In recent years Nepal’s economic and social wellbeing have been undermined by political insecurity. The king was assassinated and his replacement was nowhere near as popular. Governments were dismissed out of hand, and for a decade at least Maoist guerillas terrorised much of the country. Pictures of the king and queen once hung in temples as well as homes and businesses. The caste system remains in force but migration and changes in life style associated with economic development have softened some of the boundaries between groups. Awareness of different value systems through exposure to film and TV (and tourists!) have also weakened the hold of entrenched customs. Agriculture accounts for only 40% of Nepal’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) but employs 76% of its labour force. A further 18% are employed in services, and 6% in manufacturing and craft-based industries. Almost half the population of working age are unemployed or underemployed; and many Nepalese have moved to India, the Gulf States and Malaysia in search of work: and some much further afield.