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Nepal

Capital:Kathmandu
Population:30.0M
Currency:Nepalese Rupee (NPR)
Language:Nepali (official; spoken by 90% of the population), about a dozen other languages and about 30 major dialects
Anapurnas, Nepal

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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Nepal.

Nepal Factsheet

Customs and Culture

Cultural Attributes

Nepalese people live a simple rural life in small villages. Their homes are usually two-story stone or mud-brick houses. Most people earn their living by farming. Most farmers only grow enough food for their families. Some Nepalese make their living as craft workers, including blacksmiths, goldsmiths, shoemakers, and tailors. Others work in the government or tourist industry.

The majority of people believe that evil spirits and ghosts can cause disease. Nepalese generally believe Westerners are honest, punctual, rational, pragmatic, and fair.

Anapurnas, Nepal

Roof of the World, Sanctuary of the Spirit

Social Customs & Etiquette

Greetings

In specific Buddhist communities, a khada (with a cotton scarf) may be offered instead of a mala. The Nepalese do not generally shake hands. In greetings, using titles (Professor, Doctor, Director) or the suffix jee (or jye) with the last name is polite. The Nepalese usually ask permission before taking leave of others.

Namaste is the traditional Nepalese greeting. In informal situations, one might raise the right hand in a salaam (salute-like) gesture to greet and farewell. Adults do not say namaste to children. When greeted at formal social gatherings, a guest may be adorned with a mala (flower necklace).

Gestures

If a person's foot touches another person, immediate apologies are necessary. A person beckons by waving all fingers with the palm down. Other finger gestures, including pointing, are impolite.

Parents make a chopping motion with their hands to express anger at their children. If foods or flowers displayed at bazaars are touched, they become impure. Winking at a person of the opposite sex is considered obscene. A person does not whistle inside a home or at night. Cows are sacred and should not be touched.

Visiting

Nepalese are warm and hospitable. Tea with sugar and milk is usually offered to guests. Shoes are removed when entering a Hindu temple or a home. Generally, the right hand is used for eating and giving or receiving objects. Gifts are not opened at the time they are received.

Personal Appearance

Women in the south and unmarried girls often wear Punjabi. Married Hindu women wear a red tika (made from vermilion powder) on their foreheads and vermilion powder in the part of their hair to signify that their husbands are alive.

Although men often wear Western-style clothing, traditional attire is still typical for women. Many wear a sari (a long, colorful dress) and a cholo (blouse). Women of Tibetan background wear a wraparound jumper and a colorful apron if married.

Diet

Diet varies according to region. Rice with lentil soup and vegetable curry are the main dishes of people living in urban areas or rural upper classes. Many high-caste people are vegetarian or only eat goat meat. The middle castes eat goat or chicken when they are available; some eat water buffalo. Millet and corn are staples for most Nepalese, although rice is a staple in the Terai. Roti may be prepared with different grains.

Durbar Square, Nepal

Family

The basic social unit is the family; it takes precedence over the individual. Traditional families are large and include the extended family. In many homes, aunts, uncles, and other relatives with their respective families live together and share the same kitchen. Among the educated, it is increasingly common for sons to set up separate households after marriage rather than live with the extended family.

The land is inherited and divided equally between the sons of a family. Women are gaining some property rights. But women, especially among Hindus, generally have few rights or privileges in society. Nepalese women are often married before they are 18 years old. They join their husband's extended family at that time and are expected to care for his parents. Some rural men have more than one wife.

Dating Customs

Customs regarding marriage vary among the different castes. Conventional dating and divorce are rare. For the Nepalese, "Sat" (chastity) is a vital virtue a woman can possess when marrying. In Terai, the southern region, a dowry is common.

Recreation

Soccer, cricket, basketball, and table tennis are popular sports. Traditional forms of entertainment are festivals, folk dances, and folk music.

Holidays

  • Birthday of King GYANENDRA

    7/7

    Birthday

  • Christmas

    12/25

    Christmas

    Nepal is a multi cultural country of different religions and cultures. As a result, Nepalese people have a diverse tradition with regard to Christmas. They celebrate Christmas with a mix of Asian and Western culture. The traditional way of greeting in the holiday is Merry Christmas. As most Nepali’s use English they are most familiar with this greeting. However, some Nepali Hindus use the Hindi greeting of Sub Naya Baras, pronounced ‘soob-na-ya-ba-ras’ as their traditional Christmas greeting. Although this greeting means “a good new year” it is the traditional greeting for Christmas.

    For Christian communities, Santa Claus is still a primary figure of the Christmas season Some Hindu children believe in the tradition that being good for the year will bring great presents. Hindu children who celebrate Christmas practice the tradition of placing Christmas stockings by their window and expect to find gifts in the morning.

    Nepal is the home of the largest Shiva temple in the world which is the Pashupatinath Temple. Thus, the minority Christians try to keep their own rituals and ceremonies as private as possible as to show respect to the much larger Hindu community. The Christmas season usually ends after the New Year celebrations are done. Traditional dishes served include roast turkey, pumpkin pies, Christmas pudding and the typical Dal-bhat-tarklari meal. Dal is a lentil soup, with boild rice and is served with tarkari or vegetables.

