Nepal: Population, Economy & Travel Facts

Essential data for planning your trip to Nepal — from population and demographics to economic indicators, healthcare infrastructure, tourism trends, and digital connectivity.

Population & Geography

Population
28,087,871
#50 of 197 countries
Area
147,181 km²
#95 of 248 countries
Density
190.8 / km²
#74 of 245 countries

Nepal has a population of 28,087,871 spread across 147,181 km², giving it an average density of 190.8 people per km². This moderate density means a mix of bustling cities and quieter rural areas to explore.

Demographics

Median Age
28.1
Life Expectancy
73.0 yrs
Literacy Rate
68.7%
Government
federal parliamentary republic
Ethnic Groups
Religions
GDP by Sector

Economy & Cost of Living

Understanding the local economy helps travellers budget effectively and set expectations. Nepal is classified as a lower middle income country by the World Bank. Prices are roughly 26% of US levels, meaning your money goes significantly further here — accommodation, food, and transport are very affordable by Western standards.

Income Level
Lower middle income
GDP per Capita
$1,382
Cost of Living
26% of US
Inflation
7.1%
Inequality
30.0
Moderate