Nepal's diverse linguistic heritage evolved from three major language groups: Indo-Aryan, Tibeto-Burman, and indigenous. According to the 2001 national census, 92 different living languages are spoken in Nepal (a 93rd category was "unidentified"). The major languages of Nepal (percent spoken as mother tongue) are Nepali (49%), Maithili (12%), Bhojpuri (8%), Tharu (6%), Tamang (5%), Newari/Nepal Bhasa (4%), Magar (3%), Awadhi (2%), Bantawa (2%), Limbu (1%), and Bajjika (1%). The remaining 81 languages are each spoken as mother tongue by less than one percent of the population.

Derived from Sanskrit, Nepali is related to the Indian language Hindi and written in Devanagari script. Nepali is the official, national language and serves as lingua franca among Nepalis of different ethnolinguistic groups. Hindi is also widely spoken, especially in the southern Terai Region. Many Nepalese in government and business also speak English.

Spoken living languages

Language	Number of Speakers	Area	Dialects	Classification
Athpariya ATHAPRE, ATHPARE, ARTHARE, ARTHARE-KHESANG.	2,000 (1995 Karen Ebert), 439,312 all Rai languages (1991 census). Kosi Zone, Dhankuta District, north of the Tamur, between the Dhankutakhola in the west and the Tangkhuwa in the east; Dhankuta and Bhirgaon panchayats.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Eastern.
Awadhi ABADI, ABADHI, ABOHI, AMBODHI, AVADHI, BAISWARI, KOJALI, KOSALI.	374,638 in Nepal, 2.03% of the population (1991 census). Lumbini Zone, Kapilbastu District; Bheri Zone, Banke and Bardiya districts.		BAGHELI, GANGAPARI, MIRZAPURI, PARDESI, THARU, UTTARI	Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, East Central zone.
Bagheli BAGELKHANDI, BHUGELKHUD, MANNADI, RIWAI, GANGGAI, MANDAL, KEWOT, KEWAT, KAWATHI, KENAT, KEVAT BOLI, KEVATI, KEWANI, KEWATI, NAGPURI MARATHI.	Morang District, Koshi Zone		MARARI, OJHI, POWARI, BANAPARI, GAHORE, TIRHARI, GODWANI (MANDLAHA), SONPARI	Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, East Central zone.
Bahing RUMDALI, BAINGE RAI, BAING, BAYING, BAYUNG, BAHING LO, BAYUNG LO.	7,000 to 10,000 (1991 W. Winter). Sagarmatha Zone, Okhaldunga District, south of the Solu River in the Nachedanda ranges, east of the Melung River to the Thatan River and its tributaries in the west.		NAMBER SACHA, ROKHUNG, KHALING, BANENGE, DOBO LO, PROCA LO.	Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kham-Magar-Chepang-Sunwari, Sunwari.
Bantawa BANTAWA RAI, BANTABA, BONTAWA, BANTAWA YÜNG, BANTAWA YONG, BANTAWA DUM.	35,000 or more (1985 N.K. Rai), 50,700 to 70,000 including second language users (1991 W. Winter). 'Intermediate Bantawa' represents most groups (Hansson in Winter 1991:7). Morang, Dhankuta, Bhojpur districts, Koshi Zone, and western Dhankuta District, Khotang District. Amchoke is in Limbuwan, especially in Ilam District; Udaipur District, Sagarmatha Zone; Japa District, Mechi Zone. Many villages.		ORTHERN BANTAWA (DILPALI), SOUTHERN BANTAWA (HANGKHIM), EASTERN BANTAWA (DHANKUTA), WESTERN BANTAWA, CHHINTANG, DUNGMALI (DUNMALI), WALING (WALUNG, WALÜNG), RUNGCHENBUNG, AMCHOKE (AMCHAUKE), YANGMA.	Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Eastern.
Baraamu BARHAMU, BRAHMU, BHRAMU, BRAMU, BARAM.	2,000 (1998) out of 6,580 in the ethnic group (1996 Thapa). Gandaki Zone, North Gorkha District, Takhu village up the Doraundi Khola on the east side above Chorgate, near Kumhali, about 7 villages. They may be in Dhading			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Western Himalayish, Eastern.
Baragaunle BARAGAUN, BARAGAON, BHOTI GURUNG.	1,600 to 2,200 or more, including 650 in Kagbeni, 530 to 1,140 in Jharkot, 400 in Purang (1990). Dhaulagiri Zone, Mustang District, 18 villages in the Kali Gandaki Valley and on the hillsides north of Jomosom up to Kagbeni, and east to Muktinath; on the plains and along the river.		JHARKOT, KAGBENI.	Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Central.