Dates of Interest

  • May 1st

    National Democracy Day commemorates the restoration of democracy in Nepal in 1951 after the end of the Rana regime. It celebrates the country's commitment to democratic values.

How do people greet each other in Nepal?

Namaste is the traditional Nepalese greeting; people generally do not shake hands. Titles or the suffix jee/jye with the last name are polite.

Do

  • Use Namaste as your greeting
  • Add titles (Professor, Doctor, Director) or the suffix jee/jye with the last name
  • Ask permission before taking leave of others
  • In informal settings, raise the right hand in a salaam gesture to greet or farewell

Don’t

  • Don't expect to shake hands
  • Don't say namaste to children

Good to know

  • At formal gatherings, a guest may be adorned with a mala (flower necklace)
  • In some Buddhist communities, a khada (cotton scarf) may be offered instead of a mala

What are the dining customs in Nepal?

Diet varies by region, with rice, lentil soup, and vegetable curry common in urban and upper-class areas, while millet and corn are staples for most people. Use the right hand for eating.

Do

  • Use the right hand for eating and for giving or receiving objects
  • Accept tea offered with sugar and milk to guests

Good to know

  • Many high-caste people are vegetarian or eat only goat meat
  • Middle castes eat goat or chicken when available; some eat water buffalo
  • Rice is a staple in the Terai; roti may be made with different grains

What etiquette should I know when visiting Nepalese homes?

Nepalese are warm and hospitable, and guests are usually offered tea. Remove your shoes when entering a home or Hindu temple.

Do

  • Remove your shoes when entering a home or Hindu temple
  • Use the right hand to give or receive objects

Don’t

  • Don't open gifts at the time you receive them

Good to know

  • Physical purity, spiritual refinement, and humility are highly valued

How should I dress in Nepal?

Men often wear Western-style clothing, but traditional attire remains typical for women, such as the sari and cholo (blouse).

Good to know

  • Women in the south and unmarried girls often wear Punjabi
  • Married Hindu women wear a red tika and vermilion powder in their hair to signify their husband is alive
  • Women of Tibetan background wear a wraparound jumper and a colorful apron if married

Which gestures are important in Nepal?

Many hand and finger gestures carry meaning, and touching or feet contact require care. Cows are sacred and should not be touched.

Do

  • Beckon by waving all fingers with the palm down
  • Apologize immediately if your foot touches another person

Don’t

  • Don't point or use other finger gestures
  • Don't touch cows, as they are sacred
  • Don't touch foods or flowers displayed at bazaars, as they become impure
  • Don't wink at a person of the opposite sex, or whistle inside a home or at night

What is family life like in Nepal?

The family is the basic social unit and takes precedence over the individual, with traditional families being large and extended. Women, especially among Hindus, generally have few rights or privileges.

Good to know

  • Aunts, uncles, and relatives often live together and share the same kitchen
  • Among the educated, sons increasingly set up separate households after marriage
  • Land is inherited and divided equally between sons
  • Women often marry before age 18 and join the husband's extended family

What do people do for recreation in Nepal?

Popular sports include soccer, cricket, basketball, and table tennis, while traditional entertainment includes festivals, folk dances, and folk music.

Good to know

  • Enjoy festivals, folk dances, and folk music as traditional entertainment

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Nepal

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Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Currency
Nepalese rupee (NPR)
Time Difference
UTC+5.75 (10.75 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Climate
Kathmandu’s climate is pleasant. During the fall to winter season (October-March), temperatures range from 30°F to 75°F. This season is characterized by morning fog, sunny days, and cold nights. It may rain occasionally, but Kathmandu has had no snow since 1939. A temperature range from 40°F to 90°F, with intermittent rain, warm days, and usually comfortable nights, marks the spring season (March-May). Near the end of the spring season and before the rainy season begins, dust gathers heavily throughout the Kathmandu Valley, causing a haze that obscures the mountains. The monsoon season begins in June and continues until late September. Temperatures in the rainy season range from 55°F to 90°F, and rainfall is from 30 to 60 inches. Rain showers occur almost daily.
Airports
46
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Recipes

Featured Dish

Sel Roti (Rice Bread)

Bread

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History

Historical Eras

  1. Ancient & Licchavi Era

    563 BCE – 750

    Nepal's recorded history begins with the birth of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) at Lumbini around 563 BCE and the later Mauryan presence under Ashoka. From roughly the 4th century CE, the Licchavi dynasty ruled the Kathmandu Valley, establishing the valley's enduring role as Nepal's political and cultural heartland and fostering a rich synthesis of Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

  2. Malla Dynasty

    750 – 1768

    Following a transitional period, the Malla kings rose to prominence by the early 13th century under Arimalla, presiding over a flourishing of Newar art, architecture, and temple construction across the Kathmandu Valley. After 1484 the kingdom fractured into three rival city-states — Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhadgaon — which competed fiercely even as external threats from Bengal and the expanding Mughal world pressed from the south and west.

