People & Customs

The population of Nepal was recorded to be about 25 million as of July 2002. 86% of Nepalis follow Hinduism, while 8% follow Buddhism and 3% follow Islam. The population comprises
various groups of different races which are further divided into different castes. Gurungs and Magars live mainly in the western region; Rais, Limbus and Sunwars live in the eastern mid hills; Sherpas, Manangpas and Lopas live near the mountains of Everest, Annapurna and Mustang respectively; Newars live in and around the capital valley of Kathmandu; Tharus, Yadavas, Satar, Rajvanshis and Dhimals live in the Terai region; and Brahmins, Chhetris and Thakuris are spread over all parts of the country.
Nepali is the official language of the state, spoken and understood by 100 percent of the population. English is spoken by many in government and business offices and is the mode of education in most private schools of Kathmandu and some other cities.