Country Assistance Evaluations are, in essence, country-wide impact evaluations that concentrate on the impact and development effectiveness of the Bank s whole program of assistance to each country. They have essentially the same relationship to the Bank s overall assistance program that performance audits have to individual lending operations. They provide an opportunity to assess lending and advisory and analytical activities in the context of the overall country assistance strategy, the Bank s impact on country policies, and its aggregate contribution to global development priorities. Country Assistance Evaluation Nepal's per capita income and social indicators are among the lowest in the world.
Rugged terrain makes communication and transport difficult.
A legacy of elitist rule, weak public management, poor infrastructure, unskilled labor, and sparse public social services are major constraints to development. On the positive side, Nepal is located in between two large potential markets, it is an attractive tourist destination, and has extensive hydroelectric potential. The objectives are to establish accountability, derive lessons of experience, and provide recommendations for action. After discussion with the government, a revised report will be distributed without restriction. This CAR concentrates on Bank assistance since 1986, which marks the turning point in the country's economic and social policy frameworks.