Nepal faces economic fall-out

WHEN Nepal's government was toppled in September after deadly youth-led protests against economic stagnation and corruption, many in the impoverished country hoped for a period of meaningful political change.

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But experts warn that the upheaval - which killed 76 people and left thousands of buildings including parliament damaged - has pushed the nation backwards economically.

Three months on from the September 8-9 protests, and with three months to go before elections on March 5, Nepal faces daunting challenges including rising unemployment and collapsing foreign investment.