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10. Others 78979 0.34 61581 0.26
11. Bon – – 13006 0.04

Source: CBS 2001 and 2011 A.D.
Majority of people follow Hinduism in Nepal and next to Hinduism is Buddhism. In 2001
A.D. people following Hinduism were 80. 62% which is increased to 81.34% in 2011 A.D.
But people following Buddhism were decreased from 10.74% in 2001 A.D. to 9. 00% in 2011
A.D. Though people follow different religions in Nepal, there is unity in diversity. People
have respect on others religion as well. People are living together happily in the same
place by following different religions. There is no conflict, quarrel and misunderstanding
among people in Nepal in name of religion.

G. Composition of population by educational status
The distribution of population on the basis of educational status of people is called as
composition of population by educational status. Education is very important in our life.
It provides us knowledge, skills and broadens our mind. It brings changes in mental,
emotional, social, economical and intellectual condition of our life. It makes us able to
judge what is right and what is wrong. It is the indicator of development. It helps to
develop human resource for the overall development of nation. Hence, people need to be
educated. There has been collection of data on literacy in Nepal since 1952/54 A.D. census,
the 5 census onwards.
th
The following table shows literary status of people in Nepal.
Table: Literacy status of people of 6 years and above:

Census Year Male Percentage Female Percentage Total Percentage
1991 A.D. (2048B.S.) 54. 5 25 39.75

2001 A.D. (2058 B.S.) 65. 5 42. 8 54. 15
2011 A.D (2068 B.S.) 75.1 57.4 66.25

Sources: CBS 2011 A.D
The above table shows literacy status of people from 1991 A.D. to 2011 A.D. We can observe
gradual increase in literacy rate in Nepal. The literacy percentage has increased by more
than 25% in Nepal in 20 years from 1991 A.D. to 2011 A.D. There has been subsequent
increase in literacy rate of females as well since then. However, there is gap between the
literacy percentage of male and female till now. Increase in literacy percentage shows
increased number of educated people in Nepal. The educated people can ultimately
support in overall development of Nepal.

GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 73