  3. Gorkha Unification

    1559 – 1816

    Founded in 1559, the small hill kingdom of Gorkha began its remarkable expansion under Prithvi Narayan Shah, conquering the Malla city-states in 1768 and unifying Nepal's fragmented principalities into a single nation. The new kingdom's armies then pushed far east and west across the Himalayas, clashing with the Qing dynasty in Tibet (1791–92) and eventually fighting the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–16), which ended in the Sugauli Treaty and fixed Nepal's modern borders.

  4. Rana Oligarchy

    1846 – 1951

    Jung Bahadur Rana seized power in 1846 through the Kot Massacre, establishing a hereditary prime ministerial dynasty that reduced the Shah kings to ceremonial figureheads for nearly a century. The Ranas maintained strict isolationism, suppressed modernization, and exploited the peasantry, keeping Nepal effectively medieval while the wider world industrialized. Popular resistance, catalyzed by Indian independence in 1947, led to the revolution of 1950–51 that ended Rana rule.

  5. Constitutional Experiments

    1951 – 1990

    King Tribhuvan restored nominal royal authority in 1951 and introduced a cabinet government, but democratic progress remained fragile. King Mahendra dissolved the first elected parliament in 1960, arrested Prime Minister B.P. Koirala, and replaced multiparty democracy with the partyless Panchayat system — a form of guided, indirect democracy that concentrated power in the palace and stifled political pluralism for three decades.

  6. Democracy & Civil Conflict

    1990 – present

    Mass popular protests in 1990 compelled King Birendra to legalize parties and adopt a democratic constitution establishing a constitutional monarchy. The era was convulsed by the Maoist People's War launched in 1996 and the shocking royal massacre of 2001, in which Crown Prince Dipendra killed ten members of the royal family before fatally shooting himself. These crises ultimately led to the abolition of the monarchy and the declaration of a federal democratic republic in 2008.

Overview

The all-seeing eyes of Buddha, a detail from the great stupa of Svayambhunath, a Buddhist shrine west of Kathmandu NEPAL HAS BEEN A KINGDOM for at least 1,500 years. During most of that period, the Kathmandu Valley has been Nepal’s political, economic, and cultural center. The valley’s fertile soil supported thriving village farming communities, and its location along trans-Himalayan trade routes allowed merchants and rulers alike to profit. Since the fourth century, the people of the Kathmandu Valley have developed a unique variant of South Asian civilization based on Buddhism and Hinduism but influenced as well by the cultures of local Newar citizens and neighboring Tibetans. One of the major themes in the history of Nepal has been the transmission of influences from both the north and the south into an original culture. During its entire history, Nepal has been able to continue this process while remaining independent. The long-term trend in Nepal has been the gradual development of multiple centers of power and civilization and their progressive incorporation into a varied but eventually united nation. The Licchavi (fourth to eighth centuries) and Malla (twelfth to eighteenth centuries) kings may have claimed that they were overlords of the area that is present-day Nepal, but rarely did their effective influence extend far beyond the Kathmandu Valley. By the sixteenth century, there were dozens of kingdoms in the smaller valleys and hills throughout the Himalayan region. It was the destiny of Gorkha, one of these small kingdoms, to conquer its neighbors and finally unite the entire nation in the late eighteenth century. The energy generated from this union drove the armies of Nepal to conquer territories far to the west and to the east, as well as to challenge the Chinese in Tibet and the British in India. Wars with these huge empires checked Nepalese ambitions, however, and fixed the boundaries of the mountain kingdom. Nepal in the late twentieth century was still surrounded by giants and still in the process of integrating its many localized economies and cultures into a nation state based on the ancient center of the Kathmandu Valley. Nepal took a fateful turn in the mid-nineteenth century when its prime ministers, theoretically administrators in service to the king, usurped complete control of the government and reduced the kings to puppets. By the 1850s, a dynasty of prime ministers called nepal/np_glos.asp#Rana">Rana (see Glossary) had imposed upon the country a dictatorship that would last about 100 years. The Ranas distrusted both their own people and foreigners--in short, anyone who could challenge their own power and change their position. As the rest of the world underwent modernization, Nepal remained a medieval nation, based on the exploitation of peasants and some trade revenues and dominated by a tradition-bound aristocracy that had little interest in modern science or technology. After the revolt against the Ranas in 1950, Nepal struggled to overcome its long legacy of underdevelopment and to incorporate its varied population into a single nation. One of the early casualties of this process was party-based democracy. Although political parties were crucial in the revolution that overthrew Rana rule, their constant wrangling conflicted with the monarchy’s views of its own dignity and with the interests of the army. Instead of condoning or encouraging a multiparty democracy, King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev launched a coup in late 1960 against Bishweshwar Prasad (B.P.) Koirala’s popularly elected government and set up a system of indirect elections that created a consultative democracy. The system served as a sounding board for public opinion and as a tool for economic development without exercising effective political power. Nepal remained until 1990 one of the few nations in the world where the king, wielding absolute authority and embodying sacred tradition, attempted to lead his country towards the twenty-first century.

Timeline of Key Events

  1. 563 BCE

    The Buddha born in Lumbini, in Tarai Region of Nepal.

    The Buddha born in Lumbini, in Tarai Region of Nepal.

  2. 268 BCE – 231 BCE

    Ashoka establishes empire in north India.

