Country exposure · NP
Nepal
South Asia · Kathmandu · federal parliamentary republic
What Nepal means for your money — the prices you pay, the tariffs in motion, and where U.S. policy could change both.
$124M
U.S. imports, 2025
+2.8%
change in one year
$112M
U.S. exports, 2025
31M
Population
$42.9B
GDP
In your house
What you buy that Nepal makes
America bought $124M in goods from Nepal in 2025. Of every $100 of it, here's where the money went.
Rugs
rugs
$48M38.4%
Feedstuff and foodgrains
$25M20.1%
Apparel, household goods - wool
wool sweaters and coats
$9M7.2%
Apparel, textiles, nonwool or cotton
synthetic and performance apparel
$8M6.8%
Apparel, household goods - cotton
cotton clothing and linens
$4M3.6%
Cell phones and other household goods, n.e.c.
cell phones and home electronics
$4M3%
Minimum value shipments
$3M2.7%
Artwork, antiques, stamps, etc.
$3M2.2%
Finished textile supplies
$2M1.7%
Tobacco, waxes, etc.
$2M1.6%
2026 so far (through April): $41M in imports. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, International Trade in Goods (customs basis).
The other direction
What America sells to Nepal
$112M in 2025 — a trade rupture cuts both ways, for American producers as well as American prices.
Soybeans
$50Mmeat at the counter
Minimum value shipments
$10MCivilian aircraft, engines, equipment, and parts
$7MComputers
$7Mlaptops, desktops, monitors
Chemicals-other
$7MAnimal feeds, n.e.c.
$4MMedicinal equipment
$3Mmedical devices and equipment
Manmade cloth
$3MToiletries and cosmetics
$2Mtoiletries and cosmetics
Where you stand
U.S. tariff posture toward Nepal
No U.S. tariff action singles this country out. Its goods face the universal 10% temporary import surcharge under Section 122 of the Trade Act (which replaced the IEEPA reciprocal baseline in February 2026) plus the sectoral Section 232 duties — steel and aluminum at 50% — that apply to all countries. The Section 122 surcharge is statutorily temporary — scheduled to lapse on or about July 23, 2026 (a 150-day cap) unless extended or replaced.
Reciprocal tariff (universal baseline)
10%
The universal 10% floor — a Section 122 import surcharge since February 2026, previously the EO 14257 reciprocal baseline — applies to nearly all U.S. imports. This country has no higher assigned rate of its own.
Policy in motion
Tariff status: a moving target
No U.S. tariff action names Nepal. These are the universal measures — applied to every country without a country-specific arrangement — that set its treatment.
2026-04-06
Section 232 metals coverage expanded
In effectThe April 2026 proclamation strengthening Section 232 actions on aluminum, steel, and copper expanded derivative-product coverage for all countries, keeping the general metals rate at 50%.
91 FR 18201 →2026-02-24
IEEPA reciprocal tariffs terminated — replaced by 10% Section 122 surcharge
In effectExecutive Order 14389 (Ending Certain Tariff Actions) terminated the IEEPA tariff duties — including the EO 14257 reciprocal baseline — effective February 24, 2026. A flat 10% Section 122 temporary import surcharge (Proclamation 11012 of February 20, 2026) replaced them, leaving the universal rate unchanged at 10% on a different statutory basis. Section 122 caps such surcharges at 150 days, so this 10% surcharge is scheduled to lapse on or about July 23, 2026 absent further action (the administration has signaled it could raise the rate toward the 15% statutory maximum).
91 FR 9437 →2025-11-13
Agricultural products exempted from reciprocal tariffs
In effectExecutive Order 14360 of November 14, 2025 removed reciprocal duties from certain agricultural products listed in its annexes (coffee, cocoa, bananas, and other goods the U.S. does not produce in sufficient quantity), retroactive to November 13, 2025 — for all countries subject to the reciprocal tariff.
90 FR 54091 →2025-06-04
Section 232 steel and aluminum duties doubled to 50%
In effectThe June 3, 2025 proclamation raised Section 232 duties on steel and aluminum articles and derivatives from 25% to 50% for all countries, effective June 4, 2025.
90 FR 24199 →2025-04-05
Universal 10% reciprocal baseline takes effect
In effectExecutive Order 14257 (signed April 2, 2025) imposed a 10% ad valorem reciprocal duty on imports from all trading partners, effective April 5, 2025. Countries without a higher Annex I rate remain at this baseline.
Federal Register · 2025-06063 →2025-03-12
Section 232 steel and aluminum duties set at 25% for all countries
In effectProclamations of February 10, 2025 terminated all country exemptions and quota arrangements and applied 25% Section 232 duties to steel and aluminum imports from every country, effective March 12, 2025.
