What language is spoken in Nepal?
The official language of Nepal is Nepali, spoken by 45% of the population as a mother tongue. The country has 123 recorded languages, with Hindi spoken by 5% of inhabitants and English primarily used in tourism.
Nepali, the official language
The Nepali language is the official language of Nepal and serves as a lingua franca between different communities. This language was introduced by the Gurkhas, members of the Khasi rajput who emigrated from Rajasthan in northern India. Nepali is written in Devanagari, the same alphabet as Hindi.
Nepal's linguistic diversity
Nepal has exceptional linguistic wealth with 123 native languages recorded in 2011. Among other important languages:
- Hindi: spoken by approximately 5% of the population, developed since the 1930s
- English: used mainly in the tourism and diplomatic sectors, mastered by few people
What to remember for your trip
In tourist areas like Kathmandu or Pokhara, basic English will be sufficient. Outside the beaten path, a few Nepali words will be appreciated. Local guides generally speak English and serve as interpreters.