Demographic Profile and Migration Trends of Youths in Nepal, Census 2021

Abstract

Nepal’s demographic profile is dynamic, especially regarding youth mobility, with strong implications for sustainable development. The study aims to provide background information on population and migration trends among youth (aged 10-24 years) from the 2021 National Population and Housing Census, examine youth mobility patterns, identify the key drivers of migration, and analyze their implications for human capital formation and rural sustainability. The results show that a significant spatial redistribution of the young population occurs, with higher density in the Tarai lowlands and urban centers. Wage labour is the primary motivation for migration: 65.1% of young migrants move for economic necessity, and this figure rises to around 70% among the 20-24 age group. Educational migration represents 14.2 percent of migration, and 51.7 percent of early adolescents (10–14 years) are migrating with their family unit. Trends show that structural problems in domestic employment are key factors behind youth outmigration. Migration has immediate economic advantages in terms of remittances, but also has long-term consequences for the retention of human capital and rural economic viability. The study suggests that targeted policy measures, including promoting domestic jobs, investing in vocational skills, and strengthening social protection, can effectively help yield Nepal’s demographic dividend.