Nepal has never been colonized, and is ruled by multiparty and constitutional monarchy. There are 14 Zones, 75 districts, 3914 Village Development Committees and 58 Municipalities in the country.
Our programs are designed to help both who want to observe their holidays in Nepal and to those who intend to volunteer purely for extended period of time. Nepal is a beautiful and varied country but it is one of extremes, and volunteers may encounter this in terms of climate and physical exertion. Volunteers may have to walk for considerable lengths of time over mountainous terrain in more or less pleasant climatic conditions.
Nepal is the poorest country in Asia and Volunteers will not be living surrounded by luxuries to which they are accustomed at home. Nepalese culture is far very different from that of the Western world and will require some adaptation and flexibility on the art of Volunteers. It is the responsibility of Volunteers to inform themselves as to the nature of their undertaking and the country they are visiting by researching as widely as possible. Although VIN is more than willing to help with this information we will not be responsible for Volunteers who fail to inform themselves as to the nature of their undertaking or the country to be visited.
Historically Nepal had been a very peaceful country. In the past years there have been increasing challenges involving the activities of different armed forcesl. However, as yet there have been only isolated incidences of these groups encountering Westerners in Nepal.. Nevertheless the situation has now been different. There is 8 party alligned government and Maoists are also the part of government. They have come to the peaceful mainstreming politics. We are going to have Constituational Assebly Election on 10th April 2008. It is hoped that this will ensure people to involve writing their constitution including from all the sectors' need.
VIN assures all volunteers that it takes reasonable measures to ensure that it places volunteers in easily accessible areas in the very unlikely event that serious problems of any nature should arise. After April 28, 2006, the political scenario has been changed. The King has reinstated the parliament. It means democracy has again been restored and the rebels have also been mild to it since their demand of Constitutional Assembly has been declared. Let's hope situation goes all right. However, as VIN cannot foresee how political issues might develop, it is very strongly recommended that Volunteers obtain their own independent travel advice from their own government or embassy of Nepal.
VIN will provide the structure of the Volunteer Program but Volunteers engage themselves at their own risk. To this end, we insist that all Volunteers must have their own personal insurance policy as included in the price of the Program and which we will organize unless particular arrangements are made with individual Volunteers.
The climate differs across Nepal's three regions from sub-tropical to freezing. The official language is Nepali, although there are others native languages are being used. Some 60 different ethnic groups, races and tribes are speaking more than hundred different local dialects.
Economy depends almost entirely upon agriculture; about 80% of the population derives its livelihood from farming. High population growth and deteriorating agricultural production have made it difficult for many in Nepal to meet their basic needs. The industries are based mostly on tourism, carpet, textile; jute, sugar and oilseed mills, cement and brick production.
Although primary education is free in Nepal, once students reach the higher grades of primary school attendance begins to decline as children are expected to help their parents at home and in the fields.
