Nepal’s digital landscape is evolving. In 2024, there will be 15.4 million internet users and 13.5 million social media users. Discover key insights on mobile connectivity, internet speeds, and digital growth trends shaping the country’s online future.
As Nepal embraces the digital revolution, the latest Digital 2024 Nepal report from DataReportal provides deep insights into internet usage, social media adoption, and mobile connectivity in the country. This article explores the key statistics and trends shaping Nepal’s digital transformation.
Population Overview
As of January 2024, Nepal’s total population is 31.07 million, reflecting an annual growth of +1.1% (+347,000 people).
Key Demographics:
- Gender Distribution: 52.1% female, 47.9% male
- Urban Population: 22.1% live in urban areas, while 77.9% reside in rural regions
- Median Age: 24.6 years
Age Distribution in Nepal
| Age Group | Population Share (%) |
|---|---|
| 0-4 | 9.6% |
| 5-12 | 15.1% |
| 13-17 | 9.5% |
| 18-24 | 14.6% |
| 25-34 | 17.5% |
| 35-44 | 12.0% |
| 45-54 | 9.0% |
| 55-64 | 6.5% |
| 65+ | 6.2% |
This young population structure suggests strong potential for digital growth, especially in mobile and social media adoption.
Internet Usage in Nepal
Nepal has witnessed steady growth in internet penetration.
Internet User Statistics:
- Total Internet Users: 15.40 million
- Internet Penetration Rate: 49.6%
- Yearly Increase: +172,000 users (+1.1%)
Despite this progress, half of Nepal’s population remains offline, presenting a significant opportunity for further digital expansion.
Internet Access Trends
Nepal’s internet access is driven by mobile data rather than fixed broadband, particularly in rural areas where fiber optic infrastructure is still developing.
Social Media Adoption in Nepal
Social media is a dominant force in Nepal’s digital sphere.
Social Media User Statistics:
- Total Users: 13.50 million
- Percentage of Population Using Social Media: 43.5%
- Annual Growth: +1.5 million users (+12.5%)
- Gender Distribution: 55.7% male, 44.3% female
Most Popular Social Media Platforms in Nepal
| Platform | Active Users (%) | Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 10.7 million | +8.6% | |
| YouTube | 9.2 million | +12.1% |
| TikTok | 8.5 million | +15.3% |
| 6.8 million | +10.2% | |
| Twitter (X) | 1.3 million | +5.8% |
TikTok’s rapid growth highlights the increasing popularity of short-form video content among Nepali users.
Mobile Connectivity in Nepal
Mobile phones remain the primary means of internet access in Nepal.
Mobile Connection Statistics:
- Total Active Mobile Connections: 37.47 million
- Mobile Penetration Rate: 120.6% (suggesting multiple SIM usage)
- Annual Decline: -1.1 million (-2.9%)
Mobile Internet Speeds:
| Type | Median Speed (Mbps) | Yearly Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Data | 22.16 Mbps | +25.8% |
| Fixed Broadband | 70.94 Mbps | +22.7% |
E-Commerce and Digital Payment Trends
With increasing internet penetration, e-commerce and digital payments are gaining traction.
Key E-Commerce Insights:
- Online Shopping Growth: +15% annual increase
- Most Used Payment Methods:
- eSewa, Khalti, and IME Pay dominate digital transactions
- Debit/Credit Card usage remains low due to banking penetration challenges
- Cash on Delivery (COD) is still the preferred payment option for online orders
Digital Advertising and Content Consumption
Digital marketing is evolving rapidly in Nepal, with businesses focusing on social media advertising.
Most Used Digital Advertising Platforms:
- Facebook Ads (Widely used for targeted marketing)
- YouTube Ads (Growing video ad market)
- Instagram & TikTok Promotions (Preferred for youth-centric content)
Content Consumption Trends:
- YouTube is the most popular video platform, followed by Facebook and TikTok.
- Podcasts are emerging, but adoption remains limited.
Challenges in Nepal’s Digital Growth
Despite significant advancements, Nepal faces several hurdles in digital adoption:
Key Barriers:
- Limited Rural Internet Access: Infrastructure gaps hinder broadband expansion.
- Digital Literacy: A significant portion of the population lacks digital skills.
- Cybersecurity Concerns: Increasing cyber threats require stronger regulations.
- Payment System Limitations: Many Nepalis still rely on cash transactions.
(Sample Challenges Infographic)
Future Outlook: What’s Next for Nepal’s Digital Ecosystem?
Nepal’s digital future looks promising with several key developments:
✅ 5G Deployment: Trials have begun, paving the way for faster connectivity.
✅ Fintech Expansion: Growth in mobile wallets and digital banking solutions.
✅ Government Initiatives: The Digital Nepal Framework aims to boost ICT adoption.
With continued investment in infrastructure, digital literacy, and cybersecurity, Nepal is poised to bridge the digital divide and unlock new opportunities for economic growth.
The Digital 2024 Nepal report highlights significant progress in internet usage, mobile connectivity, and social media adoption. However, rural connectivity, digital skills, and secure payment systems remain critical areas for improvement.
As technology evolves, Nepal must focus on inclusive digital growth to ensure equal access to digital resources and opportunities for all its citizens.
