The population of Nepal according to July 2007 estimate is 28,901,790. According to the estimate 38.3% of the population are of 0-14 years of age, 57.9% of the population are of 15-64 years of age and 3.8% of the population are 65 years and over.

In Nepal, ethnical cultural groups are diverse and many of them have their own languages and customs. However, they can be geographically categorized according to their habitats.

The Sherpas mainly occupy the higher hills of eastern and central Nepal. The Solu Khumbu region, where the world’s tallest peak Mt.Everest stands, is inhabited by Sherpas. Sherpas are famed for their valor and mountaineering skills and are professionally involved in many mountain expeditions. Sherpas are generally Buddhist but some follow the Bon, the pre-Buddhist religion of Tibet, and other religions.

A wide variety of ethnic groups occupy the mid-hills. The Kirats or Limbus and Rais inhabit these mid-hills. They are not originally Hindus or Buddhists but are ancestor worshippers. However, today, many embrace Hinduism. In the former days, they were warriors and skilled hunters. Now, many serve in the British Army and have earned a reputation as the brave Gurkhas.

Kathmandu Valley mainly comprises of Newars. They speak Newari Language and practice Hinduism and Buddhism. Many of them celebrate both Hindu and Buddhist festivals. Newars are accomplished in commerce and most enterprises are run by them. Historically, they are known for establishing the three sister cities of Nepal; Patan, Bhaktapur and Kathmandu.

The hill flanks surrounding Kathamndu Valley are mostly inhabited by Tamangs. In Tibetan language Tamang means horse soldiers which give the idea about their past occupation. However, nowadays they are found as semi-skilled and skilled workers.

The Magars inhabit the western and central hills of Nepal.Another ethnic groups closely resembling Magars are the Gurungs who also live in the western and central hills of Nepal.The Gurungs have their own distinct language and practice shamanism.

Bahuns and Chettris formed their own kingdom in the far-west. They practice Hinduism and speak the country’s official language. Traditionally Bahuns were priests and are better educated than most ethnic groups. In fact, many occupy important government and educational posts in the kingdom today.Chettris are traditionally recognized as warriors.

Tharus are one of the original ethnic groups to inhabit the Terai. The Majhi, Dhimal, Danuwar also occupy the flat lands. The Tharus have their own unique religion and practice animism. There is much migration going on in the country now and cultural definition of people by area is difficult.

Nepal is the only official Hindu kingdom of the world. According to the 2001 estimate, 80.6% of the population comprises of Hindus , the Buddhists following next with 12.5% and the rest comprises of Muslim, Kirant and others.

Religious practices are important part of the lives of Nepali people. Every morning there are lines of people in the temples in order to receive the blessings of the gods and goddesses. Mostly Nepalese people are influenced by the culture and rituals mentioned in the holy books like Gita, Ramayana, Swasthani etc. Till now, we can find that most of the Nepalese names are the names of the gods and goddesses.

Fasting is commonly performed by Hindu ladies during important religions festivals, and most of the festivals of Hindus are based on religious beliefs.

In Nepal Hinduism and Buddhism are the two religions that are practiced most. These two religions have co-existed from the very beginning and that’s why many Hindu temples share the same complex as the Buddhist shrines. The followers of both the religions may worship the same god with different names while performing religious rites. Besides Hinduism and Buddhism, the also religions that are practiced are Islam, Christianity and Bon. Tharus practice animism while the Kirats worship their ancestors. However, majority of the population of Nepal are Hindus and Buddhists.