Geography of Nepal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Geography of Nepal |
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| Continent | Asia |
| Region | Southern Asia coordinates = 28°00′N 84°00′E / 28.000°N 84.000°E |
| Area | Ranked 93rd |
| • Total | 147,181 km2 (56,827 sq mi) |
| • Land | 92.94% |
| • Water | 7.06% |
| Coastline | 0 km (0 mi) |
| Borders | Total land borders: 2,926 km (1,818 mi) China (PRC): 1,236 km (768 mi) India: 1,690 km (1,050 mi) |
| Highest point | Mount Everest 8,848 m (29,029 ft) |
| Longest river | Karnali |
| Largest lake | Rara Lake |
Nepal is a beautiful country located in Asia, specifically in South Asia. It's a landlocked nation, meaning it has no coastline. Instead, it's surrounded by land on all sides. To the north, Nepal shares a border with China's Tibet Autonomous Region, and on its other three sides, it borders India.
This amazing country stretches about 800 kilometers (497 mi) along the Himalayas, the world's highest mountain range. It's also about 150 to 250 kilometers (93 to 155 mi) wide. With a total area of 147,181 square kilometers (56,827 sq mi), Nepal is a bit larger than the state of Arkansas in the United States.
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Nepal's Mountainous Landscape
Nepal is famous for its incredible mountains, including Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. Mount Everest stands tall at 8,848 m (29,029 ft). The country's landscape changes a lot from south to north, going from flat plains to towering peaks.
The Terai Plains
In the southern part of Nepal, you'll find the Terai region. This area is mostly flat and fertile, with a tropical climate. It's an extension of the Indo-Gangetic Plain and is very important for farming. Many people live here, and it's a busy agricultural region.
The Middle Hills
North of the Terai are the Middle Hills. This region has a cooler climate and is home to many valleys and hills. It's where the capital city, Kathmandu, is located. The Middle Hills are known for their beautiful terraced farmlands, where farmers grow crops on slopes.
The Himalayan Mountains
Further north, the landscape rises dramatically into the Himalayas. This is where you'll find the world's highest mountains, including eight of the fourteen peaks over 8,000 meters (26,000 feet). Besides Mount Everest, other famous peaks include Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. This region is home to glaciers and is much colder, with very little vegetation at higher altitudes.
Rivers and Lakes
Nepal has many rivers that flow down from the Himalayas. These rivers are fed by melting snow and glaciers. The longest river in Nepal is the Karnali River. These rivers are important for irrigation, hydropower, and even for adventure sports like rafting.
Nepal also has beautiful lakes. The largest lake is Lake Rara, located in the western part of the country. These lakes add to Nepal's stunning natural beauty.
Climate and Environment
Nepal's climate varies greatly depending on the altitude. The southern plains have a hot, humid climate, while the middle hills have a milder, temperate climate. The high Himalayas are very cold, with snow and ice year-round.
The country's diverse geography means it has many different types of plants and animals. From tropical forests in the Terai to alpine meadows in the mountains, Nepal is rich in biodiversity. Protecting this natural environment is very important.
Images for kids
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Annotated version of the Himalayas
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The Middle Hills region
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Satellite image of Nepal in October 2002
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Nepal's towns, villages, rivers, and peaks
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A land cover map of Nepal
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Terraced farmland in Nepal
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