Country Profile: Nepal

Nepal is a landlocked country situated in Southern Asia, nestled between China and India. It is home to a diverse population of approximately 31.3 million people, with a rich tapestry of ethnicities and languages. The nation's economy, classified as low-income, is heavily reliant on agriculture and services, facing challenges such as trade deficits exacerbated by recent conflicts and the COVID-19 pandemic. Governance has transitioned to a federal parliamentary republic, marked by ongoing political dynamics and coalition governments.

Geography

Nepal's geographical features include the towering Himalayas in the north and the flat plains of the Tarai region in the south. The country is landlocked, bordered by China and India, and is known for containing eight of the world's ten highest peaks, including Mount Everest. Its diverse climate ranges from cold winters in the north to subtropical conditions in the south, contributing to varied ecological zones.

147,181 sq km total area
3,159 km of land boundaries
8,849 m height of Mount Everest, the world's highest point
43.5% of land covered by forests (2023 est.)
26.1% of land used for agriculture (2023 est.)

People and Society

Nepal has a population of about 31.3 million people, with a youthful median age of 28.1 years. The population is predominantly Hindu (81.2%), with a rich multicultural landscape featuring various ethnic groups. Urbanization is gradually increasing, with approximately 21.9% of the population living in urban areas. Literacy rates are around 68.7%, with significant disparities between genders.

31,334,402 estimated population by 2025
16.66 births per 1,000 population (2025 est.)
73 years life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
10% of the urban population without access to improved drinking water (2022 est.)
4.1% adult obesity prevalence (2016)

Economy

Nepal's economy is characterized as low-income with a strong reliance on agriculture, which accounts for 21.9% of GDP. The country has faced economic challenges including trade deficits and the impacts of COVID-19. Despite these issues, there is a growing trend towards fiscal stability and increased Chinese investments.

$149.643 billion in GDP (PPP) forecasted for 2024
10.8% unemployment rate (2024 est.)
20.3% of the population living below the poverty line (2022 est.)
33.1% of GDP contributed by remittances (2024 est.)
1.1% of GDP allocated for military expenditures (2024 est.)

Government

Nepal operates as a federal parliamentary republic with a current governance structure that includes a President and a Prime Minister. The country has faced political instability, marked by changes in leadership and coalition governments. The 2015 Constitution established the country's current legal framework, guaranteeing universal suffrage.

President: Ram Chandra Poudel (since March 2023)
Prime Minister: Sushila Karki (since September 2025)
7 provinces administratively divided
18 years as the legal voting age
Constitution Day celebrated on September 20

Military and Security

The Nepalese Armed Forces comprise the Nepali Army and various police units responsible for internal security and external defense. Nepal has a commitment to UN peacekeeping missions and maintains a modest military expenditure relative to its GDP.

Approximately 95,000 personnel in active military service (2025)
1% of GDP dedicated to military spending (2024 est.)
1240 personnel deployed in the Central African Republic (2025)
18 years minimum age for voluntary military service

Energy

Nepal has made significant strides in electrification, with approximately 91.3% of the population having access to electricity as of 2022. The country's energy sector is heavily reliant on hydropower, which constitutes 99% of its installed capacity.

2.853 million kW installed generating capacity (2023)
9.806 billion kWh of electricity consumption (2023)
1.846 billion kWh electricity imported (2023)
71,000 bbl/day refined petroleum consumption (2023)

Environment

Environmental challenges in Nepal include deforestation, soil erosion, and air pollution. The country is party to several international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues. Growing urbanization and agricultural practices contribute to ongoing ecological stress.

4.6% of municipal solid waste recycled (2022)
210.2 billion cubic meters total renewable water resources (2022)
11.357 million metric tonnes of CO2 emissions (2023)

Transportation

Nepal's transportation infrastructure includes a network of airports, railways, and roadways that facilitate both domestic and international travel. The nation has a total of 51 airports to support its connectivity needs.

59 km of railway operational (2018)
14 heliports available (2025)
726,000 fixed-line phone subscriptions (2021)

Communications

The communications sector in Nepal has expanded significantly, with increasing access to mobile and internet services. Approximately 56% of the population uses the internet, reflecting the growth of digital connectivity in the country.

29.6 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2024)
1.44 million fixed broadband subscriptions (2022)
726,000 fixed-line subscriptions (2021)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	31,334,402	Estimated for 2025
Area	147,181 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$149.643 billion	Forecasted for 2024
Energy Consumption	9.806 billion kWh	For the year 2023
Birth Rate	16.66 births/1,000	Estimated for 2025
Unemployment Rate	10.8%	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy at Birth	73 years	Estimated for 2024
Military Expenditures	1% of GDP	Estimated for 2024
Literacy Rate	68.7%	Based on 2019 estimates
Urban Population	21.9% of total population	For the year 2023