Belhariya BELHARE, ATHPARIYA, ATHPAHARIYA, ATHPARE, ATHPAGARI.	500 (1995 Karen Ebert) to 2,000 (1996 Bickel). Kosi Zone, Dhankuta District, Belhara village and hill west of Dhankuta Bajar.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Eastern.
Bengali BANGALA, BANGLA, BANGLA-BHASA. Dialects: BARIK, BHATIARI, CHIRMAR, KACHARI-BENGALI, LOHARI-MALPAHARIA, MUSSELMANI, RAJSHAHI, SAMARIA, SARAKI, SIRIPURIA.	27,712 in Nepal, 0.15% of the population (1991 census). Mechi Zone, Jhapa District; Koshi Zone, Morang and Sunsari districts; Sagarmatha Zone, Saptari District.			Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Eastern zone, Bengali-Assamese.
Bhojpuri BHOJAPURI, BHOZPURI, BAJPURI. Dialects: BHOJPURI THARU, TELI.	1,379,717 in Nepal, 7.46% of population (1991 census). Main concentration in Narayani Zone, Rautahat, Para, and Parsa districts. And near the India border in Lumbini Zone, Nawalparasi District; Janakpur Zone, Sarlahi District; Koshi Zone, Morang District; Mechi Zone, Jhapa District.			Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Eastern zone, Bihari.
Bodo BORO, BODI, BARA, BORONI, MECHE, MECHI, MECI, MECH, MACHE.	938 in Nepal (1961 census). Mechi Zone, Jhapa District.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Jingpho-Konyak-Bodo, Konyak-Bodo-Garo, Bodo-Garo, Bodo.
Bote-majhi KUSHAR.	11,000 (1991 census). Mainly Chitawan District, Narayani Zone, near Kumhali.			Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Eastern zone, Unclassified.
Bujhyal GHARTI, BUJHEL, BUJAL, WESTERN CHEPANG.	5,000 (1998). Gandaki Zone, East Tanahun, south side of Chimkesori Peak, behind Yangchok, near the Magar. Separated from the Chepang by the Trisuli (Narayani) River.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kham-Magar-Chepang-Sunwari, Chepang.
Byangsi BYANSHI, BYANSI, BYANGKHO LWO.	1,314 in Nepal or 0.01% of the population (1991 census). Mahakali Zone, Darchula District.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Western Himalayish, Almora.
Camling CHAMLING, CHAMLINGE RAI.	10,000 or fewer (1995 Karen Ebert). Rawa Valley, Khotang District, Sagarmatha Zone.			sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Eastern.
Chantyal CHENTEL, CHANTEL.	2,000 speakers out of 10,000 in the ethnic group (1997 Michael Noonan). Dhaulagiri Zone, Myagdi District, Kali Gandaki River valley. Ethnic Chantel also in Baglung District.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tamangic.
Chaudangsi TSAUDANGSI, BANGBA LWO.	Mahakali Zone, far western.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Western Himalayish, Almora.
Chepang TSEPANG. Dialects: EASTERN CHEPANG, WESTERN CHEPANG.	34,000 or 0.14% of the population (1997). Inner Terai; Narayani Zone, Makwanpur, Chitwan, and South Dhading districts; Gandaki Zone, South Gorkha District.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kham-Magar-Chepang-Sunwari, Chepang.
Chhintang CHHINTANGE, TELI, CHINTANG RÛNG, CHINTANG.	100 or fewer (1991 W. Winter). Lower Arun region, Dhankuta District, Chhintang panchayat, Sambhung and Pokhare, and Ankhisalla panchayat, Dandagaon.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Eastern. Nearly extinct.
Chhulung CHULUNG, CHÜLÜNG, CHHÛLÛNG RÛNG, CHHOLUNG, CHHILLING.	1,000 or fewer (1991 W. Winter). Ankhisalla Panchayat, Dhankuta District, end of Chhintang Panchayat.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Eastern.
Chourase TSAURASYA, CHAURASIA, CHAURASYA, CHOURASIA, UMBULE, AMBULE, OMBULE.	5,000 or more (1991 W. Winter). Sagarmatha Zone, Udayapur and Okhaldhunga districts.		BONU, UBU.	Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Western.
Chukwa CUKWA RING, POHING, POHING KHA.	100 or fewer (1991 W. Winter). Kulung Panchayat, Bhojpur District.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Eastern. Nearly extinct.
Darai	7,000 (1991 census). Inner Terai, Narayani Zone, Chitawan District.			Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Unclassified.
