World Happiness Report for Nepal 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Nepal: 93
- Happiness Score Nepal:5.158
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Nepal. NP.
Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia, bordered by China and India.
- It is a federal democratic republic, with a president as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government.
- Nepal is known for its rich cultural heritage, including Hindu and Buddhist traditions, and is home to the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest.
- Its economy relies heavily on tourism, agriculture, and remittances from Nepali workers abroad.
Nepal – A Comprehensive Overview
Early History: The region of present-day Nepal has a long and fascinating history, with archaeological evidence suggesting human settlements dating back to the Paleolithic era. The Kirat people were among the earliest inhabitants, followed by the Newars, who established the Nepal Valley civilization and the ancient cities of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan.
Kingdoms and Empires: The Licchavi dynasty ruled the Nepal Valley from the 3rd to the 9th century, and their reign was marked by the flourishing of art, architecture, and culture. The Malla dynasty, which followed, also left a significant cultural and architectural legacy. In the 18th century, the Gorkha Kingdom, led by Prithvi Narayan Shah, emerged as a dominant force, eventually unifying the various principalities and establishing the modern nation of Nepal.
Colonial Period: Nepal was never colonized, but it did have interactions with the British East India Company and the British Raj. This led to the Anglo-Nepalese War in 1814-1816, which resulted in the signing of the Sugauli Treaty, establishing Nepal’s current borders.
Independence and Modern Era: Nepal has been an independent nation since the unification of the country in the late 18th century. However, it went through several political upheavals, including the autocratic Rana regime that ruled from 1846 to 1951. The overthrow of the Rana regime led to the establishment of a multi-party democracy, though the monarchy retained significant power. The Nepalese Civil War from 1996 to 2006 resulted in the abolition of the monarchy, and Nepal became a federal democratic republic in 2008.
Current Political Situation: Nepal is a federal democratic republic with a multi-party system. The current government is led by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who assumed office in 2022. The president, Ram Chandra Paudel, is the ceremonial head of state.
International Relations: Nepal maintains friendly relations with its neighbors, India and China, and is a member of various international organizations, including the United Nations, SAARC, and the Non-Aligned Movement.
Human Development and Economy: Nepal is classified as a least developed country by the United Nations, with a significant portion of its population living below the poverty line. Agriculture, tourism, and remittances from Nepali workers abroad are major contributors to the economy. The country faces challenges in areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
Cultural Highlights: Nepal is known for its rich cultural heritage, with a blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions. The country boasts numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Kathmandu Valley, Lumbini (the birthplace of Lord Buddha), and the Chitwan National Park. Nepali cuisine, influenced by its diverse geography and cultural influences, is also renowned.
Challenges and Opportunities: Nepal faces significant challenges, including poverty, inequality, environmental degradation, and vulnerability to natural disasters. However, the country also has opportunities in sectors such as tourism, hydropower, and agriculture, as well as the potential to leverage its strategic location between India and China for economic growth.
Travel Tips for Nepal:
– Best times to visit: Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are ideal for trekking and sightseeing, with moderate temperatures and clear skies.
– Cultural etiquette: Remove shoes before entering temples and homes, dress modestly, and respect religious customs and traditions.
– Safety precautions: Exercise caution in crowded areas, avoid demonstrations, and be aware of the risks of altitude sickness when trekking.
– Must-see landmarks: Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, Durbar Squares in Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur.
Main facts
Location
Nepal is a landlocked country located in South Asia, situated along the southern slopes of the Himalayan mountain ranges. It is bordered by China to the north and India to the south, east, and west. The country’s strategic location serves as a vital transitional zone between the Indian subcontinent and the Tibetan Plateau.
Map References
Nepal is located in Southern Asia, forming part of the Himalayan mountain system.
Area – Comparative
With an area of approximately 147,181 square kilometers (56,827 square miles), Nepal is slightly larger than the state of Arkansas in the United States.
Land Boundaries and Border Countries
Nepal shares a total land boundary of approximately 3,488 kilometers (2,167 miles), including:
Coastline (if applicable)
Nepal is a landlocked country and has no coastline.
Maritime Claims
As a landlocked country, Nepal has no maritime claims.
Climate
Nepal has a diverse climate due to its varying topography and altitudes. The tropical and subtropical regions in the south have a hot, humid climate, while the northern mountainous regions have an alpine climate. The central regions experience a temperate climate with warm summers and cool winters.
Terrain
The terrain of Nepal is predominantly rugged and mountainous, with the Himalayan ranges dominating the northern part of the country. The central region consists of hills and valleys, while the southern region is a fertile plain known as the Terai.
Elevation Extremes
The highest point in Nepal is Mount Everest, standing at 8,849 meters (29,032 feet) above sea level, located on the border with China. The lowest point is the Kanchan Kalan in the Terai region, at approximately 59 meters (194 feet) above sea level.
Natural Resources
Nepal’s major natural resources include water resources (glaciers, rivers), timber, hydropower potential, small deposits of lignite, copper, cobalt, iron ore, and natural gas.
Major Bodies of Water
The major rivers in Nepal include the Koshi, Karnali, Narayani, and Mahakali. These rivers flow from the Himalayas and are part of the Ganges River basin, shared with India. Nepal also has several lakes, including Rara Lake, Phewa Lake, and Tilicho Lake.
Natural Hazards
Nepal is susceptible to various natural hazards, including earthquakes, floods, landslides, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). The country’s location along major fault lines and its rugged terrain make it prone to seismic activity and landslides, especially during the monsoon season.
Geography – Notes
Nepal is known for its exceptional biodiversity, with diverse ecosystems ranging from the tropical Terai region to the alpine Himalayan region. The country is home to several endangered species, including the Bengal tiger, one-horned rhinoceros, and snow leopard. Additionally, Nepal’s unique geography and cultural heritage make it a popular destination for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 25.40%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 9,105. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 28.70%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 28.39485784.124008.
