Background: In 1951, the Nepalese monarch ended the century-old system of rule by hereditary premiers and instituted a cabinet system of government. Reforms in 1990 established a multiparty democracy within the framework of a constitutional monarchy. A Maoist insurgency, launched in 1996, has gained traction and is threatening to bring down the regime, especially after a negotiated cease-fire between the Maoists and government forces broke down in August 2003. In 2001, the crown prince massacred ten members of the royal family, including the king and queen, and then took his own life. In October 2002, the new king dismissed the prime minister and his cabinet for "incompetence" after they dissolved the parliament and were subsequently unable to hold elections because of the ongoing insurgency. While stopping short of reestablishing parliament, the king in June 2004 reinstated the most recently elected prime minister who formed a four-party coalition government, which the king subsequently tasked with paving the way for elections to be held in spring of 2005. Citing dissatisfaction with the government's lack of progress in addressing the Maoist insurgency, the king in February 2005 dissolved the government and assumed power.
April 18th 2008Asia » Nepal » Patan Here are some pictures of an afternoon out in Patan, we were shown round by some existing volunteers. I hope you like the pictures ... 14 photos[full story]
March 12th 2008Asia » Nepal » Patan After six days without a shower and living on a diet of predominately dahl bhat and Tibetan momos, it was nice to return to Kathmandu for some Nepali-style Mexican food (even if it is based on buffalo ... 19 photos[full story]
December 29th 2007Asia » Nepal » Patan On the afternoon of Friday 21st December my parents, my newly-arrived-from -the-UK brother and I set off for Dhaka airport on our way to Nepal. Those of you who have encountered Biman Bangladesh Airl ... 8 photos[full story]
Map of Nepal
Nepal's Flag