90 FR 9817 →
Made for America
What Nepal makes for America
Nepal is a direct U.S. source of 3 essential goods Americans rely on — the items themselves, shipped finished off the line.
Reference
The country itself
South Asia · Geography, people, economy, and government — public-domain data from the CIA World Factbook.
During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the principality of Gorkha united many of the other principalities and states of the sub-Himalayan region into a Nepali Kingdom. Nepal retained its independence after the Anglo-Nepalese War of 1814-16, and the subsequent peace treaty laid the foundations for two centuries of amicable relations between Britain and Nepal. In 1951, the Nepali monarch ended the century-old system of hereditary rule and instituted a cabinet system that brought political parties into the government. That arrangement lasted until 1960, when political parties were again banned, but it was reinstated in 1990 with the establishment of a multiparty democracy within the framework of a constitutional monarchy. A Maoist-led insurgency broke out in 1996. During the ensuing 10-year civil war between Maoist and government forces, the monarchy dissolved the cabinet and parliament. In 2001, Crown Prince DIPENDRA first massacred the royal family and then shot himself. His uncle GYANENDRA became king, and the monarchy reassumed absolute power the next year. A peace accord in 2006 led to the promulgation of an interim constitution in 2007. After a nationwide Constituent Assembly (CA) election in 2008, the newly formed CA declared Nepal a federal democratic republic, abolished the monarchy, and elected the country's first president. When the CA failed to draft a Supreme Court-mandated constitution, then-Prime Minister Baburam BHATTARAI dissolved the CA. An interim government held elections in 2013, in which the Nepali Congress (NC) won the largest share of seats. In 2014, NC formed a coalition government with the second-place Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist-Leninist (UML). Nepal's new constitution came into effect in 2015, at which point the CA became the Parliament and Khagda Prasad Sharma OLI the first post-constitution prime minister (2015-16). He resigned ahead of a no-confidence motion, and Parliament elected Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (CPN-M) leader Pushpa Kamal DAHAL as prime minister. The parties headed by OLI and DAHAL ran in coalition and swept the parliamentary elections in 2017, and OLI was sworn in as prime minister in 2018. OLI's efforts to dissolve parliament and hold elections were declared unconstitutional in 2021, and the opposition-supported NC leader Sher Bahadur DEUBA was named prime minister. The NC won a majority of seats in the parliamentary elections in 2022, but DAHAL then broke with the ruling coalition and partnered with OLI and the CPN-UML to become prime minister. DAHAL's first cabinet lasted about two months, until OLI withdrew his support over disagreements about ministerial assignments. In early 2023, DAHAL survived a vote of confidence and formed a coalition with the NC to remain prime minister.
Geography
- Location
- Southern Asia, between China and India
- Area
- 147,181 sq km
- Climate
- varies from cool summers and severe winters in north to subtropical summers and mild winters in south
- Terrain
- Tarai or flat river plain of the Ganges in south; central hill region with rugged Himalayas in north
- Natural resources
- quartz, water, timber, hydropower, scenic beauty, small deposits of lignite, copper, cobalt, iron ore
- Coastline
- 0 km (landlocked)
- Natural hazards
- severe thunderstorms; flooding; landslides; drought and famine depending on the timing, intensity, and duration of the summer monsoons
People & society
- Population
- 31,334,402 (2025 est.)
- Nationality
- Nepali (singular and plural)
- Ethnic groups
- Chhettri 16.5%, Brahman-Hill 11.3%, Magar 6.9%, Tharu 6.2%, Tamang 5.6%, Bishwokarma 5%, Musalman 4.9%, Newar 4.6%, Yadav 4.2%, Rai 2.2%, Pariyar 1.9%, Gurung 1.9%, Thakuri 1.7%, Mijar 1.6%, Teli 1.5%, Yakthung/Limbu 1.4%, Chamar/Harijan/Ram 1.4%, Koiri/Kushwaha 1.2%, other 20% (2021 est.)
- Languages
- Nepali (official) 44.9%, Maithali 11.1%, Bhojpuri 6.2%, Tharu 5.9%, Tamang 4.9%, Bajjika 3.9%, Avadhi 3%, Nepalbhasha (Newari) 3%, Magar Dhut 2.8%, Doteli 1.7%, Urdu 1.4%, Yakthung/Limbu 1.2%, Gurung 1.1%, other 8.9% (2021 est.)
- Religions
- Hindu 81.2%, Buddhist 8.2%, Muslim 5.1%, Kirat 3.2%, Christian 1.8%; less than 1%: Prakriti, Bon, Jains, Sikh (2021 est.)
- Median age
- 28.1 years (2025 est.)
- Life expectancy at birth
- 73 years (2024 est.)
- Literacy
- 68.7% (2019 est.)
