Nepal has a population of more than 28 million, consisting of more than 70 ethnic groups with different cultures and spoken languages. The distribution of the different ethnic groups reflects the geographical diversity of the country. The majority of Nepal's population is of Indo-Aryan origin; the remaining are of Tibetan and Bhotia origin, inhabitants of northern Nepal, and Mongoloid inhabitants of the central belt.
Some Major Ethnic Groups In Nepal
Newar: Kathmandu has been the homeland of the Newar community. The Newars are inhabitants of Tibeto-Burman origin who speak in Newari as well as Nepali. The Newars are among the largest Indigenous groups in Nepal and make up 7% of the total population. Several Newari families follow Buddhism as well as Hinduism. The people of these groups are usually inclined to engage in trade and farming. They have excelled in art, literature, sculpting, casting bronze and silver, and fascinating forms of architecture.
Brahmin: Brahmins are the priestly class of Indo-Aryan origin, also known as Bahuns, which occupies the highest position in the Hindu hierarchy. They are said to have come to Nepal from different parts of India. Today they are found in every part of Nepal and have taken up different occupations.
Chhetri: The Chhetris, who, like the Brahmins, also have an Indo-Aryan origin, have been traditionally classified as warriors and administrators. They are recognized for their bravery and administrative skills. Today, they are distributed in almost all parts of Nepal. They have been working in different fields. They are said to have originally come from northern India during and after the time of Buddha. The Khas are generally regarded as Bahuns and Chhetris who set up their kingdoms in the far-western parts of Nepal.
Gurung: They originally belonged to the Tibet-Braman ethnic group and lived mostly in the central region of Nepal, in places like the foothills of the western part. The Gurungs are good farmers as well as warriors. They, like the Rais, Limbus, and Magars, have introduced themselves internationally as the brave Gorkha soldiers.
Kiranti: The Kirantis are among the first group of people ruling over Nepal. Ancient Hindu texts like Himvat-Khanda and Mahabharat have mentioned their names. They come from eastern Nepal. These people of Tibet-Burman origin worship their ancestors and at the same time, follow Buddhism, Hinduism, Animism, and so on. They are very good farmers and warriors. They are rich in culture and have several languages and scripts.
Magar: The Magars, having Tibeto-Burman origin, live in the western region of Nepal. They speak the Tibeto-Burman language and are Hindu by faith but they also follow Buddhism. The Magars are mostly farmers but their martial qualities and physical fitness have made them perfect soldiers.
Sherpa: They are said to have come from Tibet, speak the Tibeto-Burman language, and live in the Himalayan region of Nepal. They are hard worker, friendly and reliable. The largest Sherpa settlements are in SoluKhumbu at the foothill of Mt. Everest. The Sherpas are adventurous mountaineers of international repute.
Tharu: They are the only people living in the forest of the Terai along the southern base of Nepal. Their age-old religion, animism, often reflects their mixed belief in Hinduism and Buddhism. They are said to be descendants of the Rajput (ruling class) of India and have spread from the eastern to the western part of Nepal
