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 panchayat