Nepal: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture (Culture Smart!)

In the popular imagination, Nepal is a land of eternal snow,where heroic mountaineers and Sherpas valiantly plant flags on theroof of the world, or perish in the attempt. And yet there is farmore to Nepal than the ultimate challenge to mountaineers. It hasto be one of the most diverse countries in the world, for itsclimate, scenery, flora, fauna, and not least on account of thecomplex variety of its cultural, ethnic, and religious weave.Never a colony, Nepal was isolated from the rest of the worldfor centuries. Its extreme terrain has both protected it fromoutside influence and slowed its development. Its relativeinaccessibility has allowed pockets of contrasting cultures toflourish. At the same time, these have largely coexisted in peace,thanks to a tolerance, openness, and mutual respect that prevail byand large to this day.Culture Smart! Nepal introduces you to the cultural, ethnic, andreligious mosaic that is Nepal. It seeks to explain thecomplexities of all aspects of Nepalese life, from the home, to themarketplace, to the office. It describes how the country’sgeography and history have helped shape contemporary society, andhow religion defines social structures and leaves its indelibleimprint on the Nepalese mentality. It helps you to understandNepalese attitudes and values, giving you an idea of what toexpect, and how to avoid faux pas.You are unlikely to meet an unfriendly face in Nepal. It may beone of the ten poorest countries in the world, but you will alwaysbe made welcome. Whatever the reason for your visit, understandingthe cultural backdrop will help you get beyond the friendly smilesand greetings, making it an extremely enlightening and rewardingexperience. Namaste!