Diverging migration patterns in Nepal: demographic analysis and local reflections on social change

This study uses data from Nepal’s 2021 census to investigate migration variations between mountain regions populated by people who share religious (mainly Buddhism) and cultural affiliations with Tibetans and middle hill regions inhabited by people who represent several ethnic groups and are predominantly Hindu. The purpose is to illuminate differing migration patterns between mountain and hill regions and, just as importantly, between mountain communities that are often lumped together because of presumed cultural and environmental similarities. The hill regions exhibit a labour migration pattern dominated by males seeking income abroad, mainly in the Middle East and wealthier Asian nations. In contrast, migration from the mountain regions is more gender balanced with a higher proportion of people seeking opportunities in Europe and North America. The final section presents perspectives from local researchers on how out-migration is impacting marriage, social cohesion, care for the elderly, and other dimensions of their communities.