Nepal Country Report

Nestled among the Himalayas between regional anchors India and China, Nepal is a chronically underdeveloped state that has been consolidating its democracy as a republic since the abolition of the monarchy in 2008. The political situation remains fractious with frequent changes in government. Political volatility is likely in the coming years due to mistrust among political parties, weak institutions and perceived corruption that hinders policy-making. Internal conflict revolves around ethnic tensions and issues of autonomy, particularly in the Terai region. Armed groups may stage low-level attacks. Criminal activity is somewhat high, especially in urban areas, and can affect foreign nationals, with the main risk coming from petty theft. Protests and strike activities occur frequently and can quickly escalate into violence. Police often respond with tough crowd control measures. Corruption is widespread. Business travelers may experience requests for facilitation payments.

In general, roads are in very poor condition. Cross-border routes are utilized by criminals. Local driving conditions are chaotic. Earthquakes can occur, and poor infrastructure makes the country more vulnerable to damage and disruption from seismic activity. Violent storms bring frequent landslides and rock falls during the rainy season from June to September. Flooding also occurs in the south. Landmine contamination is widespread, particularly in rural areas. There is a malaria risk in the Terai valley, and altitude sickness can be an issue in areas of high elevation. Medical facilities are generally of lower standards than in the West and can be extremely limited in rural areas.

Internal conflict revolves around ethnic tensions and issues of autonomy, particularly in the Terai region. Criminal activity is somewhat high and can affect foreign nationals, with the main risk coming from petty theft. Armed groups with links to the former Maoist-led insurgency have staged periodic low-level attacks in the past, primarily in the Terai region. Protests and strike activities occur frequently and can quickly escalate into violence. Police often respond with tough crowd control measures.

There is significant concern over the safety of domestic flights within the country, though international flights to and from Kathmandu have much better safety records.

Cross-border routes are utilized by criminals and local driving conditions are chaotic.

Nepal is a land-locked country and relies on the Port of Kolkata in India.

Power outages occur occasionally and can affect large sections of the country.

Most cyber attacks are unsophisticated, but concern over the issue is growing. In general, roads are in very poor conditions.

Various climate zones exist depending on elevation, from sub-tropical in the south to temperate in the center and a polar-type climate in the Himalayas. Landmine contamination is widespread across much of the country, particularly in rural areas. Periodic earthquakes occur, and poor infrastructure makes the country more vulnerable to damage from a high-magnitude event. Violent storms bring frequent landslides and rock falls during the rainy season from June to September. Flooding also occurs in the south.

Nepal has several diseases and health threats including dengue fever and typhoid fever. Medical services are very limited, and serious conditions will likely require evacuation to a nearby country with more advanced medical facilities. Cash payment is required upfront for all services rendered. Tap water is not considered safe to drink.

Corruption is widespread, and business travelers may experience requests for facilitation payments. The judicial system is plagued by corruption and inefficiency. Police are not generally considered reliable. The political situation is fractious with frequent changes in government. The country currently faces no international sanctions.