Nepal
Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: -0.15%
Nepal is a Southern Asia landlocked nation of around 29.7 million residents, placing it in the upper quartile of countries by population size. This landlocked territory spans 147,181 km² with a density of 201 people per km². Its capital is Kathmandu, and Nepali is the official language, while the Nepalese rupee serves as the national currency.
Population
29,651,054
Area
147,181 km²
Density
201/km²
World Rank
#51
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
The population is currently contracting at a rate of -0% per year, pointing to deep structural challenges such as low birth rates and emigration. Births occur at 19.3 per thousand against deaths at 6.9 per thousand, yielding a moderate natural surplus. The age distribution is relatively balanced, with 28.4% of residents under 15 and 6.5% over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Kathmandu
- Region
- Asia
- Subregion
- Southern Asia
- Continent
- Asia
- Languages
- Nepali
- Currencies
- Nepalese rupee (₨)
- Calling Code
- +977
- Top-Level Domain
- .np
- Landlocked
- Yes
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+05:45
Population Details
- Total Population
- 29,651,054
- Land Area
- 147,181 km²
- Population Density
- 201 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- -0.15%
- Annual Growth
- -44,477 people
- Daily Growth
- -122 people
- World Population Share
- 0.37%
- Coordinates
- 28.00°, 84.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
At around $1.4k per person, the economy falls into the lower-middle-income tier, reflecting ongoing development needs. Unemployment sits at 10.5%, well above the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 30.0 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
70.3 years
GDP per Capita
$1,447
Birth Rate
19.3 per 1,000
Death Rate
6.9 per 1,000
Urban Population
66.8%
Fertility Rate
1.98 births/woman
Infant Mortality
23.3 per 1,000
Unemployment
10.5%
Literacy Rate
68.7%
Internet Users
55.8%
Under 15
28.4%
Over 65
6.5%
Health Spending
6.2% GDP
Gini Index
30.0
Age Distribution
0-14 years
8.4M
15-64 years
19.3M
65+ years
1.9M
Urbanization
Urbanization is well advanced, with roughly 66.8% of the population residing in towns and cities, above the global mean of 56%. The capital, Kathmandu, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Net emigration of 364699.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
19.8M
66.8%
9.9M
33.2%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 70.3 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 23.3 per thousand live births, somewhat higher than the global average. The literacy rate of 68.7% is below the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Nepal
Nepal has 15 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
If current trends persist, Nepal's population will continue to shrink, intensifying labor shortages and increasing the burden on pension and healthcare systems. As a United Nations member state, Nepal participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 29,651,054 |
| 2030 | 29,469,251 |
| 2035 | 29,234,889 |
| 2040 | 28,994,096 |
| 2045 | 28,748,222 |
| 2050 | 28,498,420 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Nepal.
Largest Cities in Nepal
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Nepal by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Nepal?
The population of Nepal is approximately 29.7 million as of 2026, making it #51 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Nepal?
The capital of Nepal is Kathmandu.
What languages are spoken in Nepal?
The main languages spoken in Nepal are Nepali.
How big is Nepal?
Nepal covers an area of 147,181 km² with a population density of 201 people per km².
Is Nepal growing or shrinking?
Nepal's population is declining at a rate of -0.15% per year.
What is the life expectancy in Nepal?
The average life expectancy in Nepal is 70.3 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Nepal?
The GDP per capita of Nepal is $1,447.