Do gurkhas form the majority in Nepal?

[golok]

Since khukuris are linked to the Gurkhas, I was wondering what the proportion of Gurkhas to the rest of the population in Nepal?

Are the Gurkhas a community by themselves and are they very different from the other Nepalese?

I know khukuris have become a symbol of Nepal besides other things but I am more curious about the Gurkhas.

The only thing I know about the Gurkhas is that they are among the best fighting soldiers in the world.

Can somebody shed some light on this community of people?

 

[Bill Martino]

They are by far a tiny minority of the population. The acceptance rate of about 1 in 500 for British Army Service gives you an idea. Many more serve in the Indian Army but the prestige is not as high as British Army Service nor is the pay as good.

Most Gorkhas go back to their native village and live just like the other villagers except better because they have the retirement pay -- not much by our standards but most are top dogs in the village. Some start small hostels for trekkers or restaurants which adds to the income and provides some cash employment for a few villagers.

 

[Walosi]

Golok:

Here is the Google search engine for Nepal:

http://www.google.com/intl/ne/

Type in "Gorkha", and it will give you ten pages of sites. Some don't answer your question (like Gorkha Airlines site ) but there are many others that you may find interesting, and hundreds of links from these.