    Ashoka establishes empire in north India.

  3. 353 – 373

    Samudragupta establishes empire in north India.

    Samudragupta establishes empire in north India.

  4. 400 – 750

    Licchavi kingdom in power in Kathmandu Valley.

    Licchavi kingdom in power in Kathmandu Valley.

  5. 750 – 1200

    “Transitional” kingdom in power in Kathmandu Valley.

    “Transitional” kingdom in power in Kathmandu Valley.

  6. 1100 – 1484

    Khasa Malla kings rule in western Nepal.

    Khasa Malla kings rule in western Nepal.

  7. 1200 – 1216

    Arimalla, first monarch of the Malla Dynasty, rules in Kathmandu Valley.

    Arimalla, first monarch of the Malla Dynasty, rules in Kathmandu Valley.

View full timeline (36 events)
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Interesting Facts

  • When a child loses a tooth the parents say that if a crow or a bird sees or eats their tooth, a new one won't come in. They bury their tooth in the garden and cover it with soil. Or they might cover the tooth with cow dung or muc and throw it on the roof so it will be hidden.

  • Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world. It's peak is 29,028 feet above sea level.

  • Nepal has the world's fewest hospitals per capita with three per 10,000 people.

  • A birthday tradition in Nepal is a mark on the forehead. A certain mixture of rice yogurt and color is placed on the birthday child's forehead for good luck.

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Geography and Environment

Nepal’s geography is perhaps the most varied and dramatic of any nation in the world. From the lowlands of the south (about 150 feet above sea level), the terrain rises in a mere 100 miles to the dramatic heights of the world's highest mountain range, the Himalayas, including Mount Everest (Sagarmatha) at 29,028 feet, 10 other mountains above 24,000 feet, and more than 200 peaks over 21,000 feet. Geographically, the country is divided into three roughly parallel strips, running east and west. The Terai Region, the southernmost strip about 15 miles wide, covers about 20% of the total land area. An extension of the Gangetic Plain of north India, once noted for its heavy jungle and still popular for big game—including tiger, rhinoceros, elephant, wild boar, crocodile, and river dolphin. The flat open country of the Terai Region blends into forested hills. Bird watching is a popular pastime in this area. The central region, sometimes called the "hill area," is about 60 miles wide. It ranges from about 3,000 to 12,000 feet above sea level, covering about 60% of the land area, and includes the Valley of Kathmandu with its encircling hills up to 9,000 feet. The northern region consists of the high mountain area, 12,000 to 29,000 feet, forming the majestic panorama of the perpetually snow-covered Himalayan Range. The region is about 25 miles wide and accounts for the remaining 20% of the total land area.
Terrain
Terai or flat river plain of the Ganges in south, central hill region, rugged Himalayas in north
Climate
Kathmandu’s climate is pleasant. During the fall to winter season (October-March), temperatures range from 30°F to 75°F. This season is characterized by morning fog, sunny days, and cold nights. It may rain occasionally, but Kathmandu has had no snow since 1939. A temperature range from 40°F to 90°F, with intermittent rain, warm days, and usually comfortable nights, marks the spring season (March-May). Near the end of the spring season and before the rainy season begins, dust gathers heavily throughout the Kathmandu Valley, causing a haze that obscures the mountains. The monsoon season begins in June and continues until late September. Temperatures in the rainy season range from 55°F to 90°F, and rainfall is from 30 to 60 inches. Rain showers occur almost daily.
Natural Hazards
severe thunderstorms, flooding, landslides, drought, and famine depending on the timing, intensity, and duration of the summer monsoons
Current Environmental Issues
deforestation (overuse of wood for fuel and lack of alternatives); contaminated water (with human and animal wastes, agricultural runoff, and industrial effluents); wildlife conservation; vehicular emissions
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

Nepali (official; spoken by 90% of the population), about a dozen other languages and about 30 major dialects

  • Nepali

Population

Population
30,034,989
Population in Major Urban Areas
KATHMANDU (capital) 1.015 million
Nationality Noun
Nepalese (singular and plural)
Ethnic Groups
Brahman, Chetri, Newar, Gurung, Magar, Tamang, Rai, Limbu, Sherpa, Tharu, and others (1995)
Language Note
As many as twenty major languages are spoken with many different dialects. The Nepali language is related to Hindi, which is the official language.

