Population Density of Nepal.

 

             

Census 2021 and 2011, A Comparision

Map showing district level population density based on census report 2021 and 2011
        Data Source: Central Bureau of Statistics Nepal (cbs.gov.np)

Nepal’s population rose to 29,164, 578 according to the census of 2021 from 26,494,504 in 2011. Population density at the national level is 198 individuals per square kilometre compared to 180 persons per square kilometre in 2011. However, increase in population density does not imply that the people are living more or less evenly across the country.

Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, as in 2011, have the highest population density in the year 2021 with a value of 5169 and 4416, respectively. Similarly, Lalitpur district has the third highest value of population density. In the year 2011, the population density in Kaski, Parbat, Syangja and Gulmi districts were not that different, but in 2021 concentration of people can be observed in Kaski and Parbat. The Terai region (southern part of Nepal) specifically the eastern Terai districts like Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Siraha, Saptari, Mahottari, Rautahat, Bara was densely populated in 2011, however, the census of 2021 showed that higher number of people are living in almost all the districts of Terai region.

The population density of 2011 and 2021 from map b. and a. infer that the population density is concentrating in the more developed districts/city from its surrounding districts. The population density in the Himalayas region viz. Manang, Mustang, Dolpa, Mugu, Humla, Taplejung, Rasuwa, have not changed explicitly. The clear change in population density can be seen along the Terai region or we can say that population density has increased in the low land area of Nepal in 2021.

Change in Population Density

Map showing the change in popualtion density between 2011 and 2021

                                               Data Source: Central Bureau of Statistics Nepal (cbs.gov.np)

Population density has changed in 72 districts of Nepal within a decade from 2011 to 2021. Out of which, forty districts experience increased in population density and thirty-two districts experience decline in population density in 2021 compared to 2011. The population density in Darchula, Dolpa, Manang, Mustang and Solukhumbu districts remain the same in 2011 and in 2021.

The greatest increase in population density is observed in Bhaktapur. The population density in the district has rose by 42% (i.e., 1,071). Along with Bhaktapur, Kathmandu, Lalitpur district have higher growth in population density. In comparison to other district of Terai region, Rupandehi, Rautahat, Sunsari and Jhapa showed large growth of people living in a unit square kilometre. Rukum East, Rukum West, Jajarkot, Rolpa, Jumla, Kalikot, Pyuthan, Mugu, Rasuwa are the districts where population density has increased by less than value of 9.

The population density has slightly decreased in Dadeldhura, Salyan Bajhang,Myagdi, Tanahu, Taplejung, Sankhuwasabha districts. The greatest decline can be observed in Parbat, Syangja, Gulmi districts. In addition to these districts, Ramechhap, Khotang, Terhathum, Arghakhanchi, Achham, Panchthar and Bhojpur districts have faced high decline in population density.

The map shows that the western hilly and Himalayas districts experience slight increase in population density. Almost all the districts of Terai region i.e., the southern belt of Nepal have increased population density. Whereas eastern hilly and Himalayas districts showed decline in population density. The districts around the Kathmandu valleys like Dhading, Nuwakot, Sindhupalchok and Kabhrepalanchok have experienced the decreased in population density. Similar is the case for districts around the Kaski district. The districts viz. Myagdi, Baglung, Parbat, Syangja, Tanahu, Lamjung which are around the Kaski district have shown negative change.