About Nepal
The Land of the Himalayas - Where Adventure Meets Spirituality
147,516
km² Area30M+
PopulationKathmandu
CapitalNepali
LanguageNPR
Currency+5:45
UTC TimezonePeople & Language
Nepal is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world, with over 125 distinct ethnic groups speaking 123 different languages.
Major Ethnic Groups
- Chhetri - Largest ethnic group (16.6%)
- Brahmin-Hill - Second largest (12.2%)
- Magar - Indigenous group (7.1%)
- Tharu - Plains indigenous (6.6%)
- Tamang - Hill ethnic group (5.8%)
- Newar - Original Kathmandu Valley inhabitants (5%)
- Kami - Occupational caste (4.8%)
- Yadav - Madhesi group (4%)
- Rai - Eastern hill group (2.3%)
- Sherpa - High mountain dwellers
Languages
Nepali (also called Gorkhali or Parbate) is the official language and lingua franca, spoken by about 44% of the population as their mother tongue. Other major languages include:
| Language | Speakers (%) | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Nepali | 44.6% | Throughout Nepal |
| Maithili | 11.7% | Eastern Terai |
| Bhojpuri | 6.0% | Central Terai |
| Tharu | 5.8% | Terai region |
| Tamang | 5.1% | Central hills |
| Newari | 3.2% | Kathmandu Valley |
Social Structure
Nepali society has traditionally been organized around the caste system, though its influence has diminished significantly with modernization and constitutional reforms. The 2015 constitution guarantees equality and prohibits caste-based discrimination.
Learn Nepali
Common Nepali phrases:
- Namaste - Hello (नमस्ते)
- Dhanyabad - Thank you (धन्यवाद)
- Kasto cha? - How are you? (कस्तो छ?)
- Ramro - Good (राम्रो)
- Pheri bhetaula - See you again (फेरि भेटौला)
Population Distribution
By geographic region
Terai (Plains)
Hills
Mountains