Facts at a Glance
  • Location: South Asia – Southern part of Nepal bordering India
  • Terrain: Plain low-lying flat land, includes some valleys
  • Climate: Hot and humid subtropical summer, mild winter
  • Area: About 23,068 sq. km
  • Population: About 12 million (2009)
  • Language: Madhyadeshiya (Awadhi, Bhojpuri, Hindi, Maithili etc.)
  • Major Towns: Biratnagar, Rajbiraj, Janakpur, Birgunj, Nepal-gunj, Butwal, Dhangadhi, Mahendranagar
  • Famous Tourist Spots: Lumbini – the birth-place of Buddha (Buddhist pilgrimage and UNESCO world heritage site) Janakpur – the birth place of Sita (Hindu pilgrimage site) Bardiya and Chitwan National Parks Koshi Tappu and Parsa Wildlife Reserves
  • History and Politics:
    • Current regions of Madhesh handed over to Nepal by the East India Company through the treaty of 1816 (to support Nepal financially) and the treaty of 1860 (as a gift to Nepal for its help to British in suppressing the Sepoy Mutiny in India)
    • Madheshis struggling for rights and freedom for long: Nepal Tarai Congress formed in 1951, Madhesh Liberation Movement started in 1958, Sadbhavana Council in 1983, and Sadbhavana Party in 1990
    • Madhesh Movement 2007/8: Millions protested demanding autonomy, rights of self-determination and an end to racism and discrimination — four dozens killed and thousands injured