Nepal Calls You

Encounter with warm hearts of Himalayas accompanied by most welcoming smiles around the globe.

             The total population of Nepal is around 26 million according to the recent data provided by the Central Bureau of Statics, Nepal.  About 100+ ethnic groups speaking 92 languages are currently residing in Nepal.  Despite its size, Nepal is considered as " the common garden of 4 main castes and 36 sub-castes".  No denying, Nepal can be listed as one of the most diverse nations in the planet. Even though national language is " Nepali” can hear and see people speaking other dialects too. Dialects also vary with region. One can find the huge difference when it comes to the accent of East and West. It may sound so strange. :) Yes! Diverse in such a way.

Tip:

Normally, Nepalese are amiable. If they don't know the English language, at least they are so perfect to smile, literally incredible smile. As a reply to that smile, you can join your both hands and say "Namaste". This word is used as greeting in Nepal and in some parts of India, China, and Bhutan.

Namaste word is used as a common form to greet each other. Its literal meaning in Sanskrit is "Divine in me bows to the divine in you".

Another most interesting thing in Nepal is you will be asked “Have you had your lunch, tea or dinner?” as per the time instead of “Hi, Hello and How are you?”.  And if you haven't, they can offer you authentic Nepali cuisines mainly tea. This shows the query about the health status of guests. :)

Ahthiti Devo Bhava [ अतिथिदेवो भव]: Guests are equivalent to Gods.

In Nepal, guests especially foreigners are well treated as Gods. To be more precise, it's one of the "code of conducts" in Hinduism. This theme more describes as well as boosts the dynamic host-guest relationship.           

Demography of Nepal according to Geography

Nepal possess tremendous geographical diversities despite its size. It is composed of Terai, Hills and Himalayan belt. We can see different castes and ethnic groups residing on the basis of these belts.

On the basis of three different regions people of various backgrounds can be seen which are as described below:

1. Himalayan Belt [2500m+]

Mainly in the northern Himalayan region, Tibetan-based groups such as Managnis, Sherpas, Lamas, Dolpa-Pas, Lopas, Baragaonlis. Soukhumbhu district is mainly occupied by Sherpas. To be more specific, Mongolians [Gurung, Sherpa, Lama] are dominant in higher altitude. It covers 15% of the total area of Nepal.

2. Hills and Valleys [1000m to 2500m]

Ethnics groups like Magar, Chhetri, Brahmins, Thakuri, Gurung live in this belt. Agriculture and several forms of farming are more common as a profession in hills. It covers 67% of the total area of Nepal.          

3. Terai [Plain] Belt [up to 1000m]

Indigenous people of Terai are mainly Tharus, Darai, Kumal, and Majhi. As this region is called " granary of Nepal" due to its fertile land, most of the people have adopted agriculture as their main source of livelihood.  It covers 17% of total land.

Ethnic Diversity in Kathmandu Valley

It's already known that Kathmandu is the most happening place of Nepal which serves as a home to diversities from cultural to demographics. In fact, this city is a melting pot and eclectic mix of people from different nooks and corners of Nepal, India, Tibet, China, and few other neighbouring nations. Nevertheless, Newari community is considered as indigenous people of the valley. It is believed that they used to be involved in trade and agriculture from the very beginning. Moreover, the courtesy of incredible vibes regarding culture and tradition which Kathmandu boasts goes to Newari people and community. They are comparatively rich and active regarding tradition and culture.

 

For more about Nepali nationalities,

Please visit: http://census.gov.np/

(official website of the Central Bureau of Statistics).