Ethnic groups in Nepal

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Ethnographic map of Nepal (Gurung 1998) Nepal ethnic groupsMagar girls in ethnic dress. Magars are the most populous Janajati group in Nepal.

Ethnic groups in Nepal are delineated using language, ethnic identity or the caste system in Nepal. They are categorized by common culture and endogamy. Endogamy carves out ethnic groups in Nepal.[1]

## Broad ethnic categories of Nepal

[edit]

Broad Ethnic Categories of Nepal (2011 Census)  Rank  | Broad Ethnic Category  | Sub-Category  | Percentage  | Linguistic Family  | Population
Percentage

|
|
|
|
|

1  | Khas-Arya (Hill Group)  | Chhetri | 16.60%  | Indo-Aryan | 39.37%
Brahmin | 12.18%
Dalit | 8.12%
Thakuri | 1.61%
Sanyasis/Dashnami | 0.86%
2  | Janajatis  | Hill: Gurung, Sherpa, Tamang, Magar, Ghale, Kirat (Rai, Limbu, Sunuwar) etc.  | 22.28%  | Sino-Tibetan | 30.81%
Terai: Tharu, Rajbanshi, Dhimal, etc.  | 8.53%  | Indo-Aryan, Austroasiatic, Sino-Tibetan languages
3  | Newars | Newar (Middle)  | 3.1%  | Sino-Tibetan | 5.5%
Newar (Low)  | 0.4%
Newar (Buddhists)  | 0.8%
Newar (Upper)  | 1.1%
4  | Madhesi (Terai Caste Group)* | Madhesi (Middle): Teli, Kurmi, Bania, Kalwar, Halwai, Mallah, Mali, Rajbhar etc.  | 9.97%  | Indo-Aryan | 29.43%
Madhesi (Dalit): Chamar, Dhanuk, Dom, Musahar, Dushadh, Tatma etc.  | 4.50%
Madhesi (Nepali Muslims) (Madheshi status removed as of 2021*)  | 4.39%
Madhesi (Low): Dushadh, Tatma, Dhobi, Kahar, Natuwa, Khatik, Kalar, Bantar, etc.  | 3.86%
Madhesi (High): Maithili Brahmins, Kushwahas, Yadav, Rajput, kayasth, etc  | 6.71%
5  | Marwadi, Bengali, Punjabi | − | 0.32%  | Indo-Aryan | 0.32%
6  | Undefined and Foreigners  | − | 1.07%  | − | 1.07%
Total[doesn't add] | 100%

*Note: The Madeshi Commission also removed Muslims and Tharus from the list of Madeshis in 2021. In the surname listing of ‘Surname Enumeration of Madheshi Community in Nepal -2078 B.S.' conducted by the Madheshi Commission, Tharus in sub-group-1 and Muslims in sub-group-2 have been removed.[2][3][4][5]

Caste/Ethnic groups of Nepal more than 1% of total population (2021 Census)[6]

1. Chhetri 16.45 (15.9%)
2. Brahmin-Hill 11.29 (10.9%)
3. Magar 6.9 (6.69%)
4. Tharu 6.2 (6.01%)
5. Tamang 5.62 (5.45%)
6. Kami 5.04 (4.88%)
7. Muslims 4.86 (4.71%)
8. Newar 4.6 (4.46%)
9. Yadav 4.2 (4.07%)
10. Rai 2.1 (2.04%)
11. Damai 0.94 (0.91%)
12. Gurung 1.86 (1.80%)
13. Thakuri 1.7 (1.65%)
14. Sarki 1.55 (1.50%)
15. Teli 1.48 (1.43%)
16. Limbu 1.5 (1.45%)
17. Chamar/Harijan 1.35 (1.31%)
18. Kushwaha 1.22 (1.18%)
19. Other 24.32 (23.6%)

## Linguistic groups

[edit]

Gurung people from central Nepal playing one of their traditional drums, Khaijadi

Nepal's diverse linguistic heritage evolved from 2 major language groups: Indo-European languages and Tibeto-Burman languages. Nepal's languages are mostly either Indo-European or Sino-Tibetan, while only a very few of them are Austro-Asiatic and Dravidian.

Out of 123 languages of Nepal, the 48 Indo-European languages constitute the largest group in terms of the numeric strength of their speakers, nearly 82.1%[7] of population.

The Sino-Tibetan family of Nepal's languages forms a part of its Tibeto-Burman group. Though spoken by relatively fewer people than the Indo-European family (17.3%[7] of population), it includes a greater number of languages, about 63 languages. Languages belonging to this group are Tamang, Nepal Bhasa (Newar), Magar, Limbu, etc.

Tribhuvan University began surveying and recording threatened languages in 2010 and the government intends to use this information to include more languages on the next Nepalese census.[8]

### Mother tongues

[edit]

There were 124 mother tongues according to the "National Report on caste/ethnicity, language & religion", National Population and Housing Census 2021 in Nepal.111 were previously reported in the earlier census 2011 and 13 were newly found in the census 2021.

