Nepali is also the official language, but English is used in the school system. The Hindu and Buddhism exist together and have become an interwoven mix. There are very low life expectancies of about 46 years, due mainly to frequently occurring diseases like cholera, malaria, tuberculosis, typhoid, and leprosy. The main form of transportation for the country is by foot, because of limited roads and railroads. The economy is based on agriculture exports of rice, pulses, barely, corn, cotton, wheat, tobacco, spices, sugarcane, and jute, which is the principal earner of foreign exchange.
Terrace farming is practiced widely.
Farmers also tend herds of sheep, cattle, and long haired oxen. Some of the other products that they produce include sugar, matches, leather, cigarettes, malt beverages, lumber, paper, and shoes. The GNP is about 160 dollars. The future of the country depends on the rapidly growing populations ability not to outgrow the land and to grow enough food to feed themselves. Sri Lanka Sri Lanka is a pear-shaped island nation located 18 miles off the southeastern tip of India.