Religion & Language. Nepal's 21milion population is comprised of diverse ethnic groups having their own languages and cultures. The Newars, who are acclaimed for their unique artistry and culture, dominate the Kathmandu Valley, whereas the Sherpas, who are renowned more for their mountaineering skill, inhabit in the northern mountains. Brahmins and Chhetris, two of the nation's most dominant communities, are almost everywhere, and the Tamangs, Rais, Limbus, Magars and Gurungs - the ethnic groups known more as brave Gurkha soldiers - dwell mostly in mid-hills. Maithili, Tharu, Bhojpuri and other ethnic communities have their dwellings in the Terai plains.

Nepal has always been a dividing line between civilization and cultures, and a cross roads for the flow of commerce and culture between them, where the plains of the subcontinent climb up to the high plateau of Tibet, the languages and people of India give way to those of China and the Hindu religion blends into Buddhism. Nepal, the land at the margin, is often a complex blend of the two influences and this variation is further complicated by the diversity of ethnic groups within the country.

Religious practice is an important part of the Nepalese way of life. Two main religions are dominant in Nepal: Hinduism and Buddhism. Hinduism is made up of thousand of gods and goddesses. Bramha, Vishnu and Shiva are three major Gods, but each has a complex tapestry of manifestations and incarnations. Each deity also has a vehicle, which is often seen kneeling faithfully outside the shrine. Buddhism is the second major religion in Nepal. Shakyamuni Buddha, who was born in Nepal around 6th century BC, is the founder of Buddhism. The great Buddhist Stupas of Swoyambhu and Bauddha in the Kathmandu Valley are among the oldest and most beautiful worship sites in Nepal. Nepali, like Hindi, is written in the Dev-nagari script. It is Nepal's national language, apart from being the lingua franca of the country's divergent communities that speak mutually unintelligible language and dialects. English is also widely spoken and understood in urban areas. In Tourism sector people speaks English, Japanese, French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese and other foreign languages.