Dhanwar DHANVAR, DANUWAR RAI, DANUWAR, DENWAR.	16,000 (1993 Johnstone). Eastern hills and plain, inner Terai and Terai south of Kathmandu, Sindhuli Garhi, Makwanpur District, Narayani Zone.			Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Unclassified.
Dhimal	15,014 or 0.08% of the population (1991 census). Mechi Zone, Jhapa District; Koshi Zone, Morang District.		EASTERN DHIMAL, WESTERN DHIMAL.	Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Dhimal.
Dolpo PHOKE DOLPA, DOLPA TIBETAN.	5,000 to 10,000 (1998). Dolpa, northern, Karnali Zone, villages of Goomatara, Kola, Tachel, Kani, Bajebara, Laun, Chilpara, Bantari, Byas, above Dolpa up to Tibet. It is beyond the mountains west of the upper Kali Gandaki River valley. Confined by the Dhaulagire Himal on the south and Tibet on the north. Includes the headwaters of the Karnali River. About 24 small villages scattered over 500 square miles in Namgang, Panzgang, Tarap, and Chharbung subdistricts.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Central.
Dumi DUMI BO'O, DUMI BRO, RO'DO BO', LSI RAI, SOTMALI. Dialects: BRASMI, KHARBARI, LAMDIJA, MAKPA.	1,000 to 2,000 (1991 W. Winter). Northern Khotang District, hills near the middle of the Rawakhola Valley.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Western.
Dungmali DUNGMALI PÛK, DUNGMALI-BANTAWA, ARTHARE, ARTHARE-KHESANG.	3,000 to 5,000 (1991 W. Winter). East of central Bhojpur District, northeast of the Singtang lekh, bend of the Arun River between its confluence with the Piukhuwa and the first confluence with the Piluwa River.		KHESANG (KHESANGE).	Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Eastern.
Dzongkha JONKHA, BHOTIA OF BHUTAN, ZONGKHAR, DRUKKE, DRUKHA, BHUTANESE.	Some in Kathmandu.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Southern.
Ghale, kutang BHOTTE. Dialects: BIHI, CHAK, RANA.	1,300 (1992). Gandaki Zone, Northern Gorkha District, Buri Gandaki Valley from Nyak, up to and including Prok.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tamangic.
Ghale, northern	2,500 (1991 Smith). Gandaki Zone, Gorkha District, Buri Gandaki Valley.		KHORLA, UIYA, JAGAT, PHILIM, NYAK.	Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tamangic.
Ghale, southern GALLE GURUNG.	12,000 (1975 Nishi). Gandaki Zone, Gorkha District, hills south of Macha Khola.		BARPAK, KYAURA, LAPRAK.	Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tamangic.
Gurung, eastern	105,000 or more, 1.23% of the population (1991 census). 227,918 all Gurung languages in Nepal (1991 census). Western Dev. Region, Gandaki Zone, mainly Lamjung, Tanahu, and western Gorkha districts. Possibly some in Manang District.		LAMJUNG GURUNG, GORKHA GURUNG, TAMU KYI.	Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tamangic.
Gurung, western GURUNG, TAMU KYI. Dialects: SOUTHERN GURUNG (SYANGJA GURUNG), NORTHWESTERN GURUNG (KASKI GURUNG).	72,000 in Nepal (1991 census). Northwestern dialect is the largest. 227,918 all Gurung languages in Nepal, 1.23% of the population (1991 census). Population total all countries 72,000 or more.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tamangic.
Helambu sherpa YOHLMU TAM. Dialects: EASTERN HELAMBU SHERPA, WESTERN HELAMBU SHERPA.	5,000 to 10,000 (1998). Nuwakot and Sindhupalchok districts, Bagmati Zone, Helambu area.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Central.
Hindi	170,997 in Nepal, or 0.92% of the population (1991 census). Southern strip of low country.			Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Central zone, Western Hindi, Hindustani.
Humla bhotia DANGALI, PHOKE.	Bajura District, Seti Zone; Humla District, Karnali Zone.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Central.
Jerung JERO, JERUM, JERUNGE, JHERUNG, JERO MALA, ZERO, ZERUM, ZERO MALA.	1,000 to 2,000 (1991 W. Winter). Around and above the mouth of the Melungkhola River.		MADHAVPUR, BALKHU-SISNERI, RATNAWATI (SINDHULI).	Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Western.
Jirel ZIRAL, JIRI, JIRIAL.	8,000 to 10,000 (1998). Janakpur Zone, Dolakha District, Jiri and Sikri valleys, eastern hills. Jiri is the main area. Others include Chhyatrapa; Lumbini and Nawalparasi districts.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Southern.