- Capital: The capital of Nepal is Kathmandu
- Major Cities:
- Kathmandu – Population: 1,442,271
- Pokhara – Population: 264,991
- Lalitpur – Population: 283,308
- Bharatpur – Population: 280,502
- Biratnagar – Population: 240,975
- Population: 28,608,710
- Area(Km2): 147181
- Population Density( P/Km²):203. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:977
- Official Language(s):Nepal is Nepali (official) 44.6%, Maithali 11.7%, Bhojpuri 6%, Tharu 5.8%, Tamang 5.1%, Newar 3.2%, Magar 3%, Awadhi 2.4%, other 10%, unspecified 2.5% (2011 est.)
- Currency: NPR
Main Economic Indicators
Nepal is a developing nation with a mixed economic system that combines elements of a market economy and a command economy. The economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, remittances from Nepalese workers abroad, and tourism. The country faces challenges like poverty, infrastructure deficiencies, and political instability. The government has implemented policies to promote economic growth, attract foreign investment, and reduce poverty.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
2022: 7.6% (Source: Nepal Rastra Bank)
2021: 3.6% (Source: Nepal Rastra Bank)
Credit Ratings
Fitch: B+ (Stable)
Moody’s: B3 (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: B+ (Stable)
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 25.4%
Industry: 14.6%
Services: 60%
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural Products: Pulses, rice, corn, wheat, sugarcane, jute, root crops
Industrial Products: Carpets, textiles, cigarettes, cement, brick, tourism
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 16.4 million (2020 est.)
Comparative Ranking: 38th largest labor force in the world
Current Account Balance
2021: -$2.52 billion (Source: Nepal Rastra Bank)
2020: -$1.02 billion (Source: Nepal Rastra Bank)
Comparative Ranking: 145th largest current account deficit in the world
Exports and Imports
Total Exports: $1.19 billion (2021)
Key Export Partners: India, United States, Turkey, Germany, United Kingdom
Main Exports: Clothing, pulses, carpets, textiles, juice, jute
Total Imports: $10.45 billion (2021)
Key Import Partners: India, China, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Singapore
Main Imports: Petroleum products, machinery and equipment, gold, electrical goods, medicine
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign Exchange Reserves: $9.56 billion (as of mid-March 2022)
Gold Reserves: 6.22 tonnes (as of January 2022)
- GDP (Current US$):$30,641,380,604. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 20.70%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 41.80%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $0.91. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. $0.36. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 1.41%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
1. National Identity
Nationality: noun – Nepali(s), adjective – Nepali
2. Ethnic Groups
- Chhettri: 16.6%
- Brahman-Hill: 12.2%
- Magar: 7.1%
- Tharu: 6.6%
- Tamang: 5.8%
- Newar: 5%
- Muslim: 4.4%
- Others: 42.3%
3. Religions
- Hindu: 81.3%
- Buddhist: 9%
- Muslim: 4.4%
- Kirant: 3.1%
- Christian: 1.4%
- Others: 0.8%
4. Age Structure
- 0-14 years: 28.98%
- 15-64 years: 64.07%
- 65 years and over: 6.95%
5. Dependency Ratios
Total dependency ratio: 55.5%
Youth dependency ratio: 45.3%
Elderly dependency ratio: 10.9%
6. Median Age
Total: 24.6 years
Male: 23.7 years
Female: 25.5 years
7. Lifestyle Indicators
- Obesity rate: 4.1% (2016 est.)
- Alcohol consumption per capita: 3.2 liters (2016 est.)
- Tobacco use: 27.1% of adults (2013 est.)
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 70.5. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 65.9%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:19.89. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:8. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 1.92. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 53.9. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 5,765,513. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):60.40%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
Nepal has a unified military force known as the Nepali Army. It is the country’s official land-based armed force, responsible for national defense and internal security. The Nepali Army does not have separate branches for air or naval operations.
In addition to the Nepali Army, Nepal has a paramilitary force called the Nepal Police. It is responsible for maintaining internal security, law enforcement, and public order throughout the country.
Military Expenditures
Nepal’s military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:
- 2022: 1.37%
- 2021: 1.44%
- 2020: 1.36%
- 2019: 1.35%
- 2018: 1.45%
Nepal’s military spending ranks relatively low globally, with the country being one of the lowest military spenders in the world.
Personnel Strengths
The total active-duty military personnel in Nepal is approximately 92,000. Since Nepal does not have separate service branches, all active-duty personnel are part of the unified Nepali Army.
The strength of the Nepal Police, the country’s primary paramilitary force, is around 70,000 personnel.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
Nepal’s military equipment inventory predominantly consists of small arms, light artillery, and basic infantry weapons. The majority of its equipment is imported from India, the United States, and other countries.
Nepal does not have any significant military development programs or major future acquisitions planned.
Military Service Age and Obligation
Military service in Nepal is voluntary, and there is no mandatory conscription. The age range for voluntary military service in the Nepali Army is 18-25 years.
There are no special enlistment programs or recent changes to military service policies.
Military Deployments
Nepal does not currently have any significant overseas military deployments.
However, Nepal has been a long-standing contributor to United Nations peacekeeping missions, with Nepali troops participating in various missions worldwide.
Strategic Military Notes
Nepal’s defense strategy is primarily focused on maintaining internal security and addressing potential threats from cross-border activities, given its strategic location between India and China.
The Nepali Army’s role is primarily focused on protecting the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as providing assistance in natural disasters and internal security operations.
Nepal does not have any formal military alliances or security partnerships, but it maintains friendly relations with neighboring countries and participates in regional security initiatives.
- Armed Forces Size: 96000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.75
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 83.80%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.