Many individuals may be familiar with Nepal as a Himalayan kingdom. Yet there is more to this nation than that. Once you explore you’ll never forget Nepal’s rich variety of cultures and traditions. You will get the opportunity to travel across lovely settlements in Nepal while learning about each one’s own culture and heritage. People of Nepal characterize their local way of life and upbringing through their own culture and heritage.
Population of Nepal
The most recent data from 2023 shows that there are now over 30 million people living in Nepal. The Himalayan, Hilly, and Terai regions make up the three regions of the nation. The southern region of the nation, Terai, is home to about half of the population. In addition, The country’s hilly terrain consists of dispersed ethnic groups. The urban parts of these regions are home to 15% of the population. With 1.44 million population, Kathmandu is the most populous city in the nation.
Major Groups of People in Nepal
People from both the North and the South came here for different purposes. They settled here as they found a sound environment in these parts which automatically helped the country to be more diverse. According to history, the Indo-Aryans are from the south, while the Tibetans or Tibetan Burmese are from the north. All of these people arrived from various directions in this country, and a large-scale migration took occurred.
Compared to other ethnic groups in the nation, Indo-Aryans make up a greater percentage of the population. The Tibeto-Burman population is significantly less than the Indo-Aryan population. All the same, the country’s overall population is created by the fusion of these individuals and ethnic groupings.
Himalayan people
Most people of Nepal’s Himalayan or highland regions are descended from Tibetans. These people are Baragaonlis, Dolpa-pas, Lopas, Gurungs, and Sherpas. Sherpas are the well-known inhabitants of the east-located Solukhumbu area. Baragaonlis and Lopas, meanwhile, live in the semi-arid highlands of the Upper and Lower Mustang region. Furthermore, there are the Manang District’s Gurung people and the Dolpa-pas of western Nepal’s Dolpa region.
As commerce and access to Tibet and Bhot are straightforward from this region, the northern part of this country has been affected by Tibetan culture. The development initiatives in this area have made little progress, and there is little interaction with the outer world. As a result, we may observe the authentic and unaltered old culture of the locals of this region.
Hilly Mid people
In a similar way, several ethnic groups inhabit the country’s hilly terrain. Tamangs, Rai, Limbu, Brahmins, Chhetris, Magars, Thamis, Newars, Sunuwars, Chepangs, Thakuri, Sarki, Kami, and others are a few of the groups. This region has seen the significant benefit of ethnic diversity and the blending of civilizations as compared to other locations. Although this region is home to several of the nation’s largest cities, both urban and rural areas remain strongly displaying ancient civilizations.
People of Tarai
Compared to the Hilly and Himalayan people, Terai’s ethnic groupings are different. Tharus, Kumhal, Darai, Bote, Majhi, Rajbanshi, and other groups make up the population. There are several different dialects in this area, with Maithili and Bhojpuri being the most common. Further, the Indian culture has the greatest impact on the Terai people. Most Terai residents own property and engage in agriculture as a livelihood. Also, there are groups that are split up based on occupations.
The demographic trend in Nepal
Nepal releases its census data to the public every 10 years. The population has increased by 10.18% since the previous census, while the yearly growth rate is at its lowest point in 80 years at 0.93%. Major contributors to the slow population seem to be rising migration, urbanization, and Declining fertility. According to statistics, 60% of the people in Nepal is under the age of 30. This nation’s birth rate occurs to be the same as the global average. Hence, for males and women, respectively, the average life expectancy is 70 and 72 years.