Table of Contents
Map of Nepal 7
Introduction 8
Key Facts 10
1 Land and people 13
Geography 13
Climate 16
The People 18
A Brief History 20
Nepal Today 35
The Economy 38
2 Values and Attitudes 43
Civic Spirit and Community and Social Action 43
Karma, Dharma-Fatalism or a Spur to Action 44
The Caste System 46
The Importance of the Family 49
The Aphno Manche Concept-a Family Support Group 50
The Jagir Culture 51
Respect 53
Maintaining Face 54
Tradition and Superstition 55
Attitudes Toward Work and Keeping Up Appearances 55
Attitudes Toward Women 56
Same-Sex Love 60
Attitudes Toward Children 61
Attitudes Toward Neighboring Countries 61
Attitudes Toward Others 62
Nepali Perspectives on Time 65
3 Religion, customs, and traditions 67
Hinduism in Nepal 68
Buddhism in Nepal 79
Syncretism 83
Ancient Indigenous Beliefs Unique to Nepal 84
Non-Nepali Religions: Islam and Christianity 86
Religious Traditions and Rites of Passage 87
4 Making friends 95
Meeting Nepalis 95
Greetings and Other Courtesies 98
What Should I Talk About? 99
Humor 100
Nepali Hospitality 100
What Should I Wear? 102
Gifts 103
Neighbors 104
Expatriate Associations 105
Sports and Other Venues 105
5 The nepalis at home 107
Nepali Housing 107
Household Duties 112
The Nepali Day 113
Everyday Shopping 115
Children 117
Famtiy Events 118
Marriage 119
Education 120
Universities 122
6 Time Out 125
Leisure 125
Eating Out 126
Crowds and Finding Space 130
Singing-the Role of Song and Music in Daily Life 132
Shopping for Pleasure 133
Cultural and Social Life 135
Sports 141
The Great Outdoors 143
7 Travel, health, and safety 149
Arriving 149
Urban Transportation 151
Getting Around the Country 154
Where To Stay 158
Health and Safety 159
Natural Hazards 162
Crime 164
Don't Miss 165
8 Business briefing 171
Business Culture 172
Meetings 176
Negotiations 179
Contracts 180
Managing Disagreement 181
Bureaucracy and Overseas Business 182
Employment for Non-Nepalis 183
9 Communicating 185
Broadcast Media 188
The Press 189
The Telephone 191
The Internet 192
The Social Media Revolution 193
Mail 194
Conclusion 195
Further Reading 196
Index 198
