The Muslim population, now over 5% and largely in the Terai region, faces economic and social marginalisation despite steady growth.
NEW DELHI – Nepal is currently going through a major political crisis. On Tuesday, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned from his post after large-scale violence and mayhem unleashed by protesters against the government policies.
Nepal is officially a Hindu nation, but in terms of population, Muslims are the third-largest religious group. The majority of the population is Hindu (81.19%), followed by Buddhist (8.21%), while Muslims make up 5.09% of the population.
The Muslim community in Nepal faces several challenges. One of the key issues is the lack of constitutional recognition for their customs and traditions. Muslim leaders have been advocating for recognition, highlighting the need for greater inclusivity and representation in the country’s governance.
Currently, Nepal is in an extremely delicate phase with thousands of youths taking to the streets indulging in large-scale violence and setting fire to several government buildings and palatial homes of some ministers. So far, 20 people have died in these protests.
The protests began after the government banned 26 platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X. Authorities alleged that anti-state activities were being carried out through fake accounts, but the public considers the ban a violation of freedom of expression.
Notably, Nepal is the world’s first and only Hindu nation. However, the country also has Buddhist and Muslim populations. Following recent events, attention has turned to Nepal’s Muslim community and its social, economic, and political conditions.
Muslims are the third-largest religious group in Nepal. According to the 2021 census, they comprise 5.09% of the population, which totals approximately 29.7 million. In comparison, 81.19% of the population follows Hinduism, while 8.21% are Buddhist.
Over the past decade, the Muslim population in Nepal has grown considerably. The 2011 census recorded around 4.4%, rising to over 5% by 2021. Meanwhile, Hindu and Buddhist populations have seen slight declines. Most Muslims in Nepal are Sunni.
Reports indicate that Nepal’s Muslim community faces significant economic and social challenges. Around 95% of Muslims live in the Terai region, where access to education, employment, and development opportunities is limited. Studies by the United Nations and other organisations show that the Muslim community ranks low on many development indicators. The Nepali constitution recognises Muslims as a marginalised group and provides job quotas in civil services to support them.