Kagate SHUBA, SHYUBA, SYUBA, KAGATE BHOTE.	800 to 1,000 (1998). Janakpur Zone, Ramechhap District, on one of the ridges of Likhu Khola.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Central.
Kaike TARALI KHAM.	2,000 (1997 Bradley). Karnali Zone, Dolpa District; Daulagiri Zone.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Kanauri.
Kayort	Koshi Zone, Morang District, Dakuwa Danga, near Rajbangsi language.			Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Eastern zone, Bengali-Assamese.
Khaling KHALINGE RAI, KHAEL BRA, KHAEL BAAT.	15,000 to 20,000 (1975). Population total both countries 15,000 to 20,000.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Western.
Kham, gamale GAMALE. Dialects: TAMALI, GHUSBANGGI.	10,000 (1988). Gam Khola, western hills, Rukum and Rolpa districts, Rapti Zone.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kham-Magar-Chepang-Sunwari, Kham.
Kham, maikoti MAIKOTI.	2,500 (1993). Western hills, Rukum and Rolpa districts, Rapti Zone.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kham-Magar-Chepang-Sunwari, Kham.
Kham, nisi NISI, NISEL, NISHEL KHAM, EASTERN PARBATE.	3,000 (1988). Western hills, Rukum and Rolpa districts, Rapti Zone.		BHUJEL KHAM.	Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kham-Magar-Chepang-Sunwari, Kham.
Kham, sheshi SHESHI.	7,500 (1988). Western hills, Rukum and Rolpa districts, Rapti Zone.		TAPNANGGI, JANGKOTI.	Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kham-Magar-Chepang-Sunwari, Kham.
Kham, takale KHAM-MAGAR, TAKALE, WESTERN PARBATE.	40,000 to 50,000 (1998). Rapti Zone, Rukum, Rolpa districts, west central Nepal. Taka-Shera is the center. Some in Dhaulagiri Zone, Baglung District.		TAKALE, LUKUMEL, WALE, THABANGGI.	Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kham-Magar-Chepang-Sunwari, Kham.
Koi KOYU, KOHI, KOYI, KOI BO'O, KOYU BO'. Dialects: SUNGDEL, BEHERE.	200 to 300 (1991 W. Winter). Sagarmatha Zone, south Khotang District, Sungdel Panchayat near the headwaters of the Rawakhola.			Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Western.
Kulung KHULUNGE RAI, KULU RING, KHULUNG, KHOLUNG. Dialects: SOTANG (SOTARING, SOTTARING), MAHAKULUNG, TAMACHHANG, PIDISOI, CHHAPKOA, PELMUNG, NAMLUNG, KHAMBU.	15,000 (1991 W. Winter) to 70,000. Population total both countries 15,000 to 70,000.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Eastern.
Kumauni KUMAON.	Mahakali zone.			Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Northern zone, Central Pahari.
Kumhali KUMHALE, KUMBALE, KUMKALE.	1,413 (1991 census). Nawalpur, Gorkha District, Gandaki Zone.			Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Unclassified.
Kurux, nepali DHANGAR, JHANGER, JANGHARD, JANGAD, URAON, ORAU, ORAON.	Eastern Terai, Janakpur Zone, Dhanusa District.			Dravidian, Northern. More information.
Kyerung KYIRONG, GYIRONG.	Rasuwa District, Bagmati Zone, Langtang region, Rasua Garbi, Birdim, Thangjet, Syabru, and Syabrubensi villages; and large concentrations in Kathmandu. Also spoken in China.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Central.
Lambichhong LAMBICHONG, LAMBICCHONG, LAMBITSHONG.	500 (1991 W. Winter). Eastern bank of the Arun River, in a strip between Mugakhola and Sinuwakhola; Muga and Pakhribas panchayats, Dhankuta District.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Eastern.
Lepcha RONG, RONGKE, LAPCHE, RONGPA, NÜNPA.	1,272 in Nepal (1961 census). Ilam District, Mechi Zone.		ILAMMU, TAMSANGMU, RENGJONGMU.	Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Lepcha.
Lhomi LHOKET, SHING SAAPA, KATH BHOTE, KAR BHOTE.	4,000 in Nepal. Population total all countries 6,000.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Central.
Limbu YAKTHUNG PAN.	238,088 in Nepal, 1.37% of the population (1991 census). There are 16,000 Chattare (1998). Population total all countries 266,000 or more.		TAPLEJUNGE (TAMORKHOLE, TAPLEJUNG), PANTHARE (PANTHAREY, PANCHTHARE, PANCHTHAR, PANTHARE-YANGGROKKE-CHAUBISE-CHARKHOLE), PHEDAPPE, CHATTARE (CHHATTARE, CHHATHAR, CHATTHARE, CHATTHARE YAKTHUNGBA PAN, YAKTHUNG PAN).	Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Eastern.
