People

Nepal is a multiracial, multiethnic, multilingual and multicultural country. There are sixty ethnic groups, who speak seventy different dialects and eleven major languages. Nepali is the national language, which is spoken by a great majority and understood by almost everybody. It's the lingua franca of the country and medium of communication for interethnic and cultural interactions.

Different ethnic groups pre-dominate different geographical regions. The Sherpas are concentrated in Solukhumbu, the district where Mt. Everest is. A wide variety of ethnic groups occupy the mid-hills. The Kirats or Limbus and Rais inhabit the east. During the 7th century BC, the Kirantis became the rulers of Kathmandu Valley and ruled for 1118 years. Originally, they were neither Hindus nor Buddhists. They were animist. However, today, many embrace Hinduism. The Kiratis speak Tibeto-Burman languages. Many serve in the British Army, even these days, and are known as brave Gurkhas.

The population of the Kathmandu Valley consists mostly of Newars. They speak Nepalbhasa and practice Hinduism and Buddhism. Many families celebrate both Hindu and Buddhist festivals. Their culture also reflects tantrism and animism. Newars are accomplished traditional traders who are extensively involved in commerce and industries, especially of Kathmandu valley and mid-hills. Historically, they are well known for establishing the three artistically beautiful cities of Patan, Bhaktapur and Kathmandu.

The inhabitants of the hills surrounding Kathmandu valley are mostly Tamangs, who make up one of the largest Tibeto-Burman ethnic groups in the Kingdom. In the Tibetan language, Tamang means " horse soldier". Today, they farm and work as semi-skilled and unskilled labors. Tamangs practice Tibetan Lamaism or the Bon religion and speak their own language.

The Magars live in the western and central hills of Nepal. They had their own kingdoms until the 18th century and were closely associated with the Hindu Indo-Aryans in the west. Much of their cultural practices have been influenced by Chhetris, and there houses, dresses and farming practices are almost the same. The Magars make good soldiers; they are preferred in the British and Indian Gurkha regiments.

Not unlike Magars, the Gurungs also live in the western and central hills slightly further to the east. They are of aTibeto-Burman stock. The Gurungs have their own language and practice animism. Many find employment in the British and Indian armies.

There are the Bahuns and Chhetries who formed their own kingdoms in the Far West. They are Hindus and speak Nepali, which is the national language. Traditionally, the Bahuns are priest, but now they are found in farming, trade and services. The Chhetries have traditionally been known as warriors. Those who live in the higher hills in the Far Western region lead hard lives because of lack of rain and poor quality farming is practices.

The Tharus are one of the original ethnic groups who inhabited the Tarai, inner Tarai and the valleys. The Majhi, Danuwar, Rajbansi, Darai, Satar and Dhimal are the inhabitants of the flat lands. The Tharus have their own unique religion and practice animism. They have very unique culture, which is harmonously blended with their environment and eco-system. They have Mongoloid features and speak their own language. There is inflow in the intra-country migration, which has made the geographical definition of people more difficult. Urban population is increasing by 7%, urban centers have become melting pot of various cultures