Economy
- Economic overview
- low-income South Asian economy; post-conflict fiscal federalism increasing stability; COVID-19 hurt trade and tourism; widening current account deficits; environmentally fragile economy from earthquakes; growing Chinese relations and investments
- Industries
- tourism, carpets, textiles, small rice, jute, sugar, oilseed mills, cigarettes, cement and brick production
- Agricultural products
- rice, vegetables, potatoes, sugarcane, maize, wheat, bison milk, milk, mangoes/guavas, bananas (2023)
- Exports - partners
- India 67%, USA 12%, Germany 3%, China 2%, UK 2% (2023)
- Imports - partners
- India 71%, China 17%, UAE 3%, Singapore 2%, Germany 1% (2023)
Government
- Government type
- federal parliamentary republic
- Capital
- Kathmandu
- Independence
- 1768 (unified by Prithvi Narayan SHAH)
- Constitution
- several previous; latest approved by the Second Constituent Assembly 16 September 2015, signed by the president and effective 20 September 2015
- Executive branch
- President Ram Chandra POUDEL (since 13 March 2023)
- Legislative branch
- Federal Parliament (Sanghiya Sansad)
Full reference data
Every field, by section — CIA World Factbook. Open a topic to expand it.
Introduction
Background
During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the principality of Gorkha united many of the other principalities and states of the sub-Himalayan region into a Nepali Kingdom. Nepal retained its independence after the Anglo-Nepalese War of 1814-16, and the subsequent peace treaty laid the foundations for two centuries of amicable relations between Britain and Nepal. In 1951, the Nepali monarch ended the century-old system of hereditary rule and instituted a cabinet system that brought political parties into the government. That arrangement lasted until 1960, when political parties were again banned, but it was reinstated in 1990 with the establishment of a multiparty democracy within the framework of a constitutional monarchy. A Maoist-led insurgency broke out in 1996. During the ensuing 10-year civil war between Maoist and government forces, the monarchy dissolved the cabinet and parliament. In 2001, Crown Prince DIPENDRA first massacred the royal family and then shot himself. His uncle GYANENDRA became king, and the monarchy reassumed absolute power the next year. A peace accord in 2006 led to the promulgation of an interim constitution in 2007. After a nationwide Constituent Assembly (CA) election in 2008, the newly formed CA declared Nepal a federal democratic republic, abolished the monarchy, and elected the country's first president. When the CA failed to draft a Supreme Court-mandated constitution, then-Prime Minister Baburam BHATTARAI dissolved the CA. An interim government held elections in 2013, in which the Nepali Congress (NC) won the largest share of seats. In 2014, NC formed a coalition government with the second-place Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist-Leninist (UML). Nepal's new constitution came into effect in 2015, at which point the CA became the Parliament and Khagda Prasad Sharma OLI the first post-constitution prime minister (2015-16). He resigned ahead of a no-confidence motion, and Parliament elected Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (CPN-M) leader Pushpa Kamal DAHAL as prime minister. The parties headed by OLI and DAHAL ran in coalition and swept the parliamentary elections in 2017, and OLI was sworn in as prime minister in 2018. OLI's efforts to dissolve parliament and hold elections were declared unconstitutional in 2021, and the opposition-supported NC leader Sher Bahadur DEUBA was named prime minister. The NC won a majority of seats in the parliamentary elections in 2022, but DAHAL then broke with the ruling coalition and partnered with OLI and the CPN-UML to become prime minister. DAHAL's first cabinet lasted about two months, until OLI withdrew his support over disagreements about ministerial assignments. In early 2023, DAHAL survived a vote of confidence and formed a coalition with the NC to remain prime minister.
Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
For the latest travel advisories for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department's website, available through the link below. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
US Embassy/Consulate
+977 1 423-4000, +977 1 400-7272; US Embassy in Kathmandu, Embassy of the United States of America, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal; usembktm@state.gov; https://np.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+, Women, and Special Needs Travelers
Additional travel considerations can be found on the US State Department's International Travel page: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations.html
Telephone Code
977
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 228094; Fire: local number; Police: 100
Vaccinations
For the latest information on required or recommended vaccines, please visit the CDC's website, available through the link below. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list
Climate
Varies from cool summers and severe winters in north to subtropical summers and mild winters in south
Currency (Code)
Nepalese rupees (NPR)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, D, M
Major Languages
Nepali, Maithali, Bhojpuri, Tharu, Tamang, Newar, Bajjika, Magar, Doteli, Urdu, Avadhi, Limbu, Gurung, Baitadeli; note: 123 languages reported as mother tongue
Time Difference
UTC+5.75 (10.75 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
An IDP is required, and after 15 days, a local license is required.
