> Or we can draw a parallel between Nepal and the Philippines today.
They're in very different geopolitical locations. The Philippines has extensive trade and cultural links with East Asia and the US, it's something like 60% urbanized, has enormous internal cultural diversity, and is a heck of a lot more industrialized, with major cities and industries. From what little I know, Nepal has an agrarian-based economy, and very little urbanization.
I've heard Nepali is actually pretty similar to some of the other Indian languages. Anyone know if this is true?
-- Dennis