The newly added mother tongues were Bhote, Lowa, Chum/Nubri, Baragunwa, Nar-Phu, Ranatharu, Karmarong, Mugali, Tichhurong Poike, Sadri, Done, Munda/Mudiyari and Kewarat.[9]

Population by mother tongue and sex, NPHC 2021[9]

Rank  | Mother Tongue  | Total  | Percentage

|
|
|

| All MotherTongues  | 29164578  | 100
1  | Nepali  | 13084457  | 44.86
2  | Maithili  | 3222389  | 11.05
3  | Bhojpuri  | 1820795  | 6.24
4  | Tharu  | 1714091  | 5.88
5  | Tamang  | 1423075  | 4.88
6  | Bajjika  | 1133764  | 3.89
7  | Avadhi  | 864276  | 2.96
8  | Nepalbhasha(Newari)  | 863380  | 2.96
9  | Magar Dhut  | 810315  | 2.78
10  | Doteli  | 494864  | 1.7
11  | Urdu  | 413785  | 1.42
12  | Yakthung/Limbu  | 350436  | 1.2
13  | Gurung  | 328074  | 1.12
14  | Magahi  | 230117  | 0.79
15  | Baitadeli  | 152666  | 0.52
16  | Rai  | 144512  | 0.5
17  | Achhami  | 141444  | 0.48
18  | Bantawa  | 138003  | 0.47
19  | Rajbanshi  | 130163  | 0.45
20  | Sherpa  | 117896  | 0.4
21  | Khash  | 117511  | 0.4
22  | Bajhangi  | 99631  | 0.34
23  | Hindi  | 98399  | 0.34
24  | Magar Kham  | 91753  | 0.31
25  | Chamling  | 89037  | 0.31
26  | Ranatharu  | 77766  | 0.27
27  | Chepang  | 58392  | 0.2
28  | Bajureli  | 56486  | 0.19
29  | Santhali  | 53677  | 0.18
30  | Danuwar  | 49992  | 0.17
31  | Darchuleli  | 45649  | 0.16
32  | Uranw/Urau  | 38873  | 0.13
33  | Kulung  | 37912  | 0.13
34  | Angika  | 35952  | 0.12
35  | Majhi  | 32917  | 0.11
36  | Sunuwar  | 32708  | 0.11
37  | Thami  | 26805  | 0.09
38  | Ganagai  | 26281  | 0.09
39  | Thulung  | 24405  | 0.08
40  | Bangla  | 23774  | 0.08
41  | Ghale  | 23049  | 0.08
42  | Sampang  | 21597  | 0.07
43  | Marwadi  | 21333  | 0.07
44  | Dadeldhuri  | 21300  | 0.07
45  | Dhimal  | 20583  | 0.07
46  | Tajpuriya  | 20349  | 0.07
47  | Kumal  | 18435  | 0.06
48  | Khaling  | 16514  | 0.06
49  | Musalman  | 16252  | 0.06
50  | Wambule  | 15285  | 0.05
51  | Bahing/Bayung  | 14449  | 0.05
52  | Yakkha  | 14241  | 0.05
53  | Sanskrit  | 13906  | 0.05
54  | Bhujel  | 13086  | 0.04
55  | Bhote  | 12895  | 0.04
56  | Darai  | 12156  | 0.04
57  | Yamphu/Yamphe  | 10744  | 0.04
58  | Nachhiring  | 9906  | 0.03
59  | Hyolmo/Yholmo  | 9658  | 0.03
60  | Dumi  | 8638  | 0.03
61  | Jumli  | 8338  | 0.03
62  | Bote  | 7687  | 0.03
63  | Mewahang  | 7428  | 0.03
64  | Puma  | 6763  | 0.02
65  | Pahari  | 5946  | 0.02
66  | Athpahariya  | 5580  | 0.02
67  | Dungmali  | 5403  | 0.02
68  | Jirel  | 5167  | 0.02
69  | Tibetan  | 5053  | 0.02
70  | Dailekhi  | 4989  | 0.02
71  | Chum/Nubri  | 4284  | 0.01
72  | Chhantyal  | 4282  | 0.01
73  | Raji  | 4247  | 0.01
74  | Thakali  | 4220  | 0.01
75  | Meche  | 4203  | 0.01
76  | Koyee  | 4152  | 0.01
77  | Lohorung  | 3884  | 0.01
78  | Kewarat  | 3469  | 0.01
79  | Dolpali  | 3244  | 0.01
80  | Done  | 3100  | 0.01
81  | Mugali  | 2834  | 0.01
82  | Jero/Jerung  | 2817  | 0.01
83  | Karmarong  | 2619  | 0.01
84  | Chhintang  | 2564  | 0.01
85  | Lhopa  | 2348  | 0.01
86  | Lapcha  | 2240  | 0.01
87  | Munda/Mudiyari  | 2107  | 0.01
88  | Manange  | 2022  | 0.01
89  | Chhiling  | 2011  | 0.01
90  | Dura  | 1991  | 0.01
91  | Tilung  | 1969  | 0.01
92  | Sign Language  | 1784  | 0.01
93  | Byansi  | 1706  | 0.01
94  | Balkura/Baram  | 1539  | 0.01
95  | Baragunwa  | 1536  | 0.01
96  | Sadri  | 1347  | 0
97  | English  | 1323  | 0
98  | Magar Kaike  | 1225  | 0
99  | Sonaha  | 1182  | 0
100  | Hayu/Vayu  | 1133  | 0
101  | Kisan  | 1004  | 0
102  | Punjabi  | 871  | 0
103  | Dhuleli  | 786  | 0
104  | Khamchi(Raute)  | 741  | 0
105  | Lungkhim  | 702  | 0
106  | Lowa  | 624  | 0
107  | Kagate  | 611  | 0
108  | Waling/Walung  | 545  | 0
109  | Nar-Phu  | 428  | 0
110  | Lhomi  | 413  | 0
111  | Tichhurong Poike  | 410  | 0
112  | Kurmali  | 397  | 0
113  | Koche  | 332  | 0
114  | Sindhi  | 291  | 0
115  | Phangduwali  | 247  | 0
116  | Belhare  | 177  | 0
117  | Surel  | 174  | 0
118  | Malpande  | 161  | 0
119  | Khariya  | 132  | 0
120  | Sadhani  | 122  | 0
121  | Hariyanwi  | 114  | 0
122  | Sam  | 106  | 0
123  | Bankariya  | 86  | 0
124  | Kusunda  | 23  | 0
125  | Others  | 4201  | 0.01
126  | Not stated  | 346  | 0

