is a blend of animism, Buddhism, and Saivite Hinduism, at about 3.5%; and Christianity (0.5%). Geography Nepal covers 147,181 sq. kilometers (56,827 sq. miles), sandwiched between the Peoples Republic of China to the north and India to the west, south, and east. It is a geographically diverse, land-locked country. Of course, Nepal is associated with the Himalayan Range, including the worlds tallest mountain, Mt. Everest. Standing at 8,848 meters (29,028 feet), Everest is called Saragmatha or Chomolungma in Nepali and Tibetan. Southern Nepal, however, is a tropical monsoonal lowland, called the Tarai Plain. The lowest point is Kanchan Kalan, at just 70 meters (679 feet). Most people live in the temperate hilly midlands. Climate Nepal lies at roughly the same latitude as Saudi Arabia or Florida. Due to its extreme topography, however, it has a much wider range of climate zones than those places. The southern Tarai Plain is tropical/subtropical, with hot summers and warm winters. Temperatures reach 40 °C in April and May. Monsoon rains drench the region from June to September, with 75-150 cm (30-60 inches) of rain. The central hill-lands, including the Kathmandu and Pokhara valleys, have a temperate climate and are also influenced by the monsoons. In the north, the high Himalayas are extremely cold and increasingly dry as the altitude rises. Economy Despite its tourism and energy-production potential, Nepal remains one of the worlds poorest countries. The per capita income for 2007/2008 was just $470 US. Over 1/3 of Nepalis live below the poverty line; in 2004, the unemployment rate was a shocking 42%. Agriculture employs more than 75% of the population  and produces 38% of GDP. The primary crops are rice, wheat, maize, and sugarcane. Nepal exports garments, carpets, and hydroelectric power. The civil war between Maoist rebels and the government, which began in 1996 and ended in 2007, severely reduced Nepals tourism industry. $1 US 77.4 Nepal rupees (Jan. 2009). Ancient Nepal Archaeological evidence shows that Neolithic humans moved into the Himalayas at least 9,000 years ago. The first written records date back to the Kirati people, who lived in eastern Nepal, and the Newars of the Kathmandu Valley. Stories of their exploits begin around 800 B.C. Both Brahmanic Hindu and Buddhist legends relate the tales of ancient rulers from Nepal. These Tibeto-Burmese peoples feature prominently in ancient Indian classics, suggesting that close ties bound the region almost 3,000 years ago. A pivotal moment in Nepals history was the birth of Buddhism. Prince Siddharta Gautama (563-483 B.C.), of Lumbini, forswore his royal life and devoted himself to spirituality. He became known as the Buddha, or the enlightened one. Medieval Nepal In the 4th or 5th century A.D., the Licchavi dynasty moved into Nepal from the Indian plain. Under the Licchavis, Nepals trade ties with Tibet and China expanded, leading to a cultural and intellectual renaissance. The Malla dynasty, which ruled from the 10th to 18th centuries, imposed a uniform Hindu legal and social code on Nepal. Under the pressure of inheritance fights and Muslim invasions from northern India, the Malla were weakened by the early 18th century. The Gurkhas, led by the Shah dynasty, soon challenged the Mallas. In 1769, Prithvi Narayan Shah defeated the Mallas and conquered Kathmandu. Modern Nepal The Shah dynasty proved weak. Several of the kings were children when they took power, so noble families vied to be the power behind the throne. In fact, the Thapa family controlled Nepal 1806-37, while the Ranas took power 1846-1951. Democratic Reforms In 1950, the push for democratic reforms began. A new constitution was finally ratified in 1959, and a national assembly elected. In 1962, though, King Mahendra (r. 1955-72) disbanded the Congress and jailed most of the government. He promulgated a new constitution, which returned most of the power to him. In 1972, Mahendras son Birendra succeeded him. Birendra introduced limited democratization again in 1980, but public protests and strikes for further reform rocked the nation in 1990, resulting in the creation of a multiparty parliamentary monarchy. A Maoist insurgency began in 1996, ending with a communist victory in 2007. Meanwhile, in 2001, the Crown Prince massacred King Birendra and the royal family, bringing the unpopular Gyanendra to the throne. Gyanendra was forced to abdicate in 2007, and the Maoists won democratic elections in 2008.

