Nepal in a few words

Nepal is a landlocked country sandwiched between the two giants of India and China. A mountainous country, Nepal is home to the roof of the world, Mount Everest. Its population of 31 million is concentrated mainly in the capital, Kathmandu, the country's nerve center. Nepal is a fascinating country with a rich history and culture, marked by ethnic and multicultural diversity. Its parliamentary democracy is still young, and the country is gradually recovering from the aftermath of the civil war that lasted from 1996 to 2006. An important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists, Nepal also faces the challenges of climate change, which threatens its fragile environment.

Many challenges

Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world. In 2023, its GDP per capita was $1,210 (purchasing power parity), ranking it 191st out of 193 countries.

On April 25, 2015, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Nepal, causing widespread damage and a significant loss of life. More than 8,900 people were killed and 21,952 injured. The earthquake also destroyed many infrastructure projects and homes, as well as important historical monuments.

Poverty remains a major problem in Nepal. Nearly a quarter of the population still lives below the national poverty line. Income inequality is also high, with a small number of very wealthy individuals controlling much of the country's wealth.

The situation of children

Nepalese children are particularly affected by poverty. More than one million children under the age of 5 suffer from chronic malnutrition. The infant mortality rate is 39 deaths per 1,000 live births (it is 3.7 in France) and the under-5 mortality rate is 63 deaths per 1,000 live births (4.4 in France).

Access to education is also a challenge for Nepalese children. Nearly a quarter of children aged 6 to 14 are out of school. Girls and children from ethnic minority groups are most likely to be excluded from education.

Child labor

Child labor is a widespread problem in Nepal. Nearly one million children between the ages of 5 and 17 are working. They are often employed in dangerous and unsanitary conditions, and their work deprives them of their childhood and their right to education.

Government efforts

The Nepalese government has taken several measures to improve the situation of children. It has implemented a national poverty reduction program and increased spending on education and health. The government has also ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and has developed a national action plan for its implementation.

Why Bal Mitra Nepal?

Despite these efforts, many challenges persist for Nepalese children. Poverty, malnutrition, lack of access to education, and child labor continue to affect the lives of millions of children.

Nepal has made significant progress in economic development in recent years. However, poverty and inequality remain major challenges, and Nepalese children continue to be particularly vulnerable. It is important that the Nepalese government, with the help of the international community, continue to invest in programs and services that will improve children's lives.