### Second languages

[edit]

There were 25 languages that were being used as second languages by more than 10 thousand population on each in the "National Report on caste/ethnicity, language & religion", National Population and Housing Census 2021 in Nepal, whereas there were only 18 such languages reported as second language in the earlier census 2011.[9]

Population by second language and sex, NPHC 2021[9]

Rank  | Second Language  | Total  | Percentage

|
|
|

null  | Total  | 29164578  | 100
1  | No Second Language  | 14023086  | 48.08
2  | Nepali  | 13482904  | 46.23
3  | Maithili  | 267621  | 0.92
4  | Hindi  | 223106  | 0.76
5  | Bhojpuri  | 138572  | 0.48
6  | English  | 102561  | 0.35
7  | Tharu  | 89606  | 0.31
8  | Bajjika  | 86062  | 0.3
9  | Avadhi  | 75651  | 0.26
10  | Urdu  | 72128  | 0.25
11  | Tamang  | 71569  | 0.25
12  | Magar Dhut  | 54143  | 0.19
13  | Bhote  | 45292  | 0.16
14  | Bantawa  | 43536  | 0.15
15  | Nepalbhasha(Newari)  | 32604  | 0.11
16  | Chamling  | 29253  | 0.1
17  | Magahi  | 29191  | 0.1
18  | Gurung  | 23698  | 0.08
19  | Yakthung/Limbu  | 19705  | 0.07
20  | Thulung  | 17187  | 0.06
21  | Magar Kham  | 16814  | 0.06
22  | Bahing/Bayung  | 15104  | 0.05
23  | Rai  | 14398  | 0.05
24  | Doteli  | 14344  | 0.05
25  | Sampang  | 14261  | 0.05
26  | Khaling  | 10370  | 0.04
27  | Baitadeli  | 9521  | 0.03
28  | Sherpa  | 9435  | 0.03
29  | Sanskrit  | 6615  | 0.02
30  | Achhami  | 6522  | 0.02
31  | Angika  | 6127  | 0.02
32  | Musalman  | 6084  | 0.02
33  | Kulung  | 6039  | 0.02
34  | Dumi  | 5870  | 0.02
35  | Dadeldhuri  | 5535  | 0.02
36  | Bangla  | 5447  | 0.02
37  | Wambule  | 5227  | 0.02
38  | Darchuleli  | 4272  | 0.01
39  | Puma  | 4271  | 0.01
40  | Rajbanshi  | 4103  | 0.01
41  | Bote  | 3891  | 0.01
42  | Mewahang  | 3669  | 0.01
43  | Marwadi  | 3449  | 0.01
44  | Nachhiring  | 3176  | 0.01
45  | Tibetan  | 3134  | 0.01
46  | Bajhangi  | 2641  | 0.01
47  | Khash  | 2607  | 0.01
48  | Chhintang  | 2135  | 0.01
49  | Tilung  | 1762  | 0.01
50  | Sunuwar  | 1597  | 0.01
51  | Belhare  | 1491  | 0.01
52  | Punjabi  | 1274  | 0
53  | Dungmali  | 1271  | 0
54  | Jero/Jerung  | 1245  | 0
55  | Jumli  | 1125  | 0
56  | Bajureli  | 1076  | 0
57  | Dhimal  | 999  | 0
58  | Majhi  | 971  | 0
59  | Ghale  | 963  | 0
60  | Koyee  | 928  | 0
61  | Ranatharu  | 871  | 0
62  | Thami  | 859  | 0
63  | Danuwar  | 845  | 0
64  | Chepang  | 833  | 0
65  | Sign Language  | 828  | 0
66  | Bhujel  | 740  | 0
67  | Thakali  | 733  | 0
68  | Yakkha  | 704  | 0
69  | Santhali  | 703  | 0
70  | Chhiling  | 685  | 0
71  | Ganagai  | 644  | 0
72  | Lohorung  | 622  | 0
73  | Kumal  | 615  | 0
74  | Kagate  | 615  | 0
75  | Darai  | 591  | 0
76  | Khamchi(Raute)  | 526  | 0
77  | Magar Kaike  | 515  | 0
78  | Hyolmo/Yholmo  | 508  | 0
79  | Yamphu/Yamphe  | 494  | 0
80  | Dailekhi  | 434  | 0
81  | Chhantyal  | 394  | 0
82  | Hayu/Vayu  | 349  | 0
83  | Koche  | 335  | 0
84  | Jirel  | 332  | 0
85  | Athpahariya  | 320  | 0
86  | Balkura/Baram  | 307  | 0
87  | Waling/Walung  | 304  | 0
88  | Manange  | 304  | 0
89  | Dura  | 278  | 0
90  | Uranw/Urau  | 245  | 0
91  | Lapcha  | 242  | 0
92  | Sindhi  | 217  | 0
93  | Tajpuriya  | 209  | 0
94  | Dhuleli  | 187  | 0
95  | Pahari  | 142  | 0
96  | Lhopa  | 129  | 0
97  | Dolpali  | 127  | 0
98  | Sadhani  | 125  | 0
99  | Sadri  | 106  | 0
100  | Baragunwa  | 89  | 0
101  | Phangduwali  | 85  | 0
102  | Hariyanwi  | 84  | 0
103  | Sam  | 79  | 0
104  | Malpande  | 78  | 0
105  | Raji  | 76  | 0
106  | Meche  | 75  | 0
107  | Tichhurong Poike  | 72  | 0
108  | Surel  | 64  | 0
109  | Kurmali  | 60  | 0
110  | Bankariya  | 42  | 0
111  | Kewarat  | 38  | 0
112  | Sonaha  | 35  | 0
113  | Karmarong  | 34  | 0
114  | Kisan  | 33  | 0
115  | Byansi  | 32  | 0
116  | Kusunda  | 32  | 0
117  | Lungkhim  | 28  | 0
118  | Mugali  | 23  | 0
119  | Others  | 159  | 0
120  | Not stated  | 8105  | 0.03