How Children And Animals Are Very Similar Essay - 2439 Words

In many ways children and animals are very similar; but they have different needs. Children for instance, always need supervision because at a very young age they cannot fend for themselves. Animals, on the other hand need a different type of care, and it isn t as intense as a younger child. Along with the different care, they also need different types of attention. When volunteering we noticed the differences and similarities between young children and animals, and why it is important to help where the help is needed. We compared the fact that both the children and animals need people with free time to give their help, we compared how any type of help can make a difference, we contrasted the fact that they have different needs, and need help with completely different things, and how different people enjoy helping out differently. This project also helped us realize that a lot of us are not using our time wisely at times, and that we should schedule more volunteering sessions. Santiago On Monday, November 7th I volunteered at Lakeshore Park with The Dalton Correcaminos. It’s a soccer school that helps the underprivileged kids of Dalton, Georgia. They help the kids with anything they need and it’s all voluntary work; no one gets paid to help the kids have a better day to day life. This experience for me was great because I never had this growing up in New York City, with help like this maybe I could have made better decisions throughout the years. Animals on the otherShow MoreRelatedAnimal Rights And Human Rights923 Words   |  4 Pages Animal Rights â€Å"Nearly as many, 68 percent, were concerned or very concerned about the well-being of animals used in ‘sports’ or contests as well as animals in laboratories (67 percent) (Kretzer, 1).† Many people question whether an animal is capable of thought and emotions. Others feel as though animals are the equivalent of humans and should be treated as such. Since the 1800’s, animal rights has been a topic that has several different sides including two extremes. If animals can react to theirRead MoreHuman Suffering And Animal Suffering Should Be Given Equal Consideration1738 Words   |  7 Pagesand animal suffering should be given equal consideration. I will do so by using case studies that show animals have similar psychological effects when exposed to stressful conditions as humans do, and other means. (50 words) EXPOSITION Singer firsts sets up the basis of animal equality by using comparisons to women’s equality as well as race and gender equality. With women’s rights he concludes that because men and women are in many ways similar theyRead MoreLord of the Flies and Animal Farm Comparison1531 Words   |  7 Pagesbooks, despite the vastly different themes and story lines, both display similar meanings. Orwells story tells of farmyard disorder and the fatal lives of a group of farmyard animals. It is just as politically minded as Goldings tale of a life or death situation for a group of boys stranded on an island left with the supposed task of installing democracy into their new lives. The two books display themes of a slightly similar nature. They both focus on certain points, they both revolve around vagueRead MoreWe Are All Familiar With Bible Stories And Fairy Tales1473 Words   |  6 Pageswere put down on paper or made into a film. Stories which use outlandish situations to, ideally, teach the readers how to live as good people. Stories such as Cinderella, The Three Little Pigs, Snow White, Jonah and the Whale, Noah s Ark, Hansel and Gretel, and The Adventures of Pinocchio include situations which could not have possibly happened. These stories may help lull children to sleep but, at the same time, teach morals in a harsh or even violent manner.†¨ Like fairy tales, the Bible was writtenRead MoreAnalysis Of Gulliver s Travels By Jonathan Swift1470 Words   |  6 Pagescreative† (Morell). Because humans possess all these skills we automatically assume we are the dominant race. What if we knew animals possessed these skills as well? Would we still think we are superior? The fact is that, animals share and express human-like capabilities. Authors like Jonathan Swift have used their works to shine a light on the similarities between humans and animals. In Part IV of Jonathan Swift’s satirical novel, Gulliver’s Travels, Swift reverses the roles of humans (represented byRead MoreThe Impact on People of Animal Abuse1289 Words   |  6 Pagesschool children, fatally wounding two and injuring nine others, neighbors later informed police that Spencer had repeatedly abused dogs and cats often setting their tails on fire† (Finch 1). The situation of Spencer of abuse at a young age and carried on through her adult life. â€Å"Domestic abuse is directed toward the powerless, animal abuse and child abuse often go hand in hand. Parents who neglect an animal’s need for proper care or abuse animals may also abuse or neglect their own children. SomeRead MoreThe Harmful Myth Of Asian Superiority1468 Words   |  6 Pages Ronald Takaki point out how there is a big misconception with Asian Americans in toda y’s society in his article â€Å"The Harmful Myth of Asian Superiority.† Stating, â€Å"Asian Americans have increasingly come to be viewed as a ‘model minority.’†(Takaki, 117) Although that is not the case at all, most Asian Americans have to work hard to get to where they are. Moving up is not easy and not something they do to be looked at as role models or as pricks that take everyone’s jobs. They work hard and get moreRead MoreAre You My Mother?993 Words   |  4 Pagessearching for his mother who has left him unattended during the time he got out of the shell. From the very first moment, the hatchling wondered where his mother was and eventually he sets out on journey to find his mother. At first the hatchling meets a cat and ask, â€Å"Are you my mother?† (Eastman, 22). Every time it meets other animals, it ask the same question and was given the same answer. However at the very end, the hatchling sees a crane and this crane mir aculously led him back to the nest that he wasRead MoreThe Learning ( Or Behaviourist ) Approach1365 Words   |  6 PagesThe learning (or behaviourist) approach, at its core, is about how experience affects our behaviour and how we learn behaviours. This approach postulates that all humans are born as ‘blank slates’ and we become shaped by the environment that the person lives in. Behaviourism is concerned with the observable characteristics of humankind; their behaviour. This approach dismisses any internal workings because these workings are too subjective and difficult to observe; whereas observable behaviour canRead MoreThe Birth Of A Healthy Child964 Words   |  4 Pageschildren and from the faulty mitochondria from being passed on through the maternal line. Women who carry the mutated mitochondria may lose many children through miscarriages or an early death because of improper workings of organs such as the brain, heart and muscles due to the genetic defect i n mitochondria that should provide energy to the cells of the body, but does not (Sample, 2012). Some of the major supporters of this treatment come from the emotionally standpoint of couples who have struggled

