Nepal is an independent state, a country of over 28 million people, situated between two giant neighbours: China to the north and India to the south, east and west. The population of Nepal includes both Indo-Aryan and Mongoloid strains. Their blending, long history, culture and civilisation have shaped the character of the population. In the extreme north, where higher mountains and deep valleys are to be found, dwell people of Tibetan origin, who are known as the Bhotes. Of Mongoloid origin, the Gurungs and the Magars are to be found mostly in the western part of the country. The Murmis, Tamangs and Newars occupy the central parts, and the Kirantis, Limus and Lepchas are found mainly in the eastern part of the country. Of Aryan origin, Brahmans and Kshatrias are scattered in different hill regions.

Being a multi-ethnic nation, Nepal has more than 125 languages and a great variety of cultures. Hinduism is the major religion. Buddhism and animism also have a strong presence. Islam is a minority faith, as is Christianity. The latter is a growing religion but it is still not fully recognised by the government and Christians suffer persecution.

Prior to 1990, the king was an absolute monarch and banned a multiparty democratic system. In the 1990s, this ban was relaxed. People had a very high expectation of democracy, to the extent of believing that their situation would be magically changed. So far not many of their expectations have been fulfilled. Citizens have affiliations with various parties and with some of the extreme groups that have resorted to violence. The political situation in Nepal is very unstable and the government is not able to provide security to its citizens. Many live in fear and anxiety. There is no political courtesy among the political parties; it seems they are there to pull down and fight one another. The political situation is a threat to the norms of democracy. It is widely felt that the principles of democracy are good but those who are given the responsibilities to implement democratic principles are not mature people.

Outline of the History of Christianity in Nepal

The earliest Christian contact with the land of Nepal took place in 1662, when Italian Capuchin priests passed through Nepal en route to Tibet.