Population: 18,699,884 (July 1989), growth rate 2.4% (1989)

Birth rate: 40 births/1,000 population (1989)

Death rate: 15 deaths/1,000 population (1989)

Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1989)

Infant mortality rate: 101 deaths/1,000 live births (1989)

Life expectancy at birth: 50 years male, 49 years female (1989)

Total fertility rate: 5.7 children born/woman (1989)

Nationality: noun--Nepalese (sing. and pl.); adjective--Nepalese

Ethnic divisions: Newars, Indians, Tibetans, Gurungs, Magars, Tamangs, Bhotias, Rais, Limbus, Sherpas, as well as many smaller groups

Religion: only official Hindu state in world, although no sharp distinction between many Hindu (about 88% of population) and Buddhist groups; small groups of Muslims and Christians

Language: Nepali (official); 20 languages divided into numerous dialects

Literacy: 20%

Labor force: 4,100,000; 93% agriculture, 5% services, 2% industry; severe lack of skilled labor

Organized labor: Teachers' Union, not officially recognized

NOTE: The information regarding Nepal on this page is re-published from the 1989 World Fact Book of the United States Central Intelligence Agency. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Nepal People 1989 information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Nepal People 1989 should be addressed to the CIA.