Lingkhim LIMKHIM, LINKHIM, LINGKHIM RAI.	1 (1991 W. Winter). Ilam District, Sumbek Panchayat Yokpi. Original homeland was apparently near the lower Dudhkosi River.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Western. Nearly extinct.
Lopa LOYU, LOBA, MUSTANG, LO MONTANG.	26,000 (1998). Dhawalagiri Zone, Dolpa, Mustang districts, north central.		LO, SEKE.	Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Central.
Lorung, northern LOHORONG, LOHRUNG, LOHRUNG KHANAWA.	7,000 to 10,000 (1991 W. Winter). Between the middle Arun Valley and the Sabhakhola, middle Sankhuwasawa District, Koshi Zone.		BIKSIT (BIKSHI).	Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Eastern.
Lorung, southern LOHORONG, LOHRUNG, LOHRUNG KHAP, LOHRUNG KHATE, YAKKHABA LORUNG.	3,000 to 5,000 (1991 W. Winter). Dhankuta District, in a small strip south of the Tamorkhola, between the Jaruwakhola in the east and the Raghuwkhola in the west, Bodhe, Maunabuduke, and Rajarani panchayats.		GESS.	Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Eastern.
Lumba-yakkha YAKKHABA CEA.	1,000 (1991 W. Winter). North Dhankuta District, Arkhaule Jitpur and Marek Katahare panchayats, around Lakhshmikhola.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Eastern.
Magar, eastern MAGARI, MANGGAR.	288,383 in Nepal (1994). Population total all countries 290,000.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kham-Magar-Chepang-Sunwari, Magar.
Magar, western MAGAR, MAGARI, MANGGAR, MAGAR NUWAKOT.	210,000 (1994). West of Pokhara, Tansen highway, Surkhet, Banke, and Dialekh districts, Bheri Zone; Pokhara and Syangja districts, Morang and Dhankuta districts, Koshi Zone, Nawalparasi District, Lumbini Zone. The center is Surkhet District.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kham-Magar-Chepang-Sunwari, Magar.
Maithili APBHRAMSA, BIHARI, MAITLI, MAITILI, METHLI, TIRAHUTIA, TIRHUTI, TIRHUTIA.	2,191,900 (1998 census), 11.85% of the population (1998). Rautahat District, Narayani Zone; Sarlahi, Mahottari, Dhanusa districts, Janakpur Zone; Sirha , Saptari districts, Sagarmatha Zone; Sunsari District, Koshi Zone.		BANTAR, BAREI, BARMELI, KAWAR, KISAN, KYABRAT, MAKRANA, MUSAR, SADRI, TATI, DEHATI.	Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Eastern zone, Bihari.
Majhi MANJHI.	11,322 in Nepal, 0.06% of the population (1991 census). Population total both countries 11,322 or more.			Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Eastern zone, Bihari.
Manangba MANANG, MANANGI, NYESHANG, NYISHANG, NORTHERN GURUNG, MANANGBOLT, MANANGBHOT.	3,736 (1988 Pohle). Gandaki Zone, Manang District, Nyeshang area, 7 villages, Marsyangdi River.		PRAKAA.	Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tamangic.
Marwari MARWADI.	16,514 in Nepal, 0.09% of the population (1991 census). Mechi Zone, Jhapa District; Koshi Zone, Morang and Sunsari districts; Narayani Zone, Parsa District, some in Kathmandu.			Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Central zone, Rajasthani, Marwari.
Meohang, eastern NEWANG, NEWAHANG, NEWANGE RAI, NEWAHANG JIMI, MEWAHANG. Dialects: SUNSARI, DIBUM, MULGAON-WANGTANG.	Sankhuwasawa District, Koshi Zone, upper Arun Valley east of the river, eastern Nepal. One dialect is in Sunsari District, Bhaludhunga, Bishnupaduka Panchayat; Dibum (Dibung) in Mangtewa Panchayat, Mulgaon-Wangtang in Yaphu Panchayat.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Eastern.
Meohang, western NEWANG, NEWAHANG, NEWANGE RAI, NEWAHANG JIMI, MEWAHANG.	2,000 to 5,000 (1991 W. Winter). Sankhuwasawa District, Koshi Zone, upper Arun Valley west of the river, eastern Nepal. Bala is in Bala village, Sankhuwasawa Panchayat; Bumdemba in Sishuwakhola Panchayat. 2 villages.		BALA (BALALI), BUMDEMBA.	Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Eastern.
