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Kathmandu - background 
Kathmandu is by far the largest city in Nepal. It is the centre for trade and cultural life. The capital of Nepal is a fast-growing city and has changed from a contemplative town with small, quirky alleys to a bustling metropolis accommodating nearly 1,100,000 inhabitants. Kathmandu was founded in the 8th century. Since 1769, when the Kingdom of Nepal was established by the Schah dynasty, it has been the capital of Nepal. Migration of the mainly rural population into the city is still going on. The resulting changes and expansion of the city itself can be seen from the satellite images. There are many other interesting things to explore while carrying out the exercises provided. Not too long ago, the city of Kathmandu and the valley were synonymous of Nepal. The valley was isolated and only accessible by walking for long distances. Times have changed, but the valley is still the heart of Nepal. About 1,100,000 people now live in the capital and migration of the rural population continues. It has been an important area for many monarchs over the centuries, due to its enormous fertility. The fertile soil originates from a large lake which once covered almost the whole valley. The valley itself is bordered by steeply rising mountains.
The northern foothills have a considerable effect on the climate of the Kathmandu valley - the humid summer Monsoon is unable to surmount the Himalaya range, and this leads to an average rainfall of 1,400 mm in the valley itself.
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