Education

Literacy Definition
age 15 and over can read and write

Health Information

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in Nepal has improved significantly over recent decades, reflecting the country's progress in public health infrastructure, maternal and child care, and disease prevention. As of the most recent data available, the average life expectancy at birth in Nepal is approximately 72 years overall, with women living slightly longer than men — women averaging around 74 years compared to approximately 70 years for men. This represents a dramatic improvement from earlier generations. In the 1960s, life expectancy in Nepal hovered around 35 to 40 years, making the gains of the past six decades among the most substantial in South Asia. Key drivers of this improvement include expanded access to primary healthcare, immunization programs, better nutrition, declining rates of infant and child mortality, and improvements in maternal health services. Nepal has made notable strides in reducing under-five mortality, which historically was one of the most significant factors pulling down average life expectancy figures. Government-led and internationally supported programs targeting malaria, tuberculosis, and diarrheal diseases have also contributed to longer lifespans across both urban and rural populations. However, disparities remain. Life expectancy and access to healthcare vary considerably between urban centers like Kathmandu and remote mountainous or hilly regions, where geographic isolation limits access to hospitals, trained medical personnel, and medications. People living in the Terai lowlands and in rural hill communities often experience worse health outcomes than those in larger cities. Non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and chronic respiratory illness are becoming increasingly prevalent and represent a growing challenge to future gains in life expectancy. These conditions now account for a substantial and rising share of total mortality in the country. Additionally, Nepal continues to face pressure from a large share of its working-age population migrating abroad for employment, which strains the domestic health workforce and affects the long-term sustainability of health service delivery. Despite these challenges, Nepal's trajectory in improving life expectancy is broadly positive, and international health organizations consider it a notable success story in low-income country health development.
Major Infectious Diseases — degree of risk
high
Infant Mortality Rate
Nepal has made remarkable progress in reducing infant mortality over the past three decades, transforming from one of South Asia's most concerning cases into a model of public health improvement. The infant mortality rate currently stands at approximately 25 to 27 deaths per 1,000 live births, a dramatic decline from the rate of over 120 per 1,000 live births recorded in the early 1990s. This improvement reflects sustained investment in community health infrastructure, including the deployment of Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs), a nationwide network of roughly 52,000 trained volunteers who provide basic health education, immunization support, and maternal care guidance at the village level. Their work has been particularly impactful in reaching remote mountain and hill communities where formal medical facilities remain scarce. Several factors continue to influence infant survival rates across the country. Geographic isolation presents ongoing challenges, as many rural communities in hilly and mountainous regions lack reliable access to hospitals or skilled birth attendants. Neonatal causes — including complications from premature birth, birth asphyxia, and neonatal sepsis — account for the majority of infant deaths. Diarrheal diseases and acute respiratory infections also remain significant contributors, particularly in areas with limited access to clean water and sanitation. Urban and rural disparities remain notable. Infants born in Kathmandu and other major urban centers have significantly better survival outcomes compared to those born in remote districts such as Humla, Mugu, or Dolpa, where poverty rates are high and health services are limited. Nepal's government, in partnership with organizations such as UNICEF and the World Health Organization, has implemented targeted programs including expanded immunization campaigns, promotion of exclusive breastfeeding, and improved skilled birth attendance rates, which have climbed from under 10 percent in the 1990s to over 80 percent in recent years. While progress has been substantial, further reductions in infant mortality will depend on continued investment in rural health systems, sanitation, and nutrition programs.

Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in Nepal has improved significantly over recent decades, reflecting the country's progress in public health infrastructure, maternal and child care, and disease prevention. As of the most recent data available, the average life expectancy at birth in Nepal is approximately 72 years overall, with women living slightly longer than men — women averaging around 74 years compared to approximately 70 years for men. This represents a dramatic improvement from earlier generations. In the 1960s, life expectancy in Nepal hovered around 35 to 40 years, making the gains of the past six decades among the most substantial in South Asia. Key drivers of this improvement include expanded access to primary healthcare, immunization programs, better nutrition, declining rates of infant and child mortality, and improvements in maternal health services. Nepal has made notable strides in reducing under-five mortality, which historically was one of the most significant factors pulling down average life expectancy figures. Government-led and internationally supported programs targeting malaria, tuberculosis, and diarrheal diseases have also contributed to longer lifespans across both urban and rural populations. However, disparities remain. Life expectancy and access to healthcare vary considerably between urban centers like Kathmandu and remote mountainous or hilly regions, where geographic isolation limits access to hospitals, trained medical personnel, and medications. People living in the Terai lowlands and in rural hill communities often experience worse health outcomes than those in larger cities. Non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and chronic respiratory illness are becoming increasingly prevalent and represent a growing challenge to future gains in life expectancy. These conditions now account for a substantial and rising share of total mortality in the country. Additionally, Nepal continues to face pressure from a large share of its working-age population migrating abroad for employment, which strains the domestic health workforce and affects the long-term sustainability of health service delivery. Despite these challenges, Nepal's trajectory in improving life expectancy is broadly positive, and international health organizations consider it a notable success story in low-income country health development.
Infant Mortality Rate
Nepal has made remarkable progress in reducing infant mortality over the past three decades, transforming from one of South Asia's most concerning cases into a model of public health improvement. The infant mortality rate currently stands at approximately 25 to 27 deaths per 1,000 live births, a dramatic decline from the rate of over 120 per 1,000 live births recorded in the early 1990s. This improvement reflects sustained investment in community health infrastructure, including the deployment of Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs), a nationwide network of roughly 52,000 trained volunteers who provide basic health education, immunization support, and maternal care guidance at the village level. Their work has been particularly impactful in reaching remote mountain and hill communities where formal medical facilities remain scarce. Several factors continue to influence infant survival rates across the country. Geographic isolation presents ongoing challenges, as many rural communities in hilly and mountainous regions lack reliable access to hospitals or skilled birth attendants. Neonatal causes — including complications from premature birth, birth asphyxia, and neonatal sepsis — account for the majority of infant deaths. Diarrheal diseases and acute respiratory infections also remain significant contributors, particularly in areas with limited access to clean water and sanitation. Urban and rural disparities remain notable. Infants born in Kathmandu and other major urban centers have significantly better survival outcomes compared to those born in remote districts such as Humla, Mugu, or Dolpa, where poverty rates are high and health services are limited. Nepal's government, in partnership with organizations such as UNICEF and the World Health Organization, has implemented targeted programs including expanded immunization campaigns, promotion of exclusive breastfeeding, and improved skilled birth attendance rates, which have climbed from under 10 percent in the 1990s to over 80 percent in recent years. While progress has been substantial, further reductions in infant mortality will depend on continued investment in rural health systems, sanitation, and nutrition programs.
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
Nepal
Full Country Name
Kingdom of Nepal

