KATHMANDU, January 26

The preliminary results of the National Census 2021 have shown Nepal's population to be 29 million 192 thousand 480. The population as per the 2011 National Census was 26 million 940 thousand 504.

A report made public on Wednesday by the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) under the National Planning Commission shows that the population is less by around 800 thousand than the projected population of 30 million. It is stated that this data might be slightly changed in the final results.

In comparison, Bhaktapur has the highest population growth rate while Ramechhap district has the most declining rate of population, in this census.

Province-wise, Madhes Province has the largest population while Karnali Province has the least.

NPC Vice Chairman Dr Bishwonath Poudel expressed all those involved in making the National Census 2021 successful and the preliminary results show that Nepal is the heartbeat of over 29.1 million Nepali.

CBS Director General Nebin Lal Shrestha said this population census includes data count from Lipulek, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura, and the detailed information was awaited.

The first phase field work of the 2021 Census was carried out from September 15 to October 4 and the second phase field work was done from November 11 to 17, 2021.

Director General Shrestha said it is found that discrimination between son and daughter is decreasing and the population might not have increased as projected also because the trend of producing children in preference of son has minimized.

The preliminary results of the first population census conducted after the promulgation of the Constitution of Nepal, 2015 has been made public.