Ethnic Profiles

According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, the total population of Nepal was 26,427,99 in 2007. The population comprises people of more than 100 multiple ethnic groups who speak about 93 different languages and dialects which are further divided into different castes. The distinction in caste still plays a significant part in a Nepali' life when it comes to marriage.

Some of the main ethnic groups are: Gurungs and Magars who live mainly in the western region; Rais, Limbus and Sunwars who live in the eastern middle hills; Sherpas, Manangbas and Lopas who live near the mountains of Everest, Annapurna and Mustang respectively; Newars who live in and around the Kathmandu valley; Tharus, Yadavas, Satar, Rajvanshis and Dhimals who live in the Tarai region; and Brahmins, Chhetris and Thakuris generally spread over all parts of the country.

Nepali is the official language of the state, spoken and understood by almost all the people of Nepal. English is spoken by many in government and business offices. It is the mode of education in most private schools of Kathmandu and some other cities.

Ethnic Groups related to Kapan Homestay Village

Magar

The Magar are a people of Mongolian descent whose homeland extends from the western and southern edges of the Dhaulagiri section of the high Himalayas range south to the prominent Mahabharat foothill range and eastward into the Gandaki basin. Magar villages are known for their traditional round and oval houses. Along with the Gurung, the Magars for centuries have served in the British and Indian Gurkha regiments and in the Nepal Army. Masonry and agriculture are also ... | Read More »

Tamang

The Tamangs are of Mongolian descent and are the original inhabitants of the himalayan mountain/plains regions of Nepal. Their name, "Ta - Mang" is derived from Tibetan language meaning, "horse - trader", as it was one of their earliest occupations. The original religion of Tamang people was "Bon", a type of spirit worship mixed with Buddhism. Their head priest is a called a "Jhankri" and he performs rites which drive away spiri ... | Read More »

Gurungs

The Gurung people are a people of Mongolian descent and have settled along the southern slopes of the Annapurna Himalaya in west-central Nepal. They also inhabit east of the Gorkha District to the Syangja District, north along the Kali Gandaki River, along the Masyangdi River in Manang District and along the Buri Gandaki Valley. Their culture is rooted in sheep herding and they also played an important role in the army during the reign of Shah kingdom from 1768 AD. Th ... | Read More »

Newars

The Newars, are mainly traders and farmers. With a purpose to trade, they are scattered across the country; with greater concentration in the Kathmandu Valley, Banepa, Dhulikhel, Bhojpur, Bandipur and Tansen. Despite their small population, their contribution to the history, art, architecture and business activities of Nepal is outstanding. Newars speak their own language, 'Newari' better known as Nepal Bhasa which belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family of langua ... | Read More »

Rais and Limbus

The Rais and Limbus are jointly known as Kirants and are said to have ruled the Katmandu Valley from around 7th century BC to the time they were defeated around 300 AD. After their fall they moved to the area now known as Patan and later to the east of Nepal occupying the Arun valley up to the Sikkim border. They have strong Mongoloid features and speak a Tibeto-Burman language. Today the Rais are found mostly in the hilly regions of eastern Nepal mainly around Dhanku ... | Read More »

Sherpas

The most famous among the Himalayan people are the Sherpas because of their natural mountain climbing skills which have made them an indispensable part of mountain expeditions as leaders, guides and porters. As individuals or as part of a group, they have set many records in the world of mountaineering. They are settled in the high Himalayan region of eastern Nepal, in the vicinity of Mt. Everest, along the Arun Valley, the Dudh Koshi River and its tributary areas. Sh ... | Read More »

Chhetris and Thakuris

Chhetris and Thakuris traditionally belong to the administrative class of rulers, leaders and warriors. The Brahmans have traditionally been their teachers and family priests. They are also orthodox Hindu practioners. Chhetris and Thakuris are among the most influential and well-to-do social classes. They work mostly in government service, the army and the police force. Some are also engaged in farming and other types of business. ... | Read More »

Brahmins

Brahmins or Brahmans traditionally belong to the priestly caste of Hindus. There are two different categories of Brahmans, "Kumai Brahmans" and "Purbiya Brahmans". The "Kumai Brahmans" are said to have come from the mountainous regions of Kumaon in northern India, west of Nepal. It is possible that they were fleeing from Muslim invasion in the 14th century. They are mainly confined to western and central Nepal and the capital city of Katm ... | Read More »