Road Driving Side
Left
Souvenirs
Knotted/woven carpets and hemp items, wool pashminas, sheepskin slippers, woven caps, kukri knives, precious metal and turquoise jewelry, sacred scroll paintings, wood instruments, lokta bark paper, tea, kitchen spices
Traditional Cuisine
Dal Bhaath/Bhat — rice served with lentil soup and vegetable or meat curry
CIA source last updated
Thursday, December 19, 2024
Travel resources
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
CDC - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency? Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Thursday, December 19, 2024
Geography
Location
Southern Asia, between China and India
Geographic coordinates
28 00 N, 84 00 E
Map references
Asia
Area - total
147,181 sq km
Area - land
143,351 sq km
Area - water
3,830 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly larger than New York State
Land boundaries - total
3,159 km
Land boundaries - border countries
China 1,389 km; India 1,770 km
Coastline
0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims
none (landlocked)
Climate
varies from cool summers and severe winters in north to subtropical summers and mild winters in south
Terrain
Tarai or flat river plain of the Ganges in south; central hill region with rugged Himalayas in north
Elevation - highest point
Mount Everest (highest peak in Asia and highest point on earth above sea level) 8,849 m
Elevation - lowest point
Kanchan Kalan 70 m
Elevation - mean elevation
2,565 m
Natural resources
quartz, water, timber, hydropower, scenic beauty, small deposits of lignite, copper, cobalt, iron ore
Land use - agricultural land
26.1% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 12.6% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 1% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 12.5% (2023 est.)
Land use - forest
43.5% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
27.7% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
12,090 sq km (2022)
Major watersheds (area sq km) - Indian Ocean drainage
Brahmaputra (651,335 sq km), Ganges (1,016,124 sq km), Indus (1,081,718 sq km)
Major aquifers
Indus-Ganges-Brahmaputra Basin
Population distribution
most of the population is divided nearly equally between a concentration in the southern-most plains of the Tarai region and the central hilly region; overall density is low
Natural hazards
severe thunderstorms; flooding; landslides; drought and famine depending on the timing, intensity, and duration of the summer monsoons
Geography - note
landlocked; strategic location between China and India; contains eight of world's 10 highest peaks, including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga -- the world's tallest and third-tallest mountains -- on the borders with China and India, respectively
People and Society
Population - total
31,334,402 (2025 est.)
Population - male
15,352,706
Population - female
15,981,696
Nationality - noun
Nepali (singular and plural)
Nationality - adjective
Nepali
Ethnic groups
Chhettri 16.5%, Brahman-Hill 11.3%, Magar 6.9%, Tharu 6.2%, Tamang 5.6%, Bishwokarma 5%, Musalman 4.9%, Newar 4.6%, Yadav 4.2%, Rai 2.2%, Pariyar 1.9%, Gurung 1.9%, Thakuri 1.7%, Mijar 1.6%, Teli 1.5%, Yakthung/Limbu 1.4%, Chamar/Harijan/Ram 1.4%, Koiri/Kushwaha 1.2%, other 20% (2021 est.)
Ethnic groups - note
note: 141 caste/ethnic groups were reported in the 2021 national census
Languages - Languages
Nepali (official) 44.9%, Maithali 11.1%, Bhojpuri 6.2%, Tharu 5.9%, Tamang 4.9%, Bajjika 3.9%, Avadhi 3%, Nepalbhasha (Newari) 3%, Magar Dhut 2.8%, Doteli 1.7%, Urdu 1.4%, Yakthung/Limbu 1.2%, Gurung 1.1%, other 8.9% (2021 est.)
Languages - major-language sample(s)
विश्व तथ्य पुस्तक,आधारभूत जानकारीको लागि अपरिहार्य स्रोत (Nepali) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Languages - note
note: 123 languages reported as mother tongue in 2021 national census; many in government and business also speak English
Religions
Hindu 81.2%, Buddhist 8.2%, Muslim 5.1%, Kirat 3.2%, Christian 1.8%; less than 1%: Prakriti, Bon, Jains, Sikh (2021 est.)
Age structure - 0-14 years
25.8% (male 4,125,244/female 3,909,135)
Age structure - 15-64 years
67.8% (male 10,153,682/female 10,957,011)
Age structure - 65 years and over
6.4% (2024 est.) (male 961,717/female 1,015,598)
Dependency ratios - total dependency ratio
46.8 (2025 est.)
Dependency ratios - youth dependency ratio
37.2 (2025 est.)
Dependency ratios - elderly dependency ratio
9.6 (2025 est.)
Dependency ratios - potential support ratio
10.4 (2025 est.)
Median age - total
28.1 years (2025 est.)