Mugu MUGALI.	3,557 (1998). Karnali Zone, Mugu, Humla, Jumla, Dolpa, Surket, Baihang, Bajura districts.		MUGALI KHAM.	Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Central.
Mundari MUNDA, MANDARI, MONDARI, MUNARI, HORO.	5,700 in Nepal (1993 Johnstone).		HASADA, LATAR, NAGURI, KERA.	Austro-Asiatic, Munda, North Munda, Kherwari, Mundari.
Musasa MUSAHAR.	Sindhuli Garhi District, Morang District, Koshi Zone, Dolakha District, Janakpur Zone.			Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Eastern zone, Bihari.
Naapa NAWA SHERPA, NABA, NAAPAA.	500 (1985). Sankhuwasawa District, Koshi Zone. Their own villages are interspersed among the Lhomi.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Unclassified.
Nachering NACERING RA, NACHERING TÛM, MATHSERENG, NACCHHERING, NASRING, BANGDALE, BANGDEL TÛM, BANGDILE. Dialects: DIMALI, PARALI, HEDANGPA (SANGPANG), BANGDALE (HACHERO, ACHERO, HANGKULA), KHARLALI, RAKHELI.	2,000 (1991 W. Winter). Upper northeastern Khotang District near the Rawakhola Valley, on the slopes around the Lidim Khola River from the headwaters and its tributaries down to Aiselukharke to the south.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Eastern.
Nar phu NAR-PHU.	533 (1988 Pohle). Gandaki Zone, Manang District, Nar Valley north of Manang Valley, Nar (Nargaon) and Phu (Phugaon) villages.		NAR (NAR-MÄ, LOWER NAR), PHU (NAR-TÖ, UPPER NAR).	Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tamangic.
Nepali NEPALESE, GORKHALI, GURKHALI, KHASKURA, PARBATIYA, EASTERN PAHARI.	9,900,000 in Nepal (1993 Johnstone), 58.3% of the population (1985). Population total all countries 16,056,000.		BAITADI, BAJHANGI, BAJURALI (BAJURA), DOTELI, SORADI, ACCHAMI, JUMLELI (JUMLA, SINGJA, SIJALI), DARJULA.	Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Northern zone, Eastern Pahari.
Newari NEPAL BHASA, NEWAR. Dialects: DOLKHALI (DOLAKHA), SINDHUPALCHOK PAHRI (PAHRI, PAHARI), TOTALI, CITLANG, KATHMANDU-PATHAN-KIRTIPUR, BAKTAPUR, BAGLUNG.	690,000 in Nepal, 3.73% of the population (1991 census). Population total both countries 690,000 or more.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Newari.
Nubri KUTANG BHOTIA, LARKYE. Dialects: SAMA, LHO, NAMRUNG, PROK.	3,200 (1992). Gandaki Zone, North Gorkha District, along the upper reaches of the Buri Gandaki River, west of and including Prok village, between Himal Chuli and Manaslu Himal on the west and Ganesh Himal on the east. The local people view Sama as regional center.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Central.
Palpa	3,002 (1961 census). Western, town of Palpa. Alternate names: PAHARI-PALPA.			Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Northern zone, Eastern Pahari.
Panchgaunle	Mustang District, Dhawalagiri Zone.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tamangic.
Phangduwali	Phangduwa village, Pakhribas Panchayat, Chankuta District, directly above the headwaters of the Mugakhola (W. Winter 1991:79).		PHANGDUWALI POTI, PHANGDUVALI.	Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Eastern.
Pongyong PONYON KULUNG, SAMAKULUNG, KULUNG PUN.	Ilam District, Kannyam Panchayat, Ambikau.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Eastern. Nearly extinct.
Puma PUMA PIMA, PUMA LA, PUMA KALA.	3,000 (1991 W. Winter). Northwestern slopes of the Rapcha Range from the highest peaks to the Shwahkola Valley, directly south of the Khotang Bajar.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Eastern.
Rajbangsi RAJBANSI, TAJPURI, KOCH, KOCHE.	85,558 in Nepal, 0.46% of the population (1991 census. Mechi Zone, Jhapa District; Koshi Zone, Morang District.		KURTHA.	Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Eastern zone, Bengali-Assamese.
Raji RAJIBAR.	3,000 or more (1998). Bheri Zone, Surkhet and Bardia districts, Seti Zone, Kailaki District.		Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kham-Magar-Chepang-Sunwari, Magar.
Rangkas RANGKHAS.	Population total both countries 600 (1977 Voegelin and Voegelin).			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Western Himalayish, Almora.
