Country Profile: Nepal

Nepal is a landlocked country situated in Southern Asia, nestled between China and India. Covering an area of 147,181 square kilometers, it features diverse geography characterized by the towering Himalayas in the north and the fertile plains of the Tarai region in the south. With a population of approximately 31.1 million, Nepal exhibits a rich cultural tapestry, predominantly influenced by Hinduism and Buddhism. The economy, classified as low-income, relies significantly on agriculture, services, and remittances, while its governance operates as a federal parliamentary republic since the abolition of the monarchy in 2008.

Geography

Nepal's strategic location between China and India showcases its unique geographical attributes, including eight of the world's ten highest peaks, such as Mount Everest. The terrain varies from the flat plains of the Ganges to the rugged mountains of the Himalayas, with an average elevation of 2,565 meters. The country experiences a diverse climate, ranging from cool winters in the north to subtropical conditions in the south.

147,181 sq km - Total area.
3,159 km - Total land boundaries with China and India.
8,849 m - Height of Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth.
26.1% - Percentage of land classified as agricultural land (2022).
41.6% - Forest coverage in Nepal (2022).
12,090 sq km - Area of irrigated land (2022).

People and Society

The population of Nepal is approximately 31.1 million, with a nearly balanced gender ratio. The country is home to a myriad of ethnic groups, with Chhettri and Brahman-Hill being the largest. Nepali is the official language, while Hinduism is the predominant religion, followed by Buddhism and Islam.

31,122,387 - Estimated population in 2024.
25.8% - Proportion of the population aged 0-14 years.
73 years - Life expectancy at birth (2024).
68.7% - Literacy rate (2019).
21.9% - Urban population (2023).
17 births/1,000 - Birth rate (2024).

Economy

Nepal's economy is characterized as a low-income South Asian economy, heavily reliant on agriculture and remittances. The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected trade and tourism, yet increasing stability is observed through post-conflict fiscal federalism. The economy shows signs of growth, with significant contributions from the services sector.

$149.643 billion - Real GDP (PPP) estimated for 2024.
10.8% - Unemployment rate in 2024.
55.2% - Contribution of services to GDP (2024).
20.3% - Population living below the poverty line (2022).
33.1% - Share of remittances in GDP (2024).
1% - Inflation rate for 2023.

Government

Nepal is a federal parliamentary republic with a diverse political landscape. The government operates under a constitution promulgated in 2015, which established a bicameral legislature. The President serves as the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government, with elections held periodically.

President Ram Chandra POUDEL - In office since March 2023.
7 - Number of provinces.
18 years - Minimum voting age.
275 - Number of seats in the House of Representatives.
59 - Seats in the National Assembly.

Military and Security

The Nepalese Armed Forces encompass the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force, which are tasked with national defense and internal security. The military is active in various UN peacekeeping missions.

95,000 - Active personnel in the Armed Forces (2025).
1% - Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2024).
1240 - Personnel deployed in Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

Energy

Electricity generation in Nepal predominantly relies on hydroelectric power, significantly bolstered by the country's vast water resources. The electrification rate has improved notably, reflecting advancements in infrastructure.

91.3% - Total electrification rate (2022).
2.853 million kW - Installed generating capacity (2023).
99% - Percentage of electricity generated from hydroelectric sources (2023).

Environment

Nepal faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, and water contamination. The government is a party to multiple international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues.

41.6% - Forest coverage (2022).
36.43 micrograms/m³ - Particulate matter emissions (2019).
150 million cubic meters - Municipal water withdrawal (2020).

Transportation

Nepal's transportation infrastructure is evolving, with numerous airports and ongoing development of road and rail networks to enhance connectivity across rugged terrains.

51 - Total airports expected by 2025.
59 km - Total railway length (2018).

Communications

Telecommunications infrastructure in Nepal is rapidly developing, with a high mobile subscription rate and increasing internet accessibility among the population.

38.2 million - Mobile cellular subscriptions (2021).
726,000 - Fixed line subscriptions (2021).
56% - Internet users as a percentage of the population (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	31,122,387	Estimated for 2024
Area	147,181 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$149.643 billion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	10.8%	Estimated for 2024
Birth Rate	17 births/1,000	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy	73 years	Estimated for 2024
Electrification Rate	91.3%	Total electrification (2022)
Literacy Rate	68.7%	Estimated for 2019
Military Expenditure	1% of GDP	Estimated for 2024