Population Distribution and Agglomeration Patterns in Nepal

Population distribution and agglomeration patterns are critical indicators of regional economic and social development. Analyzing Nepal's population distribution and agglomeration patterns can provide valuable insights into the underlying spatial distribution, while offering data support and theoretical foundations for formulating effective regional development strategies. This study uses population and land data from Nepal's counties for the years 1981, 2001, and 2021, and employs quantitative analysis methods, including the Gini coefficient, population growth rate, and population concentration index to systematically examine the spatiotemporal evolution and agglomeration patterns. The results show three key insights. (1) The degree of population distribution imbalance has increased, with the Gini coefficient rising from 0.424 in 1981 to 0.531 in 2021. (2) Population growth follows a regional pattern of “rapid growth in the south and slower growth in the north,” with the Terai Plain experiencing rapid expansion, the central mountainous region growing steadily, and the northern highland areas experiencing slow growth. (3) The population concentration displays a tiered distribution pattern of “high concentration in the plains, significant differentiation in the mountainous areas, and extreme sparsity in the high mountain regions”.