September 20: Nepal Adopts a New Constitution (2015)
Prayer Idea
Pray for the people and government of Nepal.
Map by Peter Hermes Furian / Shutterstock.com.
History Note
Nepal is a landlocked country in the Himalayan mountain region of Asia. It borders India to the west, south, and east, and it borders the region of Tibet in China to the north.
The Newar are the Indigenous people of the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal, and they still live there. The country of over 30 million people has many other ethnic groups. Based on Hindu ideas, people are also segregated into castes. In a caste system, people are considered to have higher or lower social standing based on their family history and occupation. Though the government has outlawed discrimination based on caste, the idea still affects how people relate to each other.
The ancient philosopher called Buddha was born in Nepal. Buddhist philosophy and Hindu philosophy have influenced Nepalese culture over the centuries. Today about 80% of Nepali are Hindu, about 8% are Buddhist, and 5% are Muslim. About 3% follow the traditional religion of Kirat and 2% are Christian.
Nepal suffered a devastating earthquake in 2015. That same year it adopted a new constitution that went into effect on September 20. The country continues to wrestle with political and cultural challenges about how its people can live and work together well.
This 2023 photo shows a view of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Photo by Peter Porrini / Shutterstock.com.
Learn More
This video highlights Nepal's first celebration of Constitution Day in 2016.
Find more resources at Homeschool History.
