Hindu 80.6%, Buddhist 10.7%, Muslim 4.2%, Kirant 3.6%, other 0.9% (2001 census) note: only official Hindu state in the world
Roman Catholic, Protestant, indigenous Mayan beliefs
Languages
Nepali 47.8%, Maithali 12.1%, Bhojpuri 7.4%, Tharu (Dagaura/Rana) 5.8%, Tamang 5.1%, Newar 3.6%, Magar 3.3%, Awadhi 2.4%, other 10%, unspecified 2.5% (2001 census) note: many in government and business also speak English (2001 est.)
Spanish 60%, Amerindian languages 40% (23 officially recognized Amerindian languages, including Quiche, Cakchiquel, Kekchi, Mam, Garifuna, and Xinca)
coffee, sugar, petroleum, apparel, bananas, fruits and vegetables, cardamom
External Debt
$3,777,000,000 $
$15,670,000,000 US
Exchange Rate
Nepalese rupees (NPR) per US dollar - NA (2007), 72.446 (2006), 72.16 (2005), 73.674 (2004), 76.141 (2003)
quetzales (GTQ) per US dollar - 7.5895 (2008 est.), 7.6833 (2007), 7.6026 (2006), 7.6339 (2005), 7.9465 (2004)
Military Budget as percentage of GDP
1.600%
0.400%
Beijing Olympics Medal Count
Location
Southern Asia, between China and India
Central America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between El Salvador and Mexico, and bordering the Gulf of Honduras (Caribbean Sea) between Honduras and Belize
Area
147,181 km sq
108,889 km sq
Coastline
0 km
400 km
Climate
varies from cool summers and severe winters in north to subtropical summers and mild winters in south
tropical; hot, humid in lowlands; cooler in highlands
