In this article, we analyze the aspects related to living and working in Nepal. Nepal is a small country with an area slightly larger than Greece. In this small geographical area there are eight of the ten highest peaks in the world. Nepal, which is also called the “roof of the world”, is located exactly in the middle between China and India, which it borders on the north and south, respectively.
There is no denying that it is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It has enormous tourist potential and is one of the 10 most popular destinations for travelers from all over the world. Kathmandu, the capital and most populous city, is the center of life in the country and also receives the most visitors coming to Nepal.
Kathmandu is located in the central part of the country and is surrounded by green hills. Nepal’s economy is concentrated here, as Kathmandu is the only developed and populated metropolis in the country. Traffic in the city is terrible because there are vehicles everywhere and there are no traffic rules. Driving to Kathmandu during rush hour is exhausting and just not worth it. Air pollution is very high, water is not drinkable, electricity is not always available. These problems combined with poor health care do not make the city attractive for emigration.
In contrast, life in a small town, is completely different. Food has to be grown locally or delivered by donkey. The small hospital provides basic medical care and is very sparsely equipped. Smaller towns do not even have these facilities.
Its inhabitants are generally very receptive to people coming from the western part of the planet. In addition, a high percentage of them have a good command of English. The people are wonderfully friendly and optimistic, even when living in the most desperate and difficult circumstances. The Nepalese are honest and humble, and people live in peace with each other. The Nepalese are fundamentally spiritual, without hypocrisy or superficiality.
Even if you can save on rent, the same is not true for food. Since Nepal has a fairly harsh geography, many goods have to be imported, and prices are quite high. The same goes for transportation, which is undoubtedly expensive. With an average local salary ($100 – $400), you will have a hard time making ends meet as the cost of living is quite high.
Nepal has a public and a private health care system, both of which are below international standards. The best medical care is in Kathmandu, with general hospitals and private clinics that can provide modern medicines. Education in Nepal is improving. The literacy rate is steadily increasing, but few students complete their education, and the dropout rate after elementary school is high.
Nepal is located in the Himalayas, so it is not surprising that transportation is limited. The north of the country is virtually isolated, while the center and south of the country are somewhat better connected. There is some public transportation in Kathmandu. Many people travel by bicycle.
Nepal is one of the least developed countries in the world. Per capita income is just over €1,200 per year, and one in four residents lives in poverty. Despite this, GDP is growing by 6% per year.
While much of the economic activity revolves around agriculture, many expats seek work in the tourism sector (which is growing). The government is encouraging investment in infrastructure and the service sector, which presents an opportunity for those who choose to invest in this area. If all the inconveniences in Nepal are not an obstacle, adventurous people can take advantage of the opportunities offered by the country’s government, both for investment and for developing the potential that exists in the nation of eight thousand. In short, although the country is one of the poorest in the world, it offers many future prospects for tourism.
Most of the organizations are based in Kathmandu. Compared to all other cities, Kathmandu offers a high level of job opportunities in both the public and private sectors. However, there is also tremendous competition. So if you want to get a good job, your skills and qualifications are not always enough, you also need to know someone important. Most foreigners working in Nepal are part of missions of international organizations.
These are some of the sectors where there is more demand:
- Marketing
- Finance
- Information technology
- Technique
- Teaching
These are the top job search websites in Nepal:
For those who want to start their own business instead, I recommend these sectors:
- Agricultural sector
- Hospitality
- Consulting
Living in Nepal
Living in Nepal can be difficult, easy or great
Living in Nepal can be difficult
Due to the lack of basic services such as electricity, water, transportation, communications, etc. Sometimes, even with money, it is not possible to buy even the simplest and most ordinary things (because they are simply not there).
Living in Nepal can be good
The standard of living is very simple compared to other countries. Therefore, social differences are not so great and you will be surrounded by friendly and optimistic people.
Living in Nepal can be great
Living in a small country with such a great diversity of natural landscapes and the spirituality that permeates the land.