## Social status

[edit]

Sunuwar, a division of Kirati people; one of the largest ethnic groups in Eastern Nepal

Hill status i.e. (Brahmin/Bahun and Chhetri castes) and the upper-caste segments of Newars dominated the civil service, the judiciary and upper ranks of the army throughout the Shah regime (1768–2008).

Terai status i.e (Maithili Brahmins, Yadavs, Rajputs, Kushwahas, Terai Kshetriyas) are the upper caste of terai ( Madheshi sub group) in which Yadavs is most populated caste with in the Madheshi sub caste group who dominated in the politics, the engineering services and medical services and have good amount of lands. Like Notable Dr. Ram Baran Yadav is the physician and served as the first President of Nepal from 23 July 2008 to 29 October 2015.

Nepali was the national language where as Maithali is the second most spoken language and Sanskrit became a required school subject. Children who spoke Nepali natively and who were exposed to Sanskrit had much better chances of passing the national examinations at the end of high school, which meant they had better employment prospects and could continue into higher education. Caste system, prevalent among Hindus, was made illegal in 1961 by Naya Muluki ain. [10][11][12][13][14]

## Caste/ethnicity in Nepal by population

[edit]

The populations of 125 Nepalese castes groups were recorded in the 2011 Nepal census.[7][15][note 1][16]

However, there were 142 castes/ethnicities according to the "National Report on caste/ethnicity, language & religion", National Population and Housing Census 2021 in Nepal, out of which 125 were previously reported in the earlier census 2011 and 17 were newly found in the census 2021.[9]

The newly added castes/ethnicities were Ranatharu, Bhumihar, Bankariya, Surel, Chumba/Nubri, Phree, Mugal/Mugum, Pun, Rauniyar, Baniyan, Gondh/Gond, Karmarong, Khatik, Beldar, Chai/Khulaut, Done and Kewarat.[9]

The Madeshi Commission also removed Muslims and Tharus from the list of Madeshis in 2021. In the surname listing of ‘Surname Enumeration of Madheshi Community in Nepal -2078 B.S.' conducted by the Madheshi Commission, Tharus in sub-group-1 and Muslims in sub-group-2 have been removed.[2][3][4][5]

List of Castes/Ethnicities by population in Nepal- NPHC 2021[9]