Raute	475, including 130 nomadic Raute (1997 Singh). Mainly in western Nepal, Seti, Rapti, Bheri, Karnali, and Dhaulagiri zones; Surkhet, Pyuthan, Jajakot, Achham, Doti, Jumla, Dolpa, Banke districts.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Western.
Rawa JANGGALI, JANGALI, JHANGAR, DZANGGALI.	15,175 in Nepal, 0.98% of the population (1991 census). Population total both countries 17,175 to 18,175 or more.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Western Himalayish, Janggali.
Saam SAAM RAI, SAMAKHA, SAAMA KHA.	Southern Ilam District.		BUNGLA, SAMBYA.	Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Eastern. Nearly extinct.
Sangpang SAMPANG, SAMPANGE RAI, SANGPANG KHA, SANGPANG GUN, SANGPANG GÎN.	5,000 to 7,000 (1991 W. Winter). From Dingla, Bhojpur District in the northeast to Kharpa in the southwest. The upper ridges south and east of the Rawakhola Valley and adjoining ridges in the northeast where the headwaters of the main tributaries of the lower and middle Arun River.		TANA, HALUMBUNG (WAKCHALI), SAMARUNG, BHALU, TONGECCHA, PHALI, KHARTAMCHE, KHOTANG.	Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Eastern.
Santali SATAR, SANTHALI, SONTHAL, SANDAL, SANGTAL, SANTAL, SENTALI, SAINTI, HOR, HAR.	33,332 in Nepal (1991 census). Koshi Zone, Morang District; Mechi Zone, Jhapa District.			Austro-Asiatic, Munda, North Munda, Kherwari, Santali.
Sherpa SHARPA, SHARPA BHOTIA, XIAERBA, SERWA. Dialects: SOLU, KHUMBU, RAMECHAAP.	30,000 in Nepal (1998). Population total all countries 49,895.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Southern.
Sonha SONAHAA.	10,000 (1985). Along Karnali River in western Nepal, Kailali District, Seti Zone; Bheri River, Bheri Zone, Mahakali River, Mahakali Zone.			Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Central zone, Unclassified.
Sunwar SUNUWAR, SUNBAR, SUNWARI, MUKHIYA, KWOICO LO	30,000 to 40,000 (1998). Eastern hills, Ramechhap District, Janakpur Zone, and northwestern Okhaldhunga District.		SUREL.	Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kham-Magar-Chepang-Sunwari, Sunwari.
Tamang, eastern	584,097 to 718,048 in Nepal, 3.26% of the population (1991 census). 904,456 allTamang languages (1991 census). Another estimate is 2,500,000 to 3,000,000 all Tamang speakers (1994 Tamang Society representative). 23,645 second language speakers of all Tamang (1991 census). Tamang is the largest Tibeto-Burman language in Nepal. Population total all countries 584,000 to 718,000 or more.		OUTER-EASTERN TAMANG, CENTRAL-EASTERN TAMANG, SOUTHWESTERN TAMANG.	Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tamangic.
Tamang, eastern gorkha	3,000 to 4,000 (1992). North Gorkha District, Gandaki Zone, south and east of Jagat.		KASIGAON, KEROUNJA.	Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tamangic.
Tamang, northwestern	55,000 or more, 0.30% of population (based on 1991 census). Bagmati Zone, Nuwakot District, central mountainous strip. Migrations to the Terai.		DHADING.	Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tamangic.
Tamang, southwestern	109,051 or 0.59% of the population (1991 census). Western Makwanpur and Chitwan districts, and south and southwest of those districts. It may extend to the western and northwestern parts of Kathmandu District. Migrations to Terai.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tamangic.
Tamang, western MURMI.	186,408 to 320,350, 1% to 1.73% of population (based on 1991 census). Bagmati Zone, western Nuwakot, Rasuwa, Dhading, and parts of Gorkha districts, and other districts to the west and possibly southwest, central mountainous strip. Migrations to the Terai.		TRISULI (NUWAKOT), RASUWA.	Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tamangic.
Thakali TAPAANG, THAKSYA.	7,113 or 0.04% of the population (1991 census). Dhaulagiri Zone, Mustang District, Thak Khola, the mid Kali Gandaki Valley, with Annapurna Himal on one side and Dhaulagiri Himal on the other, from Tatopani village in the south to Jomosom in the north. Many live outside the area. Tukche is the cultural center. Tukche dialect is in all Southern Thak Khola and Jomosom, Syang in Syang, Thini, and Chimang.		TUKCHE (THAKALI), MARPHA, SYANG.	Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tamangic.
