Nepal

Nepal is rich in tradition and culture. Majority of the Nepalese speak Nepali which is also the national language. Other important language include Newari, Vojpuri, Maithili, Awadhi etc. Generally speaking, most Nepalese in the central and eastern development regions speak Nepali fluently. However, there are many areas out west where people still do not speak Nepali. Most of this has to do with the fact that the development has been more intense in the central and eastern regions.The cultural diversity comes from the geographic division of Nepal. The people are divided into 36 castes according to their work position in the society, however this division is no longer believed and practiced. Marriage customs vary among the different castes. Traditional marriages are arranged by parents, although sometimes with the consent of the marriage partners. Nepalese are both vegetarian and non vegetarian. Rice with lentil soup and vegetable curry are often the main dishes in urban areas or among the rural upper classes. The middle castes eat goat or chicken when they are available, and occasionally eat water buffalo. 'Namaste' is the traditional greeting in Nepal. A person places his or her palms together with the fingers up in front of his or her chest or chin and says 'Namaste'.