Capital of Nepal: Kathmandu
The capital of Nepal is Kathmandu. Nepal sits in Asia, has a population of 30,547,580, and uses the NPR. Official languages include Nepali.
Quick facts
- Capital: Kathmandu
- Continent: Asia
- Population: ~30,547,580
- Area: 147,181 km²
- Population density: 208 people per km²
- Official language: Nepali
- Currency: NPR
- ISO code: NP
How big is Nepal?
By population, Nepal ranks 49th in the world, holding roughly 0.38% of all people on Earth. By land area it ranks 93rd.
Those two numbers rarely match, and the gap between them is the interesting part. Nepal has 208 people per square kilometre, which is about 3.5 times the world average of 59.4. It is more crowded than its size alone would suggest.
Within Asia, Nepal is the 20th most populous country of 48.
Countries of a similar size
The two countries closest to Nepal in population are Madagascar (29,611,714) and Venezuela (28,301,696).
By land area, its closest counterparts are Bangladesh (147,570 km²) and Tajikistan (143,100 km²).
Comparisons like these are worth more than raw figures when you are trying to remember them. A number on its own is hard to hold; a number next to a country you already have a feel for is much easier.
Language and currency
Nepali is listed as an official language of Nepal alone, which is unusual — most official languages are shared across borders.
Nepal uses the NPR, and it is the only country that does, which makes the currency name a reliable one-to-one clue.
Nepal in Asia
The largest countries by population sharing this continent are China, India, Indonesia and Pakistan.
If you are learning capitals region by region — far more effective than working alphabetically — Asia is the block Nepal belongs to, and its neighbours are the ones worth learning alongside it.
Try the Country to Capital Quiz, or the harder reverse direction. There is also a full country profile for Nepal and a page on the flag of Nepal.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Nepal?
The capital of Nepal is Kathmandu.
What is the population of Nepal?
About 30,547,580, making it the 49th most populous country in the world.
How big is Nepal?
147,181 square kilometres, ranking 93rd by land area, at a density of 208 people per square kilometre.
What currency does Nepal use?
The NPR, which no other country uses.