Median age - male
26.5 years
Median age - female
28.6 years
Population growth rate
0.66% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
16.66 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
5.62 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
-4.46 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Population distribution
most of the population is divided nearly equally between a concentration in the southern-most plains of the Tarai region and the central hilly region; overall density is low
Urbanization - urban population
21.9% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
3.09% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
1.571 million KATHMANDU (capital) (2023)
Sex ratio - at birth
1.06 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 0-14 years
1.06 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 15-64 years
0.93 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 65 years and over
0.95 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - total population
0.96 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
20.4 years (2016 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth - note
note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
Maternal mortality ratio
142 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate - total
23.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Infant mortality rate - male
25.2 deaths/1,000 live births
Infant mortality rate - female
22.7 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth - total population
73 years (2024 est.)
Life expectancy at birth - male
72.2 years
Life expectancy at birth - female
73.7 years
Total fertility rate
1.82 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.88 (2025 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: urban
urban: 90% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: rural
rural: 91.6% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: total
total: 91.2% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: urban
urban: 10% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: rural
rural: 8.4% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: total
total: 8.8% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of GDP)
5.4% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of national budget)
8% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
1.01 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Hospital bed density
0.4 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: urban
urban: 96.1% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: rural
rural: 89.2% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: total
total: 90.7% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: urban
urban: 3.9% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: rural
rural: 10.8% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: total
total: 9.3% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
4.1% (2016)
Alcohol consumption per capita - total
0.36 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - beer
0.22 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - wine
0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - spirits
0.13 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - other alcohols
0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use - total
22.9% (2025 est.)
Tobacco use - male
40.3% (2025 est.)
Tobacco use - female
7.6% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
18.3% (2022 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
75.1% (2022 est.)
Child marriage - women married by age 15
5.8% (2022)
Child marriage - women married by age 18
34.9% (2022)
Child marriage - men married by age 18
7% (2022)
Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% GDP)
3.7% of GDP (2024 est.)
Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% national budget)
10.8% national budget (2025 est.)
Literacy - total population
68.7% (2019 est.)
Literacy - male
79.8% (2019 est.)
Literacy - female
59.4% (2019 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - total
14 years (2023 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - male
14 years (2023 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - female
14 years (2023 est.)
Government
Country name - conventional long form
none
Country name - conventional short form
Nepal
Country name - local long form
none
Country name - local short form
Nepal
Country name - etymology
the name probably comes from the Sanskrit term nepala , from the words for "fly down" and "house," which would refer to the villages at the base of the mountains
Government type
federal parliamentary republic
Capital - name
Kathmandu
Capital - geographic coordinates
27 43 N, 85 19 E
Capital - time difference
UTC+5.75 (10.75 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Capital - etymology
the name comes from the Nepalese words kath (wooden) and mandu (temple), referring to the local temples that are often still built from wood
Administrative divisions
7 provinces ( pradesh , singular - pradesh ); Bagmati, Gandaki, Karnali, Koshi, Lumbini, Madhesh, Sudurpashchim
Legal system
English common law and Hindu legal concepts
Constitution - history
several previous; latest approved by the Second Constituent Assembly 16 September 2015, signed by the president and effective 20 September 2015
Constitution - amendment process
proposed as a bill by either house of the Federal Parliament; bills affecting a state border or powers delegated to a state must be submitted to the affected state assembly; passage of such bills requires a majority vote of that state assembly membership; bills not requiring state assembly consent require at least two-thirds majority vote by the membership of both houses of the Federal Parliament; parts of the constitution on the sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty vested in the people cannot be amended
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Citizenship - citizenship by birth
yes
Citizenship - citizenship by descent only
yes
Citizenship - dual citizenship recognized
no
Citizenship - residency requirement for naturalization
15 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch - chief of state
President Ram Chandra POUDEL (since 13 March 2023)
Executive branch - head of government
Prime Minister Sushila KARKI (since 12 September 2025)
Executive branch - cabinet
Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister; cabinet positions shared among Nepali Congress, Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist Centre, and various coalition partners
Executive branch - election/appointment process
president indirectly elected by an electoral college of the Federal Parliament and the state assemblies for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term)
Executive branch - most recent election date
9 March 2023
Executive branch - election results
2023: Ram Chandra POUDEL elected president; electoral college vote - Ram Chandra POUDEL (NC) 33,802, Subash Chandra NEMBANG (CPN-UML) 15,518
Executive branch - expected date of next election
5 March 2026
Executive branch - note
note: KARKI was sworn in as interim prime minister on 12 September 2025 after Khadga Prasad Sharma OLI resigned on 9 September following violent protests; KARKI will serve until elections are held in March 2026
Legislative branch - legislature name
