![Nepal [Shutterstock]](https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Nepal-2123x1406.jpg)
International Travel Information
What you need to know before you go: visas, Embassy & Consulate locations, vaccinations, etc.
International Travel Information: Learn MoreHighlights
April 12, 2019
April 1, 2019
U.S. Relationship
U.S.-Nepal Relations
The U.S. recognized Nepal in 1947, and the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1948. Bilateral relations are friendly, and U.S. policy objectives toward Nepal center on helping it build a peaceful, prosperous, resilient and democratic society. The U.S. works with Nepal to support inclusive and effective governance, promote political stability and economic development, decrease the country’s dependence on humanitarian assistance, and increase its ability to make positive contributions to regional security and the broader global community. Nepal is one of the largest contributors of troops to international peacekeeping missions.
U.S. Assistance to Nepal
Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world and is prone to natural disasters. The country faces several medium- and long-term development challenges, including poor transportation and energy infrastructure, and high vulnerability to climate change. U.S. assistance seeks to cement gains in peace and security, further the democratic transition, support the continued delivery of essential social services, scale up proven and effective health interventions, reduce extreme poverty and address the challenges of food insecurity and climate change.
Bilateral Economic Relations
The U.S. and Nepal have signed a trade and investment framework agreement, providing a forum for bilateral talks to enhance trade and investment, discuss specific trade issues, and promote more comprehensive trade agreements between the two countries. Principal U.S. exports to Nepal include agricultural products, aircraft parts, optic and medical instruments and machinery. U.S. imports from Nepal include carpets, apparel and jewelry.
![Nepal Flag: Crimson red with a blue border around the unique shape of two overlapping right triangles; the smaller, upper triangle bears a white stylized moon and the larger, lower triangle displays a white 12-pointed sun; the color red represents the rhododendron (Nepal's national flower) and is a sign of victory and bravery, the blue border signifies peace and harmony; the two right triangles are a combination of two single pennons (pennants) that originally symbolized the Himalaya Mountains while their charges represented the families of the king (upper) and the prime minister, but today they are understood to denote Hinduism and Buddhism, the country's two main religions; the moon represents the serenity of the Nepalese people and the shade and cool weather in the Himalayas, while the sun depicts the heat and higher temperatures of the lower parts of Nepal; the moon and the sun are also said to express the hope that the nation will endure as long as these heavenly bodies. Note: Nepal is the only country in the world whose flag is not rectangular or square. [CIA World Fact Book]](https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/np-lgflag.gif){kind=small}