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Capital: Kathmandu
Population: 28,563,377
Religions: Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Kirant
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Languages: Nepali, Maithali, Bhojpuri, Tharu (Dagaura/Rana), Tamang, Newar, Magar, Awadhi
Ethnic Groups: Brahman, Chhettri, Magar, Tharu, Tamang, Newar, Kami, Yadav, Muslim
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State Dept. Religious Freedom Reports
2008
Religious Atmosphere:
- Nepal used to be the world's only official Hindu state. Hindus make up 81% of the population while 11% of the people are Buddhist and 4% are Muslim. The Christian population is small but growing. It is estimated that there are around 800,000 Christians in Nepal with at least 300 churches operating in Kathmandu. People who convert from Hinduism to another religion may be socially ostracized, and proselytizing is officially prohibited.
Extremist Groups:
- Various Hindu and Maoist extremist groups exist.
Government:
- New Interim government established in 2007 is officially secular and protects the right to practice one's religion.
- The Interim Constitution denies the right to proselytize.
Year 2009 Update:
Suggested Actions You Might Take:
- Pray for the Christians of Nepal that they may be better protected from harm and harassment and that the Christian message may be heard and received by all.
- Write a respectful letter to one or more government officials at the address listed below. Request information about what steps the government is taking to ensure their protection and freedom to practice their faith as laid out in the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights documents.
- Contact the elected national officials (Senators, Congressman etc.) for your area as well as the U.S. State Department and express concern for the well being of the Christians in Nepal asking them to make an inquiry into their status.
- Please keep us informed of any replies or results you may receive! Contact ICC by email at icc@persecution.org.
Official Contacts:
President Ram Baran Yadav
Kathmandu, NEPAL
Ambassador (vacant)
Charge d''''Affaires: Kali Pokhrel
Embassy of Nepal
2131 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
Tel: (202) 667-4550
Fax: (202) 667-5534
Email: info@nepalembassyusa.org |
Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations
820 Second Avenue, Suite 17B
New York, NY 10017
Tel: (212) 370-3988/3989
Fax: (212) 953-2038
E-mail: nepal@un.int |
*We make every attempt to keep up with and reflect changes in the national government of
each country and the current human rights situation. We appreciate your feedback if you find any discrepancies in this information. You can contact us by e-mail at ICC@PERSECUTION.ORG . Thanks.
POSTED: May 21,2004
Articles on Nepal:
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