Thami THANGMI.	14,400 (1991 census). Population total both countries 14,400.		EASTERN THAMI, WESTERN THAMI.	Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Western Himalayish, Eastern.
Tharu, chitwania CHITUAN THARU, CHITAWAN THARU.	80,000 or more (based on 1991 census). 993,388 all Tharu, 5.32% of the population (1991 census). Population total both countries 80,000 or more.			Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Eastern zone, Unclassified.
Tharu, dangaura DANG THARU.	300,000 or more in Nepal (1991 census). 993,388 all Tharu, 5.37% of the population (1991 census). Population total both countries 343,000.			Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Central zone, Unclassified.
Tharu, deokhuri DEOKHAR, DEOKRI.	80,000 (1981 census). Rapti Zone, Dang District.			Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Eastern zone, Unclassified.
Tharu, kathoriya KATHARIYA.	60,000 (1981). Population total both countries 60,000 or more.			Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Central zone, Unclassified.
Tharu, kochila SAPTARI.	250,000 or more (1991 census). Population total both countries 250,000 or more.		MORANGIA.	Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Eastern zone, Unclassified.
Tharu, mahotari MAHOTTARI.	32,000 (1981 census). Janakpur Zone, Mahottari District.			Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Eastern zone, Unclassified.
THARU, RANA RANA THAKUR.	200,000 in Nepal (1991 census). Population total both countries 264,000.			Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Eastern zone, Unclassified.
Thudam bhote	Mechi Zone, Taplejung District, northern.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Unclassified.
Thulung THULUNGE RAI, DEUSALI, DEOSALI, THULU LUWA, THULULOA, THULUNG LA, THOLONG LO, THULUNG JEMU, TOAKU LWA.	25,000 in Nepal (1991 W. Winter). Population total both countries 28,300.		LANNACHYO.	Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Western.
Tibetan	60,000 in Nepal (1973 SIL). Kathmandu. Alternate names: BHOTIA, ZANG.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Central.
Tichurong	1,500 (1980). Dolpa District, Karnali Zone, in the basin of the Bheri River.		TICHERONG.	Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Central.
Tilung TILING, TILLING, TILUNG BLAMA.	1,000 or fewer (1991 W. Winter). Halesidanda Range in the outer west of Khotang District, between Dudhkosi and Sunkosi.		CHOSKULE, DORUNKECHA.	Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Western.
Tseku TSUKU, TZUKU.	Mechi zone far east.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Central.
Tsum TSUMGE.	2,200 to 3,500 (1980). Gandaki Zone, northern Gorkha District, Tsum area, the region drained by the Shiar Khola north of Ganesh Himal. Chekampar (Chokong) is the prestige village.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Central.
Waling WALUNG, WALÜNG.	Khairang Panchayat, Bhojpur District.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Eastern.
Walungge OLANGCHUNG GOLA, WALUNGCHUNG GOLA, WALUNG, WALUNGGI KECCYA.	10,000 to 15,000, including 3,500 in the original area. Population total both countries 10,000 to 15,000.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Central.
Wayu HAYU, VAYU, WAYO.	1,500 (1974). Janakpur Zone, Ramechhap and Sindhuli districts, on the hills on both sides of the Sun Kosi River.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kham-Magar-Chepang-Sunwari, Chepang.
Yakha YAKKHA, YAKKHABA, YAKKHABA CEA, YAKKHABA SALA, DEWANSALA.	8,000 to 10,000 in Nepal (1991 W. Winter). Population total both countries 8,000 to 10,000 or more.		NORTHERN YAKHA, SOUTHERN YAKHA, EASTERN YAKHA.	Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Eastern.
Yamphe YAMPHU, NEWAHANG YAMPHE, YAMPHE KHA.	3,000 to 5,000 (1991 W. Winter). Makalu Panchayat, both sides of the upper Arun River, northern Sankhuwasawa. To the south, the Jaljale Himal east of the Arun and the Apsuwakhola west of the Arun; to the north as far as the Leksuwakhola and Barun rivers.		SIBAO-YAMPHE, PA-O.	Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Eastern.
Yamphu YAMPHU RAI, YAMPHU KHA, YANPHU, YAMPHE.	5,000 (1997 Bradley, ed.) Eastern hills, upper Arun Valley, Matsayapokhari Panchayat, Sankhuwasawa District, extreme north of the Northern Lorung area, directly southwest of the Jaljale Mountains, Koshi, Mechi zones.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Eastern.
KUSUNDA KUSANDA.	Tanahun District, Gandaki Zone, western hills, Satto Bhatti west of Chepetar and possibly jungle south of Ambhu. Kireni, near Kumhali.			Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kham-Magar-Chepang-Sunwari, Chepang.

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