Local Demographics in Kathmandu

Good to Know

• Kathmandu is the dominant economic and administrative center of Nepal; home to embassies, major financial institutions, and the highest concentration of international organizations in the country.
• The city experiences significant internal migration from rural Nepal; over 57% of residents were born elsewhere in Nepal (2021 census), making it highly diverse despite majority Newar-Bahun-Chhetri composition.
• English proficiency is relatively high among younger, educated residents due to widespread English-medium schooling; most people under 50 learned English in school, making it a workable lingua franca for foreigners.
• Tech industry is young and rapidly expanding: approximately 100,000 people work in Nepal's IT sector, with Kathmandu as the main hub; IT service exports reached an estimated USD 1 billion in 2025.
• Foreign worker visas require employer sponsorship and formal registration; tourist visas cannot be converted to work visas on-site—must exit and re-enter for employment.
• Expat communities are well-established and concentrated in specific neighborhoods (Thamel, Lazimpat, Patan); regular expat meetups and events facilitate networking.