Federal Parliament (Sanghiya Sansad)
Legislative branch - legislative structure
bicameral
Legislative branch - note
note: violent student-led protests in early September 2025 led to the resignation of the Prime Minister; the President dissolved Parliament on 12 September 2015 following the swearing in of an interim prime minister and set elections for 5 March 2026; the major political parties have demanded reinstatement of the Parliament
Legislative branch - lower chamber - chamber name
House of Representatives (Pratinidhi Sabha)
Legislative branch - lower chamber - number of seats
275 (all directly elected)
Legislative branch - lower chamber - electoral system
mixed system
Legislative branch - lower chamber - scope of elections
full renewal
Legislative branch - lower chamber - term in office
5 years
Legislative branch - lower chamber - most recent election date
11/20/2022
Legislative branch - lower chamber - parties elected and seats per party
Nepali Congress (NC) (89); Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist, UML) (78); Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist Centre (CPN-MC) (32); Rastriya Swatantra Party (20); Rastriya Prajatantra Party Nepal (RPP) (14); People's Socialist Party, Nepal (12); Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Socialist) (10); Janamat Party (6); Democratic Socialist Party, Nepal (4); People's Freedom Party (3); Nepal Workers Peasants Party (1); Rastriya Janamorcha (1); Independents (5)
Legislative branch - lower chamber - percentage of women in chamber
0%
Legislative branch - lower chamber - expected date of next election
5 March 2026
Legislative branch - lower chamber - note
note: Parliament was dissolved by the President on 12 September following violent protests, the resignation of the Prime Minister, and the appointment of an interim prime minister with new elections set for March 2026
Legislative branch - upper chamber - chamber name
National Assembly (Rastriya Sabha)
Legislative branch - upper chamber - number of seats
59 (56 indirectly elected; 3 appointed)
Legislative branch - upper chamber - scope of elections
partial renewal
Legislative branch - upper chamber - term in office
6 years
Legislative branch - upper chamber - most recent election date
1/25/2024
Legislative branch - upper chamber - percentage of women in chamber
37.3%
Legislative branch - upper chamber - expected date of next election
January 2026
Judicial branch - highest court(s)
Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and up to 20 judges)
Judicial branch - judge selection and term of office
Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Constitutional Council, a 5-member, high-level advisory body headed by the prime minister; other judges appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Judicial Council, a 5-member advisory body headed by the chief justice; the chief justice serves a 6-year term; judges serve until age 65
Judicial branch - subordinate courts
High Court; district courts
Political parties
Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) or CPN-MC Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) or CPN-UML Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Socialist) or CPN-US Janamat Party Janata Samajbaadi Party or JSP Loktantrik Samajwadi Party or LSP Naya Shakti Party, Nepal Nepali Congress or NC Nepal Mazdoor Kisan Party (Nepal Workers' and Peasants' Party) or NWPP Rastriya Janamorcha (National People's Front) Rastriya Prajatantra Party (National Democratic Party) or RPP Rastriya Swatantra Party or RSP
Diplomatic representation in the US - chief of mission
Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Sharad Raj ARAN (since November 2025)
Diplomatic representation in the US - chancery
2730 34th Place NW, Washington, DC 20007
Diplomatic representation in the US - telephone
[1] (202) 667-4550
Diplomatic representation in the US - FAX
[1] (202) 667-5534
Diplomatic representation in the US - email address and website
Diplomatic representation in the US - consulate(s) general
New York
Diplomatic representation from the US - chief of mission
Ambassador Dean R. THOMPSON (since October 2022)
Diplomatic representation from the US - embassy
Maharajgunj, Kathmandu
Diplomatic representation from the US - mailing address
6190 Kathmandu Place, Washington DC 20521-6190
Diplomatic representation from the US - telephone
[977] (1) 423-4000
Diplomatic representation from the US - FAX
[977] (1) 400-7272
Diplomatic representation from the US - email address and website
International organization participation
ADB, BIMSTEC, CD, CP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM, OPCW, SAARC, SACEP, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNSOM, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
1768 (unified by Prithvi Narayan SHAH)
National holiday
Constitution Day, 20 September (2015)
National holiday - note
note: replaces the previous Republic Day on 28 May as the official national day in Nepal; the Gregorian date fluctuates based on Nepal’s Hindu calendar
Flag
description: crimson red with a blue border, in the shape of two overlapping right triangles; the smaller upper triangle has a stylized white moon, and the larger lower triangle has a 12-pointed white sun meaning: red stands for the rhododendron (the national flower) and victory and bravery, and the blue border for peace and harmony; the two triangles are a combination of two pennants that originally symbolized the Himalaya Mountains, but today they refer to Hinduism and Buddhism, the country's two main religions; the moon stands for the serenity of the people, as well as Himalayan shade and cool weather, and the sun for the heat and higher temperatures in the rest of the country
Flag - note
note: Nepal is the only country with a flag that is not rectangular or square
National symbol(s)
rhododendron blossom
National color(s)
red
National anthem(s) - title
"Sayaun Thunga Phool Ka" (Hundreds of Flowers)
National anthem(s) - lyrics/music
Pradeep Kumar RAI/Ambar GURUNG
National anthem(s) - history
adopted 2007
National heritage - total World Heritage Sites
4 (2 cultural, 2 natural)
National heritage - selected World Heritage Site locales
Kathmandu Valley (c); Sagarmatha National Park (n); Chitwan National Park (n); Lumbini, Buddha Birthplace (c)
Economy
Economic overview
low-income South Asian economy; post-conflict fiscal federalism increasing stability; COVID-19 hurt trade and tourism; widening current account deficits; environmentally fragile economy from earthquakes; growing Chinese relations and investments
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024
$149.643 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023
$144.352 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022
$141.546 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - note
note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2024
3.7% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2023
2% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2022
5.6% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - note
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2024
$5,000 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2023
$4,900 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2022
$4,800 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita - note
