Nepal

A small country of 147,000 km 2 (a fourth of the size of France), the Kingdom of Nepal is situated in Asia between India and China.

The only country in the world in which Hinduism was the national religion until 2006, Nepal has a population of 27.1 million of which a great majority are Hindus, with small Buddhist and Muslim minorities.

Numerous ethnic groups are represented in Nepal including: Sherpa, Khas, Kirat, Magar, Gurung, Newar, Tharu, Rai, Tamang, Bahun, Chhreti and Tibetans.

Conscience of the caste system remains widespread and deeply affects social behavior, despite such discrimination being illegal.

The population lives on agriculture and livestock farming (38%), as well as international aid. The manufacturing industry (23%) is limited to processing agricultural produce. Jute and rice are the main export crops. Tourism is the second largest industry: home to the world's highest summits and dotted with Hindu and Buddhist temples, Nepal has always fulfilled the dreams of those who love far away places.

Underemployment and inflation are high, and the living conditions of most Nepalese are among the worst on the planet. Slightly over half of the population lives in poverty and is effectively excluded from the distribution of revenue, which is clearly in favor of the higher castes. The eastern and central regions are more developed and wealthier than those of the west, and the distinct disparities between urban and rural populations are hard to ignore.

The 1990 constitution made Nepal a constitutional monarchy, yet today the political situation remains very unstable. Armed conflict between the government and the Maoist opposition movement has cut planned budget allotments to development, education, health and drinking water, thus affecting the entire population. Numerous families and children have had to flee fighting and retaliation and today find themselves on the street without any support. The most vulnerable among these are unquestionably Street Children without family ties, who have no home and live and/or work in the street. These children find themselves without any protection or necessary care to ensure their well-being and development of their full potentials.

Current Project:
> Protection of the Children of the Streets of Katmandou