Kathmandu is the most populous city and district in Nepal. According to the 2021 Nepal Census, the Kathmandu District has a population of approximately 2,041,587, with the Kathmandu Metropolitan City accounting for about 845,767 residents. The city acts as a magnet for internal migration, drawing people from all over Nepal seeking education, employment, and better infrastructure, resulting in a rapidly growing and incredibly diverse population.
Demographically, Kathmandu is a melting pot. The indigenous Newar community remains a vital cultural force, alongside large populations of Khas-Arya (Bahun and Chhetri), Tamang, Magar, Gurung, and Kirat peoples. Hinduism is the dominant religion, practiced by roughly 80% of the population, followed by a significant Buddhist minority (about 10-15%), as well as Muslim and Christian communities. Nepali is the lingua franca and the official language, but Nepal Bhasa (Newari) is widely spoken among the indigenous population, and English is highly prevalent in business, tourism, and education sectors.