Rank  | Caste/ethnicity  | Total  | Total %

|
|
|

| Total  | 29164578  | 100
1  | Kshetri  | 4796995  | 16.45
2  | Brahman - Hill  | 3292373  | 11.29
3  | Magar  | 2013498  | 6.9
4  | Tharu  | 1807124  | 6.2
5  | Tamang  | 1639866  | 5.62
6  | Bishwokarma  | 1470010  | 5.04
7  | Musalman  | 1418677  | 4.86
8  | Newa: (Newar)  | 1341363  | 4.6
9  | Yadav  | 1228581  | 4.21
10  | Rai  | 640674  | 2.2
11  | Pariyar  | 565932  | 1.94
12  | Gurung  | 543790  | 1.86
13  | Thakuri  | 494470  | 1.7
14  | Mijar  | 452229  | 1.55
15  | Teli  | 431347  | 1.48
16  | Yakthung/Limbu  | 414704  | 1.42
17  | Chamar/Harijan/Ram  | 393255  | 1.35
18  | Kushwaha  | 355707  | 1.22
19  | Kurmi  | 277786  | 0.95
20  | Musahar  | 264974  | 0.91
21  | Dhanuk  | 252105  | 0.86
22  | Dusadh/Pasawan/Pasi  | 250977  | 0.86
23  | Brahman - Tarai  | 217774  | 0.75
24  | Mallaha  | 207006  | 0.71
25  | Sanyasi/Dasnami  | 198849  | 0.68
26  | Kewat  | 184298  | 0.63
27  | Kanu  | 152868  | 0.52
28  | Hajam/Thakur  | 136487  | 0.47
29  | Kalwar  | 134914  | 0.46
30  | Rajbansi  | 132564  | 0.45
31  | Sherpa  | 130637  | 0.45
32  | Kumal  | 129702  | 0.44
33  | Tatma/Tatwa  | 126018  | 0.43
34  | Khatwe  | 124062  | 0.43
35  | Gharti/Bhujel  | 120245  | 0.41
36  | Majhi  | 111352  | 0.38
37  | Nuniya  | 108723  | 0.37
38  | Sundi  | 107380  | 0.37
39  | Dhobi  | 101089  | 0.35
40  | Lohar  | 100680  | 0.35
41  | Bin  | 96974  | 0.33
42  | Kumhar  | 95724  | 0.33
43  | Sonar  | 93380  | 0.32
44  | Chepang/Praja  | 84364  | 0.29
45  | Ranatharu  | 83308  | 0.29
46  | Danuwar  | 82784  | 0.28
47  | Sunuwar  | 78910  | 0.27
48  | Haluwai  | 71796  | 0.25
49  | Baraee  | 68011  | 0.23
50  | Bantar/Sardar  | 61687  | 0.21
51  | Kahar  | 59882  | 0.21
52  | Santhal  | 57310  | 0.2
53  | Baniyan  | 53655  | 0.18
54  | Kathabaniyan  | 52466  | 0.18
55  | Badhaee/Badhee  | 52437  | 0.18
56  | Oraon/Kudukh  | 46840  | 0.16
57  | Rajput  | 46577  | 0.16
58  | Amat  | 46471  | 0.16
59  | Gangai  | 41446  | 0.14
60  | Lodh  | 39872  | 0.14
61  | Gaderi/Bhediyar  | 35497  | 0.12
62  | Ghale  | 35434  | 0.12
63  | Marwadi  | 33803  | 0.12
64  | Kayastha  | 33502  | 0.11
65  | Kulung  | 33388  | 0.11
66  | Thami  | 32743  | 0.11
67  | Bhumihar  | 32199  | 0.11
68  | Rajbhar  | 29240  | 0.1
69  | Rauniyar  | 27258  | 0.09
70  | Dhimal  | 25643  | 0.09
71  | Khawas  | 22551  | 0.08
72  | Tajpuriya  | 20989  | 0.07
73  | Kori  | 20670  | 0.07
74  | Dom  | 19901  | 0.07
75  | Mali  | 19605  | 0.07
76  | Darai  | 18695  | 0.06
77  | Yakkha  | 17460  | 0.06
78  | Bhote  | 15818  | 0.05
79  | Bantawa  | 15719  | 0.05
80  | Rajdhob  | 15391  | 0.05
81  | Dhunia  | 15033  | 0.05
82  | Pahari  | 15015  | 0.05
83  | Bangali  | 13800  | 0.05
84  | Gondh/Gond  | 12267  | 0.04
85  | Chamling  | 12178  | 0.04
86  | Chhantyal/Chhantel  | 11963  | 0.04
87  | Thakali  | 11741  | 0.04
88  | Badi  | 11470  | 0.04
89  | Bote  | 11258  | 0.04
90  | Pun  | 9827  | 0.03
91  | Hyolmo/Yholmopa  | 9819  | 0.03
92  | Khatik  | 9152  | 0.03
93  | Yamphu  | 9111  | 0.03
94  | Kewarat  | 8809  | 0.03
95  | Baram / Baramu  | 7859  | 0.03
96  | Dev  | 7418  | 0.03
97  | Nachhiring  | 7300  | 0.03
98  | Gaine  | 6971  | 0.02
99  | Bahing  | 6547  | 0.02
100  | Thulung  | 6239  | 0.02
101  | Jirel  | 6031  | 0.02
102  | Khaling  | 5889  | 0.02
103  | Aathpahariya  | 5878  | 0.02
104  | Dolpo  | 5818  | 0.02
105  | Sarbaria  | 5793  | 0.02
106  | Mewahang  | 5727  | 0.02
107  | Byasi/Sauka  | 5718  | 0.02
108  | Dura  | 5581  | 0.02
109  | Meche  | 5193  | 0.02
110  | Raji  | 5125  | 0.02
111  | Sampang  | 4841  | 0.02
112  | Chai/Khulaut  | 4805  | 0.02
113  | Chumba/Nubri  | 4414  | 0.02
114  | Dhankar/ Dharikar  | 4090  | 0.01
115  | Munda  | 3589  | 0.01
116  | Lepcha  | 3578  | 0.01
117  | Patharkatt / Kushwadiya  | 3343  | 0.01
118  | Hayu  | 3069  | 0.01
119  | Beldar  | 3037  | 0.01
120  | Halkhor  | 2929  | 0.01
121  | Natuwa  | 2896  | 0.01
122  | Loharung  | 2598  | 0.01
123  | Kamar  | 2532  | 0.01
124  | Dhandi  | 2339  | 0.01
125  | Done  | 2125  | 0.01
126  | Mugal/Mugum  | 2124  | 0.01
127  | Punjabi/Sikh  | 1846  | 0.01
128  | Karmarong  | 1663  | 0.01
129  | Chidimar  | 1615  | 0.01
130  | Kisan  | 1479  | 0.01
131  | Lhopa  | 1390  | 0
132  | Kalar  | 931  | 0
133  | Phree  | 921  | 0
134  | Koche  | 847  | 0
135  | Topkegola  | 642  | 0
136  | Raute  | 566  | 0
137  | Walung  | 481  | 0
138  | Lhomi  | 355  | 0
139  | Surel  | 318  | 0
140  | Kusunda  | 253  | 0
141  | Bankariya  | 180  | 0
142  | Nurang  | 36  | 0
null  | Others  | 5888  | 0.02
null  | Foreigner  | 137407  | 0.47
null  | Not stated  | 4436  | 0.02

