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Neolithic tools have been found in the Kathmandu Valley and these suggest that people have been living in the Himalayan region for at last 9,000 years. Documented history unfortunately do;es not go back that far, with records beginning in the 4th century AD.

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The ongoing struggle for power among the Nepalese nobility ended in 1846, with the rise of the Rana family. The Rana’s ruled the country until 1950 and the Shah dynasty kings simply became figureheads. Under the Rana’s, Nepal became isolated from foreign influence, which helped them to maintain independence, but it also prevented development and modernisation.

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The 1990s saw weekly demonstrations and political turmoil in Nepal. A Maoist uprising began in rural Nepal, but this was only the start of the problems. The king and many members of the royal family were killed by the crown prince in June 2001.

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The reinstatement of parliament in April 2006 saw a rapid series of governmental changes. The monarchy was stripped of its powers and privileges, although it was not abolished, and the government began talks with the rebels, who in June agreed to join an interim government.

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