Government Structure

Government Type
parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy
Legal System
based on Hindu legal concepts and English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive Branch
chief of state: President RAM CHANDRA PAUDEL (took office 13 March 2023); Vice President PURNA BAHADUR KHAM (took office 20 March 2023) head of government: Prime Minister KP SHARMA OLI (took office 15 July 2024); Deputy Prime Ministers BISHNU PRASAD PAUDEL and RABI LAMICHHANE cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by an electoral college consisting of members of the federal parliament and the provincial assemblies for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 9 March 2023; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the president election results: RAM CHANDRA PAUDEL elected president; electoral college vote — RAM CHANDRA PAUDEL (NC) 33,802, SUBASH CHANDRA NEMBANG (CPN-UML) 15,518 note: Nepal was officially declared a federal democratic republic on 28 May 2008, formally abolishing the 240-year-old Shah monarchy. The transition ended the reign of King GYANENDRA Bir Bikram Shah, who had assumed direct executive control in February 2005 after dismissing the government. The royal palace massacre of 1 June 2001, in which King BIRENDRA Bir Bikram Shah Dev and most of the royal family were killed, had preceded this era of political upheaval; Crown Prince DIPENDRA is believed to have been responsible for the shootings before fatally wounding himself, and was briefly crowned king before dying three days later, after which GYANENDRA succeeded him.
Legislative Branch
Nepal operates under a federal democratic republican system established by the 2015 Constitution. The legislative branch is a bicameral Parliament consisting of the National Assembly (upper house) and the House of Representatives (lower house). The National Assembly has 59 seats. Of these, 56 members are elected by an electoral college comprising members of the House of Representatives, Provincial Assemblies, and local government bodies, with 8 members elected from each of Nepal's 7 provinces. The remaining 3 members are nominated by the President on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers. Members serve six-year terms, with one-third of the membership renewed every two years. The House of Representatives has 275 seats. Of these, 165 members are elected through a first-past-the-post system from single-member constituencies, and 110 are elected through a proportional representation system. Members serve five-year terms. Elections: House of Representatives - last held on 20 November 2022. The National Assembly most recently held elections in January 2025 to renew one-third of its membership. Election results: House of Representatives (2022) - seats by party - CPN-UML 78, Nepali Congress 89, CPN (Maoist Centre) 32, Rastriya Swatantra Party 20, Rastriya Prajatantra Party 14, Janajati Samajwadi Party 12, Janamat Party 6, others 24. Following the election, a coalition government was formed with Nepali Congress emerging as the single largest party.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court or Sarbochha Adalat (chief justice is appointed by the monarch on recommendation of the Constitutional Council; the other judges are appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the Judicial Council)
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Constitution
9-Nov-90
Independence
1768 (unified by Prithvi Narayan Shah)
National Holiday
Birthday of King GYANENDRA, 7 July (1946)

Capital City

Capital Name
Kathmandu
Capital - geographic coordinate
27 43 N, 85 19 E
Capital Time Difference
UTC+5.75 (10.75 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

name derives from the Kasthamandap temple that stood in Durbar Square; in Sanskrit, kastha means "wood" and mandapa means "pavilion"; the three-story structure was made entirely of wood, without iron nails or supports, and dated to the late 16th century; it collapsed during a 2015 earthquake

Military

Branches: Nepal Army

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

The U.S. Embassy is located in the Maharajgunj neighborhood of Kathmandu, telephone 977-1-400-7200. (The “ ” sign refers to your international dialing prefix, which is “011” in the United States, and “00” in most other countries. Thus, to call the Embassy from the United States, dial 011-977-1-400-7200.) The Embassy’s website has information on the Embassy’s operating hours and holidays. The Embassy’s Consular Section can also be reached at the same telephone number, or via email. (Nepal local time is 9hours and 45 minutes ahead of Eastern Time during summer months, and 10 hours and 45 minutes ahead of Eastern Time in winter months.)

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Economy

Nepal remains one of the least developed countries in South Asia, though it has made significant progress in reducing poverty over the past two decades. Approximately 20% of the population lives below the national poverty line, down substantially from earlier levels. Agriculture continues to be a cornerstone of the economy, employing about two-thirds of the workforce and contributing roughly 25% of GDP. Industrial activity remains modest and largely centered on the processing of agricultural products such as jute, sugarcane, tobacco, and grain, alongside textiles and cement.

