The more Nepal 'modernizes' and the more complex its society becomes, the less understood it is in the South Asian neighborhood and beyond. The life and times of 23 million people in the democracy, is paradoxically an increasing area of darkness. This book describes how this uniquely diverse country is grappling with change and continuity, with some of the sharpest minds on Nepal writing on sixteen areas of Critical Importance. With their individual flair, emphasis and style of presentation, the essayists have contributed to a work that will be read as a standard reference on Nepal for some years to come.