Nepeconomic.com
The Analysis..

Features of Nepalese economy

MASS POVERTY

Nepalese people are very poor. About 42 percent of the total population of Nepal is steeped in absolute poverty, according to current estimate of National Planning Commission.  According to World Bank/UNDP study, poverty incidence is estimated to be around 70 percent. Estimates vary. But the fact is that poverty is widespread in the country.

Regarding food intake, the minimum calorie requirement is regarded to be about 2,256 calories per capita. But the existing level is only about 2,047 calories per capita. Protein intake is negligible and minerals and vitamins are almost inaccessible. Malnutrition and diseases resulting from malnutrition are rampant.

Per capita availability is only 0.80 pair of shoes and 0.67 pieces of Dhoti in the Terai. A minimum of 11 meters of clothing materials is estimated to be necessary per capita. But over 40 percent people of Nepal are unable to fulfill even this minimum requirement.

According to living Standard Survey recently completed, 51 percent Nepalese households have les than adequate food consumption, 64 percent have less than adequate housing, 52 percent have less than adequate clothing, 59 percent have less than adequate health care and 45 percent have less than adequate schooling.

Thus, Nepalese people are underfed and are steeped in poverty.

Wide range of topography
Variety of climate
Mass poverty
Dependency on agriculture
High rate of population growth
Unfavorable foreign trade
Under-utilized natural resources