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Human Settlement, Population Trends, and Environmental Health in Nepal

The human settlement and environmental health issues in Nepal are complex. Disparities in population density, growth rates, and household infrastructure across the country highlight the importance of targeted development strategies. The decline of agriculture, as well as migration patterns, have highlighted the importance of long-term urban planning and rural investment. Climate change has accelerated the spread of vector-borne and water-borne diseases, as well as developing crop and livestock diseases. Rising crime, corruption, and traffic incidents highlight the need for more effective governance and public safety measures. Sustainable policy and infrastructure development are crucial for addressing these multifaceted challenges and improving the quality of life in Nepal.

Sushil Sharma November 19, 2024

Areas, Population, and Sex Ratio

The following Table 1 presents the area, population, and sex ratio at the province level in Nepal. The demographic data reveals significant disparities among the provinces of Nepal in terms of population, density, household sizes, and sex ratios. These factors are crucial for developing effective policies for sustainable development, resource allocation, and social welfare and for improving the quality of life for its diverse population.

Table 1: Areas, Population, and Sex Ratio at the Province Level, Nepal, 2021

Source: National Population Census, 2021, Reports, National Statistics Office (NSO)

Population Growth Rates

Chart 1 presents the average annual growth rates of the population in Nepal into three geographical regions: Mountain, Hill, and Terai. Nepal's overall growth rate declined from 2.62% in 1971-1981 to 0.92% in 2011-202. Internal migration patterns need to be addressed, especially from the Mountain to the Hill and Terai regions and rural to urban areas, by creating incentives for people to settle in less populated areas, thereby alleviating pressure on urban resources.

Chart 1: Population Growth Rates by Ecological Belt, Nepal

Source: National Population Census, 2021, Reports, National Statistics Office (NSO)

Chart 2 presents the average annual growth rates of the population across different provinces in Nepal from 2011 to 2021. Provinces with higher growth rates, such as Lumbini and Madhesh, may require enhanced infrastructure, services, and resource planning to accommodate growing populations.

Chart 2: Population Growth Rates by Province, Nepal, 2011-2021

Source: National Population Census, 2021, Reports, National Statistics Office (NSO)

Type of House

Table 2 presents the distribution of households by type of house in Nepal across three census years. Urban areas saw a sharp increase in permanent housing, with 89.5% in 2021, while rural areas also improved significantly to 79.81%. This data reflects a trend toward more permanent housing across all ecological belts and areas of residence in Nepal over the last three decades.

Table 2: Percentage Distribution of Households by Types of Houses, Nepal, 1991-2021

Source: National Population Census, 2021, Reports, National Statistics Office (NSO)

Lighting Facilities

Table 3 presents that Nepal has made significant achievements in access to clean lighting sources (electricity, solar, biogas) with an overall clean lighting percentage of 98.79%. The data shows that the Bagmati and Gandaki provinces achieved the highest percentages of clean lighting and other provinces have also continuously improved.

Table 3: Households by Type of Lighting Facilities, Nepal, 2021

Source: National Population Census, 2021, Reports, National Statistics Office (NSO)

Main Fuel Used for Cooking

Table 4 presents that Nepal is still heavily dependent on traditional cooking fuels, nearly 46 percent of the households are using clean cooking fuels (LPG, electricity, and biogas). It varies significantly across provinces. Policies should focus on promoting cleaner alternatives, especially in provinces with lower adoption rates like Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces to enhance energy sustainability and public health.

Table 4: Households by Type of Main Fuel Used for Cooking, Province Level, 2021

Note: Clean sources of cooking fuel include LPG, electricity, and biogas

Source: National Population Census, 2021, Reports, National Statistics Office (NSO)

Main Source of Drinking Water

Table 5 indicates that nearly 93 percent of Nepal's population has access to safe drinking water, but it varies among provinces. To provide 100 percent safe drinking water across Nepal should prioritize infrastructure development for reliable water sources, increase public awareness of water safety, and promote sustainable practices for water management.

Table 5: Percentage Distribution of Households using Main Sources of Drinking Water, Nepal, 2021

Note: Safe sources of drinking water include piped water, tube well hand pump, covered well/kuwa, and jar/bottle

Source: National Statistics Office, Population Census Reports, 2021

Toilet Facilities

The following Table 6 shows the distribution of households by toilet facility across the provinces of Nepal. Up to now, 5 percent of households have no access to toilet facilities and 30 percent of households use ordinary toilets. There is a disparity in the provinces, particularly in Karnali and Madhesh. Public awareness programs should be conducted on sanitation practices and provide financial support for low-income households to build or upgrade their toilet facilities.

Table 6: Distribution of Households by Toilet Facility, Nepal, 2021

Source: National Statistics Office, Population Census, 2021

Farm Population

The following Table 7 presents the comparative analysis of the farm population (agriculture-related population) in different census periods. The farm-related indicators are decreasing continuously, which indicates that the households and population are shifting their occupation from farm activities to non-farm activities. To address the declining trend in agricultural participation, it is needed to implement a program to increase agricultural productivity and access the market. This may also reduce the trend of outmigration from rural areas.

Table 7: Farm Population 1991/92-2021

Source: National Statistics Office, Population Census, 2021

Road Length

Table 8 presents the total length of roads covered by national highways with different road categories and ongoing construction and planned expansions of roads at the province level. It indicates the need for investment to convert the graveled and earthen road to Blacktop. Similarly, under construction roads should be completed on time.

Table 8: Road Length with Category and Pavement (In Kilometer) Year: 2020

Source: Statistics of National Highway SNH 2022/23, Department of Road

Vehicles Registered

The following Table 9 shows the vehicle registration of Nepal. The data indicates that significant increase in vehicle registrations with motorcycles and cars/jeeps/vans dominating the total count, reflecting a growing trend toward personal and commercial vehicle use over the years. The government should give priority to public transport management to manage the rapid increase in vehicle registration. Similarly, it is needed to update and strictly implement vehicle emissions policy nationwide for environmental health.

Table 9: Number of Vehicles Registered, 2001/02- 2022/23*

*Up to Mid-March 2023,

Source: Department of Transport Management.

Environmental Health (Impact on Human Health)

Major concern for the challenges of environmental health in Nepal is air and water pollution, deforestation, waste management, and the impacts of climate change. The following Table 10 and Table 11 provide an overview of disease prevalence within Nepalese households over the past 25 years. Cough and fever stand out as the most widespread diseases. The data shows that there is a variation in the incidence of diseases across the different ecological as well as provincial zones.

Table 10: Increase in Incidence of Disease in the Last 25 Years, 2022