Affirmative Action Equality or Reverse Discrimination free essay sample

What is interesting however, is that I am equipped with my usual assume items: GAP my major, extra-curricular achievements, etc , and have the advantage of being mixed-race. As a dual citizen, I can better fit the diverse profile that firms today are seeking. The underlying issue is that these employers are facing pressure to hire individuals that increase the racial, gender, and economic background diversity of the company. Even though it might give me the slight preference I need, I reject the belief that these non- discrimination profiles should be met and instead support the claim that employers should not be constrained in their decision making. Hirers should select applicants without bias and match them with their job according to their own merit and character. Any affirmative action should not be based on gender nor race, but instead should be financially based in order to provide a fair chance for success. The purpose of affirmative action is to level the playing field; to ensure that no matter the race, gender, or economic disadvantage, there is an equal opportunity for everyone. In the context of the hiring process, it means that nobody should be overlooked due to those reasons. According to American philosopher Louis P. Pajama (1 998), there is a division in the overreaching topic of affirmative action. Pajama separates the topic into two classes: weak and strong affirmative action with the distinguishing factor being that weak action seeks equal opportunity whereas strong goes for equal results. This strong type of affirmative action looks to compensate for groups of people that have been oppressed in the past. The advancement of people within the same group that had been historically discriminated upon does not truly aid the issue because those that faced the oppression are not present any longer (Fingers, 1998, p. 88). Such action only furthers the discrimination. Relating this advancement to workplace hiring, employers are pressured to specifically hire minorities or females. In some cases, the employer can benefit financially from a diverse hire. Former Time magazine writer, Lisa Attacked Culled, who was born and grew up in Japan, acknowledges the strong possibility that she may have been a quota hire. She writes that her boss was known for his trend of hiring to increase diversity and that he did receive bonuses for doing so (Culled 2007). The argument is not that Culled or any of the other employees that were aired due to a non-merit reason were not qualified to earn their positions. The argument is that in the process of searching for diversity, reverse discrimination occurred when a whole subset of the population was overlooked due to aspects outside of their control. Stated by American philosopher and Professor Carl Cohen (2003), There is no ethnic preference that can be benign. What may seemingly aid in the erasure of prior discrimination ultimately leads to new, unwanted discrimination. The moral problem here is that if person A is discriminated upon, he is due compensation. However, person A should not be due compensation at the expense of person B. Moreover, preferential or compensatory hiring has an overall negative effect economically. In order to avoid lawsuits and to create an appropriate and respectful environment, companies have to go through a diversity training process (Bergman 2012). In a study on diversity training, researchers found that the negative effects were more than just economic. Management diversity itself has been found to be damaged when firms make the training mandatory. The data collected over 30 years amounted to annual losses of millions of dollars by the hundreds of companies observed. (Dobbin, Kale, Kelly, 2007). Using this information to support the original claim that hiring to meet a diversity profile, we can see the compounding effect of discrimination and how affirmative action for those racially or sexually discriminated upon can be detrimental to them as well. Hiring based on merit and character certainly has its economic advantages. Suppose you have person A and person B. Both have equal ability but person B has a higher skill level than person A. Therefore, you would hire person B because he/she would not impose the training cost that person A would. Also, the time that person A would spend training, person B could spend working Fingers, 1998, p. 282). Of course, the disadvantage to solely hiring based upon merit would be the lack of equality. People with higher skill levels would us episodes go to prestigious institutions with heavy financial requirements. Therefore the individual starting from a lower class family would not have the equal opportunity that someone from a well to do family would. This is where believe affirmative action should be used; regardless of race or gender. In todays world, believe a man and woman equally able to succeed given the same tools and resources. Instead of focusing on leveling the difference teen men and women, we should devote our attention to those resources and in doing so, advance both men and women Minorities and majorities. As a result, we could minimalism the ill effects of reverse discrimination. Promotion and hiring due to nepotism and familial relations is an inherently unfair advantage that decreases the legitimacy of that individuals merit. Nepotism shares similarities to hiring based on a diversity fueled agenda in that the job applicant may not be qualified for the position. However, nepotism differs in that the employer may have a greater knowledge Of the applicants character since they are related. This relation could result in Stability and continuation (Durham, 2014). This personal knowledge could indeed make the applicant more qualified than individuals who are not related to the employer even if they are equal in all other aspects. Therefore, deciding against nepotism is seemingly more difficult and should be taken case by case. In an eye-opening excerpt, Stanford alumni David Sacks and Peter Thiele co- wrote about how the Stanford University admission process had begun to rethink why they were racially discriminated to the benefit of minorities. .. Why should the under-qualified son of a black doctor displace the qualified daughter of a Vietnamese boat refugee? They asked (Sacks Thiele, 1998). College admissions is one of the biggest steps in creating equal opportunity for individuals since an education provides the skills that makes one qualified to be employed. My argument supports the movement for an affirmative action that is based more upon ones financial background and eliminating the related barriers. Strong affirmative action has its g oal as compensation for historical wrongdoings. Believe that this causes more discrimination for hose receiving the action as well as reverse discrimination for those whose opportunity is taken away from them.