List of Castes/Ethnicities by population in Nepal-2011

Rank  | Caste/Ethnicity  | Population (2011)  | Percentage (%)

|
|
|

1  | Chetri  | 4398053  | 18.80
2  | Bahun  | 3226903  | 14.18
3  | Magar  | 1887733  | 7.12
4  | Tharu  | 1737470  | 6.56
5  | Tamang  | 1539830  | 5.81
6  | Newar  | 1321933  | 4.99
7  | Kami  | 1258554  | 4.75
8  | Nepali Musalman  | 1164255  | 4.39
9  | Yadav  | 1054458  | 3.98
10  | Rai  | 620004  | 2.34
11  | Gurung  | 522641  | 1.97
12  | Damai/Dholi  | 472862  | 1.78
13  | Thakuri  | 425623  | 1.61
14  | Limbu  | 387300  | 1.46
15  | Sarki  | 374816  | 1.41
16  | Teli  | 369688  | 1.40
17  | Chamar/Harijan/Ram  | 335893  | 1.27
18  | Kushwaha  | 306393  | 1.16
19  | Musahar  | 234490  | 0.89
20  | Kurmi  | 231129  | 0.87
21  | Sanyasi/Dasnami  | 227822  | 0.86
22  | Dhanuk  | 219808  | 0.83
23  | Kanu/Haluwai  | 209053  | 0.79
24  | Dusadh/Pasawan/Pasi  | 208910  | 0.79
25  | Mallaha  | 173261  | 0.65
26  | Kewat  | 153772  | 0.58
27  | Kathbaniya  | 138637  | 0.52
28  | Brahmin-Terai  | 134106  | 0.51
29  | Kalwar  | 128232  | 0.48
30  | Kumal  | 121196  | 0.45
31  | Bhujel  | 118650  | 0.44
32  | Hajam/Thakur  | 117758  | 0.43
33  | Rajbanshi  | 115242  | 0.43
34  | Sherpa  | 112946  | 0.41
35  | Dhobi  | 109079  | 0.40
36  | Tatma/Tatwa  | 104865  | 0.38
37  | Lohar  | 101421  | 0.38
38  | Khatwe  | 100921  | 0.35
39  | Sudhi  | 93115  | 0.32
40  | Danuwar  | 84115  | 0.32
41  | Majhi  | 83727  | 0.30
42  | Barai  | 80597  | 0.28
43  | Bin  | 75195  | 0.27
44  | Nuniya  | 70540  | 0.26
45  | Chepang  | 68399  | 0.24
46  | Sonar  | 64335  | 0.24
47  | Kumhar  | 62399  | 0.21
48  | Sunuwar  | 55712  | 0.21
49  | Bantar/Sardar  | 55104  | 0.21
50  | Kahar  | 53159  | 0.20
51  | Santhal  | 51735  | 0.20
52  | Marwadi  | 51443  | 0.19
53  | Kayastha  | 44304  | 0.17
54  | Rajput/Terai Kshetriya  | 41972  | 0.16
55  | Badi  | 38603  | 0.15
56  | Jhangar/Uraon  | 37424  | 0.14
57  | Gangai (Ganesh & Mandal)  | 36988  | 0.12
58  | Lodh  | 32837  | 0.11
59  | Badhaee  | 28932  | 0.11
60  | Thami  | 28671  | 0.11
61  | Kulung  | 28613  | 0.1
62  | Bengali  | 26582  | 0.1
63  | Gaderi/Bhediyar/Gangajali  | 26375  | 0.1
64  | Dhimal  | 26298  | 0.09
65  | Yakkha  | 24336  | 0.09
66  | Ghale  | 22881  | 0.07
67  | Tajpuriya  | 19213  | 0.07
68  | Khawas  | 18513  | 0.06
69  | Darai  | 16789  | 0.06
70  | Mali  | 14995  | 0.06
71  | Dhuniya  | 14846  | 0.05
72  | Pahari  | 13615  | 0.05
73  | Rajdhob  | 13422  | 0.05
74  | Bhote  | 13397  | 0.05
75  | Dom  | 13268  | 0.05
76  | Thakali  | 13215  | 0.05
77  | Kori  | 12276  | 0.04
78  | Chhantyal  | 11810  | 0.04
79  | Hyolmo  | 10752  | 0.04
80  | Bote  | 10397  | 0.04
81  | Rajbhar  | 9542  | 0.03
82  | Brahmu/Baramo  | 8140  | 0.03
83  | Punjabi  | 7176  | 0.03
84  | Nachhring  | 7154  | 0.03
85  | Yamphu  | 6933  | 0.03
86  | Gaine  | 6791  | 0.03
87  | Chamling  | 6668  | 0.02
88  | Athpahariya  | 5977  | 0.02
89  | Jirel  | 5774  | 0.02
90  | Dura  | 5394  | 0.02
91  | Sarabaria  | 4906  | 0.02
92  | Meche  | 4867  | 0.02
93  | Bantawa  | 4604  | 0.02
94  | Raji  | 4235  | 0.02
95  | Dolpo  | 4107  | 0.02
96  | Halkhor  | 4003  | 0.01
97  | Byansi/Sauka  | 3895  | 0.01
98  | Amat  | 3830  | 0.01
99  | Thulung  | 3535  | 0.01
100  | Lepcha  | 3445  | 0.01
101  | Patharkatt /Kushwadiya  | 3182  | 0.01
102  | Mewahang  | 3100  | 0.01
103  | Bahing  | 3096  | 0.01
104  | Natuwa  | 3062  | 0.01
105  | Hayu  | 2925  | 0.01
106  | Dhankar/Dharikar  | 2681  | 0.01
107  | Lhopa  | 2624  | 0.01
108  | Munda  | 2350  | 0.0087
109  | Dev  | 2147  | 0.0081
110  | Dhandi  | 1982  | 0.0075
111  | Kamar  | 1787  | 0.0067
112  | Kisan  | 1739  | 0.0066
113  | Sampang  | 1681  | 0.0063
114  | Koche  | 1635  | 0.0062
115  | Lhomi  | 1614  | 0.0061
116  | Khaling  | 1571  | 0.0059
117  | Topkegola  | 1523  | 0.0057
118  | Chidimar  | 1254  | 0.0047
119  | Walung  | 1249  | 0.0047
120  | Lohorung  | 1153  | 0.0044
121  | Kalar  | 1077  | 0.004
122  | Raute  | 618  | 0.002
123  | Nurang  | 278  | 0.001
124  | Kusunda  | 273  | 0.001
null  | Foreigners  | 6651  | 0.03
−  | Others/Undefined  | 275670  | 1.04%
Total  | Total  | 26494504  | 100.00%