note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate)
$42.914 billion (2024 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate) - note
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023
7.1% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022
7.7% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2021
4.1% (2021 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - note
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - agriculture
21.9% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - industry
11.4% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - services
55.2% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - note
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use - household consumption
86.3% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - government consumption
7.4% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - investment in fixed capital
24.3% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - investment in inventories
6.1% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - exports of goods and services
7.6% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - imports of goods and services
-32.9% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - note
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
rice, vegetables, potatoes, sugarcane, maize, wheat, bison milk, milk, mangoes/guavas, bananas (2023)
Agricultural products - note
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
tourism, carpets, textiles, small rice, jute, sugar, oilseed mills, cigarettes, cement and brick production
Industrial production growth rate
0.1% (2024 est.)
Industrial production growth rate - note
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
8.435 million (2024 est.)
Labor force - note
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2024
10.8% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2023
10.7% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2022
10.9% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate - note
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - total
20.8% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - male
19.3% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - female
23.6% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - note
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
20.3% (2022 est.)
Population below poverty line - note
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income - Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2022
30 (2022 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income - note
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Household income or consumption by percentage share - lowest 10%
3.7% (2022 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share - highest 10%
24.2% (2022 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share - note
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances - Remittances 2024
33.1% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2023
25.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2022
22% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances - note
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget - revenues
$7.625 billion (2021 est.)
Budget - expenditures
$9.1 billion (2021 est.)
Budget - note
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt - Public debt 2021
39.9% of GDP (2021 est.)
Public debt - note
note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
17.5% (of GDP) (2021 est.)
Taxes and other revenues - note
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance - Current account balance 2024
$1.954 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2023
$146.66 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2022
-$3.088 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance - note
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports - Exports 2024
$3.744 billion (2024 est.)
Exports - Exports 2023
$2.258 billion (2023 est.)
Exports - Exports 2022
$2.106 billion (2022 est.)
Exports - note
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
India 67%, USA 12%, Germany 3%, China 2%, UK 2% (2023)
Exports - partners - note
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
knotted carpets, garments, flat-rolled iron, synthetic fibers, palm oil (2023)
Exports - commodities - note
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports - Imports 2024
$17.777 billion (2024 est.)
Imports - Imports 2023
$13.877 billion (2023 est.)
Imports - Imports 2022
$15.227 billion (2022 est.)
Imports - note
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
India 71%, China 17%, UAE 3%, Singapore 2%, Germany 1% (2023)
Imports - partners - note
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, natural gas, garments, iron reductions, broadcasting equipment (2023)
Imports - commodities - note
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023
$12.456 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022
$9.319 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2021
$9.639 billion (2021 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - note
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external - Debt - external 2023
$5.719 billion (2023 est.)
Debt - external - note
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates - Currency
Nepalese rupees (NPR) per US dollar -
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2024
133.727 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2023
132.115 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2022
125.199 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2021
118.134 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2020
118.345 (2020 est.)
Energy
Electricity access - electrification - total population
91.3% (2022 est.)
Electricity access - electrification - urban areas
97.7%
Electricity access - electrification - rural areas
93.7%
Electricity - installed generating capacity
2.853 million kW (2023 est.)
Electricity - consumption
9.806 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity - exports
1.1 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity - imports
1.846 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity - transmission/distribution losses
1.638 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - solar
1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - wind
0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - hydroelectricity
99% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal - production
9,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Coal - consumption
1.091 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Coal - exports
100 metric tons (2023 est.)
Coal - imports
1.076 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Coal - proven reserves
8 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum - refined petroleum consumption
71,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita - Total energy consumption per capita 2023
6.604 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Communications
Telephones - fixed lines - total subscriptions
726,000 (2021 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
2 (2022 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular - total subscriptions
29.6 million (2024 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
100 (2024 est.)
