By: Prem K. Amatya
When I introduced myself to a Canadian friend, she asked the most dreaded question, again:
"Where is Nepal?" 
It wasn’t the first time I had faced the question. It’s not only asked by Canadians, my Chinese and Indian friends had also asked me the same question before. The question in itself is simple but, the answer isn’t that simple. I have tried various version of answers and no single answer had satisfied my friends. They would ask more questions until I could show them the map. Here are some of the answers:
- Nepal is in Asia.
- Nepal is located North of India.
- Nepal is located South of China.
- Nepal is located in between India and China.
- Nepal is the country of Mt. Everest.
- Nepal is the country of Buddha.
None of these answers are self-sufficient to answer the ‘where is Nepal’ question. Nepal is in Asia and so do 48 other nations. It is in between China and India, on the North of India and South of China. But there are other countries situated in that place like Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Some even think Mt. Everest is in China and they believe I was lying if I tell them about it’s exact location. Now, India is also trying it’s best to take away the Buddha’s birthplace.
Since childhood, we were told that were free forever and no foreign country had ever ruled us. But, that doesn’t change anything. I can’t define my identity on that basis.
People are still asking me, "Where is Nepal?" And, maps aren’t always available. So, can you please suggest a better answer?
doesn’t matter, its not necessary that everyone should know where nepal is. just like in nepal, many do not know where canada is.
You sound so inferior when it comes to answer the simple question. If their knowledge about your [and my] country is poor, what can you do. George Bush was not aware of where is Europe and perhaps London, when he was elected President of US, Justin biever is not aware where is Germany. Just because you know the other country history and its where about it should not make you feel inferior about you being and belonging to small and very unknown country.