## Religion

[edit]

According to "National Report on caste/ethnicity, language & religion", National Population and Housing Census 2021 the number of religions adopted by the individuals in census 2021 and 2011 were as follows:[9]

| Census 2021 |  |  |  | Census 2011 |

|
|
|
|
|
|

Religion | Population | Percent |  | Religion | Population | Percent
Hindu | 23677744  | 81.19  |  | Hindu | 21551492  | 81.34
Bouddha | 2393549  | 8.21  |  | Bouddha | 2396099  | 9.04
Islam | 1483066  | 5.09  |  | Islam | 1162370  | 4.39
Kirat | 924204  | 3.17  |  | Kirat | 807169  | 3.05
Christian | 512313  | 1.76  |  | Christian | 375699  | 1.42
Prakrit | 102048  | 0.35  |  | Prakriti | 121982  | 0.46
Bon | 67223  | 0.23  |  | Bon | 13006  | 0.05
Jain | 2398  | 0.01  |  | Jain | 3214  | 0.01
Bahai | 537  | 0.00  |  | Bahai | 1283  | 0.00
Sikha | 1496  | 0.01  |  | Sikha | 609  | 0.00
Unidentified | \-  | \-  |  | Unidentified | 61581  | 0.23
Total | 29164578  | 100  |  | Total | 26494504  | 100

## References

[edit]

### Footnotes

[edit]

1. ^ Pages 191/192 of the total pdf or pages 156/157 in the scanned material shows Nepalese castes/ethnic groups

### Notes

[edit]

1. ^ Mishra, Pramod (2020-08-26). "Endogamy, hierarchy and violence". The Kathmandu Post. Retrieved 2023-06-07.
2. ^ a b "Madheshi Commission removes Muslims and Tharus from the list of Madheshis".
3. ^ a b "Removal of Tharu & Muslims from list of Madhesi communities".
4. ^ a b "Recommendation To Remove Tharu and Muslims In List of Madhesi".
5. ^ a b "Tharu Commission has objected to the Madheshi Commission's move to include the surnames of the Tharu people as Madheshis".
6. ^ National Statistics Office (2021). National Population and Housing Census 2021, Caste/Ethnicity Report. Government of Nepal (Report).
7. ^ a b c "Population Monograph of Nepal Volume II (Social Demography)" (PDF).
8. ^ Tumbahang, Govinda Bahadur (2010). "Marginalization of indigenous languages of Nepal". Contributions to Nepalese Studies. 37: 69 - via Expanded Academic.
9. ^ a b c d e f g h "National Population and Housing Census 2021 National Report on Caste/ethnicity, Language & Religion" (PDF).
10. ^ "Highlights" (PDF). OCHA Nepal Situation Overview (12). OCHA. April 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 November 2009. Retrieved 2011-05-07.
11. ^ "Highlights" (PDF). OCHA Nepal Situation Overview (16). OCHA. July–August 2007. Retrieved 2011-05-07.
12. ^ "Highlights" (PDF). OCHA Nepal Situation Overview (30). OCHA. June–July 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 February 2010. Retrieved 2011-05-07.
13. ^ Sharma, Hari (2010-11-18). "Body of murder victim found in Gulmi". Gulmi: The Himalayan Times online. Archived from the original on 25 May 2012. Retrieved 2011-05-07.
14. ^ Hatlebakk, Magnus (2007). "Economic and social structures that may explain the recent conflicts in the Terai of Nepal" (PDF). Kathmandu: Norwegian Embassy. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-24. Retrieved 2011-05-08.
15. ^ "POPULATION MONOGRAPH OF NEPAL" (PDF). p. 191\. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-09-18. Retrieved 2018-06-30.
16. ^ "Nepal Census 2011" (PDF).