Broadcast media
state operates 3 TV stations, as well as national and regional radio stations; 117 television channels are licensed, 71 of which are cable TV, 3 are distributed through Direct-To-Home (DTH) system, and 4 are digital terrestrial; 736 FM radio stations are licensed, and at least 314 of those are community stations (2019)
Internet country code
.np
Internet users - percent of population
56% (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions - total
1.44 million (2022 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
5 (2022 est.)
Transportation
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
9N
Airports
51 (2025)
Heliports
14 (2025)
Railways - total
59 km (2018)
Railways - narrow gauge
59 km (2018) 0.762-m gauge
Military and Security
Military and security forces
Nepalese Armed Forces (Ministry of Defense): Nepali Army (includes Air Wing) Ministry of Home Affairs: Nepal Police, Nepal Armed Police Force (APF) (2025)
Military and security forces - note
note: the Nepal Police are responsible for enforcing law and order across the country; the Armed Police Force is responsible for combating terrorism, providing security during riots and public disturbances, assisting in natural disasters, and protecting vital infrastructure, public officials, and the borders; it also conducts counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations and would assist the Army in the event of an external invasion
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2024
1% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2023
1% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2022
1.1% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2021
1.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2020
1.3% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 95,000 active Armed Forces (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the Army's inventory includes a mix of mostly older equipment largely of British, Chinese, Indian, Russian, and South African origin; in recent years, Nepal has received limited amounts of newer hardware from several countries, including China, Indonesia, Italy, and Russia (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women; upper age limit varies; no conscription (2025)
Military deployments
1240 Central African Republic (MINUSCA); 1,150 Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO); 440 Golan Heights (UNDOF); 875 Lebanon (UNIFIL); 225 Liberia (UNSMIL); 100 South Sudan/Sudan (UNISFA); 1,750 (plus about 200 police) South Sudan (UNMISS) (2025)
Military - note
the Nepali Army is responsible for territorial defense, fulfilling Nepal's commitments to UN peacekeeping, and some domestic duties such as disaster relief/humanitarian assistance, social services, and nature conservation efforts; during the 10-year civil war that ended in 2006, it conducted counterinsurgency operations against Maoist guerrillas; the Army has a long history of supporting UN missions, having sent its first UN observers to Lebanon in 1958 and its first troop contingent to Egypt in 1974; as of 2025, 150,000 Nepali military personnel have deployed on over 40 UN missions; Nepal's key security partners are China, India, and the US the British began to recruit Nepalese citizens (Gurkhas) into the East India Company Army during the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814-1816); the Gurkhas subsequently were brought into the British Indian Army and by 1914, there were 10 Gurkha regiments, collectively known as the Gurkha Brigade; following the partition of India in 1947, an agreement between Nepal, India, and Great Britain allowed for the transfer of the 10 regiments from the British Indian Army to the separate British and Indian armies; four regiments were transferred to the British Army, where they have since served continuously as the Brigade of Gurkhas; six Gurkha (aka Gorkha in India) regiments went to the new Indian Army; a seventh regiment was later added; Gurkhas are also recruited into the Singaporean Police and a special guard in the Sultanate of Brunei known as the Gurkha Reserve Unit (2025)
Terrorism
Terrorist group(s)
Indian Mujahedeen
Terrorist group(s) - note
note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Transnational Issues
Refugees and internally displaced persons - refugees
19,874 (2024 est.)
Refugees and internally displaced persons - IDPs
18,671 (2024 est.)
Refugees and internally displaced persons - stateless persons
467 (2024 est.)
Trafficking in persons - tier rating
Tier 2 Watch List — the government did not demonstrate overall increasing efforts to eliminate trafficking compared with the previous reporting period, therefore Nepal remained on Tier 2 Watch List for the second consecutive year; for more details, go to: https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-trafficking-in-persons-report/nepal/
Environment
Environmental issues
deforestation (overuse of wood for fuel and lack of alternatives); forest degradation; soil erosion; contaminated water from human and animal wastes, agricultural runoff, and industrial effluents; unmanaged solid waste; wildlife conservation; air pollution from vehicular emissions
International environmental agreements - party to
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
International environmental agreements - signed, but not ratified
Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Marine Life Conservation
Climate
varies from cool summers and severe winters in north to subtropical summers and mild winters in south
Land use - agricultural land
26.1% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 12.6% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 1% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 12.5% (2023 est.)
Land use - forest
43.5% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
27.7% (2023 est.)
Urbanization - urban population
21.9% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
3.09% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - total emissions
11.357 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from coal and metallurgical coke
2.025 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from petroleum and other liquids
9.332 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
36.9 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Waste and recycling - municipal solid waste generated annually
1.769 million tons (2024 est.)
Waste and recycling - percent of municipal solid waste recycled
4.6% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - municipal
147.6 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - industrial
29.5 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - agricultural
9.32 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
210.2 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)