Children, especially those in rural or impoverished areas, continue to face barriers in education, nutrition, and protection.

• According to UNICEF, around 40% of Nepal’s population is under 18.
• Despite national progress, two-thirds of children still lack at least one essential need, such as nutrition, safe housing, healthcare, or education.

Why this matters:
As a large population of the country is young, making investments in children and adolescents is important in shaping national development.

Data sources:

• UNICEF Nepal – Children in Nepal

(4) Geographic and Social Disparities

Nepal’s mountainous terrain and rural–urban divide contribute to unequal access to basic services and opportunities.

• In 2019, 32.7% of people lived in rural areas, yet 52.5% of the MPI poor lived in rural areas.

Why this matters:
Remote and marginalized communities face limited access to schools, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic opportunities. They are often “left behind” in national development, making targeted interventions essential.

Data sources:

• Nepal MPI Report (CBS & OPHI)