Remittances from Nepalis working abroad, particularly in the Gulf states, Malaysia, and India, have become a defining feature of the economy, accounting for roughly a quarter of GDP and serving as a vital source of foreign exchange and household income. Tourism, another key sector, has rebounded following setbacks from the decade-long Maoist insurgency that ended in 2006, the devastating 2015 earthquake, and the COVID-19 pandemic, with visitor numbers recovering toward pre-pandemic levels.

Nepal possesses considerable untapped potential in hydropower, with estimated capacity among the highest in the world, and has attracted growing foreign investment from India, China, and other partners in this sector. Tourism and hydropower remain the most promising avenues for sustained growth. However, prospects in other sectors are constrained by the country's small domestic market, limited infrastructure, landlocked geography, political instability, and vulnerability to natural disasters, as starkly demonstrated by the 2015 earthquake and recurrent flooding.

The federal restructuring following the adoption of the 2015 constitution has introduced new governance dynamics, while foreign aid and development assistance continue to play an important role in funding infrastructure and social programs. Sustained economic growth will depend on improving energy access, expanding transport links, and creating an environment more conducive to private investment.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
Nepalese Rupee (NPR)
GDP — official exchange rate
$6,655,000,000 (USD)
GDP Real Growth Rate
4%
Gini Index
37.7

Banknotes

Nepal Money - Front
Nepal Money - Front
Nepal Money - Back
Nepal Money - Back

Budget & Public Finance

Fiscal Year
16 July - 15 July
Annual Budget
$1,789,000,000 (USD)
External Debt
$3,340,000,000 (USD)
Economic Aid
$424,000,000 (USD)

Labor, Industry & Trade

Labor Force by Occupation
agriculture 81%; services 16%; industry 3%
Household Income — highest 10%
39.1%
Industries
tourism, carpet, textile; small rice, jute, sugar, and oilseed mills; cigarette; cement and brick production
Agriculture Products
rice, corn, wheat, sugarcane, root crops; milk, water buffalo meat
Export Commodities
carpets, clothing, leather goods, jute goods, grain
Export Partners
India 47.9%, US 27.8%, Germany 7.6%
Import Commodities
gold, machinery and equipment, petroleum products, fertilizer
Import Partners
India 21.5%, China 13.3%, UAE 11.3%, Singapore 8.7%, Saudi Arabia 4.9%, Hong Kong 4.6%, Kuwait 4.2%

Energy

Oil Production
0 bbl/day
Oil Consumption
11,980 bbl/day
Oil Reserves
0 bbl/day
Natural Gas Production
0 cu m
Natural Gas Consumption
0 cu m
Natural Gas Imports
0 cu m
Natural Gas Exports
0 cu m
Natural Gas Reserves
0 cu m

Communications

Telephone System
general assessment: poor telephone and telegraph service; fair radiotelephone communication service and mobile-cellular telephone network domestic: mobile-cellular telephone subscribership base is increasing with roughly 90% of the population living in areas covered by mobile carriers international: country code - 977; radiotelephone communications; microwave and fiber landlines to India; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)
Internet Country Code
.np

News & Weather

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Climate Overview

Kathmandu’s climate is pleasant. During the fall to winter season (October-March), temperatures range from 30°F to 75°F. This season is characterized by morning fog, sunny days, and cold nights. It may rain occasionally, but Kathmandu has had no snow since 1939.

A temperature range from 40°F to 90°F, with intermittent rain, warm days, and usually comfortable nights, marks the spring season (March-May). Near the end of the spring season and before the rainy season begins, dust gathers heavily throughout the Kathmandu Valley, causing a haze that obscures the mountains.

