Nepal People and Language

The population of Nepal was recorded to be about 26.62 million according to a recent survey done by the Central Bureau of Statistics, Nepal. The population comprises of about a 101 ethnic groups speaking over 92 languages. The distinction in caste and ethnicity is understood more easily with a view of customary layout of the population. Though, there exist numerous dialects, the language of unification is the national language, Nepali.

Nepali is the official language of the state, spoken and understood by majority of the population. Multiple ethnic groups have their own mother tongues. English is spoken by many in Government and business offices. It is the mode of education in most private schools of Kathmandu and some other cities as well.

Population of Nepal was recorded to be about 25 million as of July 2002. Eighty-six percent of Nepalis follow Hinduism; while eight percent follow Buddhism and three percent follow Islam. Population comprises various groups of different races which are further divided into different castes. The distinction in caste and ethnicity is understood easily with a view of customary layout of the people. Some of the main groups are: Gurungs and Magars who live mainly in the western hilly region; Rais, Limbus and Sunwars lives in the eastern mid hills; Sherpas and Lopas live near the Mt. Everest Khumbu region. Annapurna and Mustang areas are mainly covered by Thakali, Pun and Mongolian people. Newar lives in and around the capital valley of Kathmandu. Tharus, Yadavas, Satar, Rajvanshis and Dhimals lives in the Terai region. And Brahmins, Chhetris and Thakuries are generally spread over all parts of the country.

Nepali is the official language of the State, spoken and understood by almost all the people. Multiple ethnic groups speak more than a dozen other languages in about 93 different dialects. English is spoken by young people in the cities and urban areas as well as in government and business offices.