Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
societies rising up against the more affluent urban society.
With several dominant religions, about 70 different languages,
and many different ethnic groups, Nepal is faced with a seriﾭ
ous challenge. How does a country ensure that its people think
of themselves first as (in this case) Nepalese, and second as
members of their tribal, ethnic, linguistic, or other group affiliﾭ
ation? Nepal will continue to have problems drawing its diverse
people together and creating a Nepalese national identity.
Economic growth and development constitute a huge chalﾭ
lenge to Nepal. The country continues to be dominantly rural,
and the majority of its people continue to practice a subsistence
folk economy. Meanwhile, neighboring India and China are
experiencing tremendous economic growth. To catch up with
them, Nepal must introduce many reforms, learn many lessons,
and continue its current political stability. Political stability,
peaceful conditions, and adequate security are keys to achievﾭ
ing economic development and prosperity.
Because of its past political situation, including the recent
decade of Maoist terrorist activity, Nepal has attracted very little
foreign investment. Even its own citizens have been reluctant
to invest in their country. Hopefully, the situation will change
under the current and future governments. If the economy is to
grow, it is also essential that deepﾭrooted corruption be stopped.
This will be difficult to accomplish, because it has become a
way of life in the country. Corruptionﾭhand in hand with
conflictﾭhas discouraged both foreign aid and international
investments in Nepal.
Despite the many challenges that it faces, Nepal appears
to be on the brink of a new age. Finally, it has achieved some
semblance of political stability. This, in turn, will open the door
to economic investment and development. Development of
its massive hydroelectric potential can provide a tremendous
boost to the country's economy. So, too, can expanded irrigaﾭ
tion and crop production. It is, however, tourism that offers the
greatest potential for future economic development. Wouldn't