The monsoon season begins in June and continues until late September. Temperatures in the rainy season range from 55°F to 90°F, and rainfall is from 30 to 60 inches. Rain showers occur almost daily.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Nepal?
The population of Nepal is approximately 30.0M.
How do people greet each other in Nepal?
Namaste is the traditional Nepalese greeting; people generally do not shake hands. Titles or the suffix jee/jye with the last name are polite. Do: Use Namaste as your greeting Add titles (Professor, Doctor, Director) or the suffix jee/jye with the last name Ask permission before taking leave of others In informal settings, raise the right hand in a salaam gesture to greet or farewell Don't: Don't expect to shake hands Don't say namaste to children At formal gatherings, a guest may be adorned with a mala (flower necklace) In some Buddhist communities, a khada (cotton scarf) may be offered instead of a mala
What are the dining customs in Nepal?
Diet varies by region, with rice, lentil soup, and vegetable curry common in urban and upper-class areas, while millet and corn are staples for most people. Use the right hand for eating. Do: Use the right hand for eating and for giving or receiving objects Accept tea offered with sugar and milk to guests Many high-caste people are vegetarian or eat only goat meat Middle castes eat goat or chicken when available; some eat water buffalo Rice is a staple in the Terai; roti may be made with different grains
What etiquette should I know when visiting Nepalese homes?
Nepalese are warm and hospitable, and guests are usually offered tea. Remove your shoes when entering a home or Hindu temple. Do: Remove your shoes when entering a home or Hindu temple Use the right hand to give or receive objects Don't: Don't open gifts at the time you receive them Physical purity, spiritual refinement, and humility are highly valued
How should I dress in Nepal?
Men often wear Western-style clothing, but traditional attire remains typical for women, such as the sari and cholo (blouse). Women in the south and unmarried girls often wear Punjabi Married Hindu women wear a red tika and vermilion powder in their hair to signify their husband is alive Women of Tibetan background wear a wraparound jumper and a colorful apron if married
Which gestures are important in Nepal?
Many hand and finger gestures carry meaning, and touching or feet contact require care. Cows are sacred and should not be touched. Do: Beckon by waving all fingers with the palm down Apologize immediately if your foot touches another person Don't: Don't point or use other finger gestures Don't touch cows, as they are sacred Don't touch foods or flowers displayed at bazaars, as they become impure Don't wink at a person of the opposite sex, or whistle inside a home or at night
What is family life like in Nepal?
The family is the basic social unit and takes precedence over the individual, with traditional families being large and extended. Women, especially among Hindus, generally have few rights or privileges. Aunts, uncles, and relatives often live together and share the same kitchen Among the educated, sons increasingly set up separate households after marriage Land is inherited and divided equally between sons Women often marry before age 18 and join the husband's extended family
What do people do for recreation in Nepal?
Popular sports include soccer, cricket, basketball, and table tennis, while traditional entertainment includes festivals, folk dances, and folk music. Enjoy festivals, folk dances, and folk music as traditional entertainment
What is the capital of Nepal?
Kathmandu is the capital and largest city of Nepal. Situated in a high-altitude valley in the Himalayan foothills, it serves as the country's political, cultural, and economic hub. Kathmandu is home to a remarkable concentration of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples, royal palace squares, and sacred stupas such as Pashupatinath and Boudhanath. The city has long been a crossroads for trade, pilgrimage, and, more recently, trekking expeditions headed toward the high Himalayas.
Where is Nepal located?
Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia, nestled along the southern slopes of the Himalayan mountain range. It occupies a narrow east–west band on the northern edge of the Indian subcontinent, sitting between the vast plains of the Gangetic lowlands and the high-altitude Tibetan Plateau. The country spans a dramatic range of elevations, from subtropical lowland forests in the south to some of the highest peaks on Earth in the north.
What countries border Nepal?
Nepal shares its borders with two countries. India borders Nepal to the south, east, and west, forming a long and historically porous frontier that facilitates significant trade and migration. China (specifically the Tibet Autonomous Region) borders Nepal to the north along the high Himalayan ridgeline. This geographic position between two of Asia's largest nations has profoundly shaped Nepal's history, politics, and culture throughout the centuries.
What is the predominant religion in Nepal?
Hinduism is the dominant religion in Nepal, practiced by approximately 86 percent of the population, making Nepal one of the most Hindu-majority nations in the world. Buddhism is the second-largest religion at roughly 7.8 percent, and the two faiths have coexisted and intermingled in Nepali culture for centuries, sharing festivals, pilgrimage sites, and even deities. Islam accounts for about 3.8 percent of the population, concentrated largely in the southern Terai lowlands near the Indian border.
What is the currency of Nepal?
The official currency of Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee, with the ISO code NPR. The rupee is subdivided into 100 paisa, though paisa coins are rarely used in everyday transactions today. Nepal's economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, remittances from Nepalis working abroad, and revenue from the tourism industry. The Nepalese Rupee is pegged to the Indian Rupee at a fixed rate, reflecting the close economic ties between the two neighboring countries.
What language is spoken in Nepal?
Nepali is the official language of Nepal and is spoken by approximately 90 percent of the population, serving as the principal lingua franca across the country's diverse ethnic communities. Beyond Nepali, the country is linguistically rich, with roughly a dozen other recognized languages and some 30 major dialects reflecting its many ethnic groups, including Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tharu, and Tamang. English is widely understood in Kathmandu and in tourist areas, particularly among those working in hospitality and trekking industries.
What is Nepal's geography and terrain like?
Nepal's terrain is extraordinarily varied, ranging from the flat, fertile Terai lowlands along its southern border to the towering peaks of the Himalayas in the north. The country contains eight of the world's ten highest mountains, including Mount Everest, whose summit at 8,849 meters (approximately 29,028 feet) above sea level makes it the highest point on Earth. Between the lowlands and the high Himalayan range lies a broad central hill and valley zone where most of the population lives. This compressed altitudinal range produces an exceptional diversity of climates, ecosystems, and agricultural zones.
What is Nepal known for?
Nepal is globally renowned as the home of Mount Everest and as the world's premier destination for high-altitude trekking and mountaineering, drawing thousands of climbers and hikers to routes such as the Annapurna Circuit and the Everest Base Camp trail each year. The country is also the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, at Lumbini in the southern Terai. Nepal's rich festival calendar—including the ten-day Dashain and the illuminated Tihar festival—reflects its deep Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Locally, Nepal is also recognized for its distinct cuisine of dal-bhat (lentil soup with rice), handcrafted metalwork, and intricately carved wood architecture found throughout the Kathmandu Valley.

Last reviewed 2026

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