* v
* t
* e

Ethnic groups in Nepal by language family

Sino-Tibetan
(Trans-Himalayan)|

| Tibetic|

* Darchula Bhotiya
* Bhotiya
* Sherpa
* Hyolmo
* Jirel
* Nepalese Central Tibetic
* Central Tibetans
* Kachee

|

Kiranti|

* Western Rai
* Bahing
* Sunuwar Koich
* Central Rai
* Khambu Rai
* Kulung
* Bantawa
* Eastern Rai
* Lohorung
* Yakkha
* Limbu (Yakthung)

Tamangic|

* Chhantyal
* Gurung
* Tamu
* Manange
* Ghale
* Tamang
* Lama clan (Tamang)
* Thakali
* Kaike Magar

* Newaric
* Newar
* Newar Muslim
* Thangmi Kham
* Baram
* Magar
* Dhut
* Kham/Pang
* Chepang
* Bhujel
* Raji–Raute
* Raji
* Raute
* Rawat
* Dura
* Lepcha (Rong)
* Dhimal

Indo-Aryan|

| Pahari|

* Khas

* Jumli-speakers
* Palpali-speakers
* Gorkhali-speakers (standard Nepali dialect)

* Kumaunis
* Kashmiris

|

Madheshi|

* Maithil
* Maithil Brahmin
* Yadav
* Kayastha
* Dhanuk
* Eastern Majhi
* Bajji
* Malla
* Anga

Newars|

*     * Over 25 distinct castes, major being Shresthas, Chathariya, Jyapu, Vajracharya, Rajopadhyaya Brahmins, Chitrakar, Khadgi, Manandhar, Dhobi, Pode, Ranjitkar, Mali, etc.
* Newar Muslim

Indian Madheshi|

* Indian Maithil
* Bihari
* Bhojpuri
* Bajjika
* etc.
* Awadhi
* other Madheshi
* H
* U

* Kumal
* Kushbadiya (Guhari)
* Miyan

Indo-Aryan
of a distinct origin|

* Danuar Rai
* Bote
* Western Majhi
* Darai
* Tharu
* Hill Khadiya/Bankariya
* Rajbanshi
* Kisan of Oraon Sadri
* Kushbadiya (Guhari)

Other peoples (M, D, i)
of Indus-Ganga|

* Kusunda
* Munda
* Satar
* Dudh and Dhelki Khadiya/Bankariya
* Jangad/Dhangad/Uraun
* Kisan

Other basis|

| By geography|

* Mountain people (Buddhist/Animism)
* Hill people (Eastern Paharis and Newars, Buddhist
* Kirati (East, mostly Mundhum)
* Terai (Madheshi, Tharu, Danuwar and Dhimal) (Lowland)
* Western Nepal (Hindu dominant)
* Nepali Muslim (South)

|

By law|

* Janajati
* Madheshi Janajati

Misc|

* Adivasi
* Simantakrit

By caste|

* Kshetri
* Bahun
* Thakuri
* Rajopadhyaya
* Shresthas
* Jyapu
* Vajracharya
* Pulami
* Kami
* Damai/Dholi
* Rajdhoves
* Sarki
* Unspecified Dalit
* Kalwar
* Dhobi
* Mali
* Gaine/Gandarbha

Immigrants|

* Filipinos
* Indians
* Japanese
* Jews
* Koreans
* Pakistanis
* Russians

Nepal portal

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Africa|

* Libya

* Nepal portal

Asia|

| East|

* China
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|

South|

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Southeast|

* Burma
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West|

* Kuwait
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Europe|

* Austria
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* Ireland
* Italy
* Netherlands
* Poland
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* United Kingdom

North America|

* Canada
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Oceania|

* Australia
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Demographics of Asia

Sovereign states|

* Afghanistan
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States with
limited recognition|

* Abkhazia
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Dependencies and
other territories|

* British Indian Ocean Territory
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* Category
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Ethnic groups in Asia

Sovereign states|

* Afghanistan
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* Turkey
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* United Arab Emirates
* Uzbekistan
* Vietnam
* Yemen

States with
limited recognition|

* Abkhazia
* Northern Cyprus
* Palestine
* South Ossetia
* Taiwan

Dependencies and
other territories|

* British Indian Ocean Territory
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* Category
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