Nepal, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a sovereign nation located in the Himalayan region of South Asia. It is renowned for its dramatic geography, which encompasses the fertile Indo-Gangetic Plain, subalpine hills, and the world's highest mountain ranges, including Mount Everest. Sharing extensive borders with India to the south, east, and west, and bordering China to the north, Nepal is a highly diverse, multi-ethnic, and multi-cultural society. The country's capital and largest city is Kathmandu, serving as a historical and cultural hub. Its unique position has made it a crossroads of civilizations, attracting global attention for its natural beauty and rich heritage.