NEPAL: A BRIEF BACKDROP
Let us not underestimate Nepal's status in the overall picture of the world. It is but a small country, roughly 140 km in breadth and 800 km in length with a total area of 145,305 sq. km., landlocked and sandwiched between two giants, China and India. However, it's unique geological formation and its geographical location makes it an outstanding country in the world.
The presence of the majestic Himalayas on the northern boundary plays a crucial role in the worldwide weather pattern. It boasts of the highest mountain on earth, Mt. Everest, at 8,848 m. along with 7 others of the 14 peaks above 8,000 meters. The perpetual snow, besides providing picturesque vistas, has an extremely important role in the country's ecosystem: it is the sourcce of Nepal’s great rivers that provide life giving water. Less than 120 km to the south, the altitude decreases to a mere 60 m. Between the two altitudinal ends, there exits such a considerable diversity of flora and fauna that it makes Nepal even more unique.
Take for example, Nepal harbors over 8,350 species of plants (out of which 246 flowering plants are endemic) and 1,349 species of vertebrates. Snow leopard (Unica unica), musk deer (Moschus moschiferus), red panda (Ailurus fulgens) in the alpine region and the famed one-horned rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis) and the Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris) in the tropical regions are few of the larger mammals that have placed Nepal’s country as a vital location in the map of the world for preservation of these rare creatures. In terms of wildlife and natural habitats, Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world.
The vast natural resources of Nepal play important roles in the overall ecosystem and its link to that of the entire cannot be light. It is therefore, a priority people must give to ensure that its continuity remains secure for future generations.
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