Page 60 - 08_Social_Studies and Population Education Book 8_2078 Revised and Updated Edition

Late King Prithvi Narayan Shah lovingly once said, “Nepal Char Jaat Chhattis

Barna Ko Sajha Phulbari Ho”.

According to the census of 2068 BS, there are 123 languages spoken in
Nepal. Most of these languages have a written script. These languages are our

identity and they are all our national languages. Nepali has been chosen as
the common language as not everyone understands all the languages. This is

the official language of Nepal as well. There are 125 castes and 10 religions
followed in Nepal. According to the census of 2068 BS, Hindu 80.62%,

Buddhist 10.74%, Muslim 4.20%, Kirant 3.60%, Christian 0.45%, other groups
0.4%.

The National Anthem of Nepal “Sayau Thunga Phulka Haami Eutai Mala
Nepali” refers to the people of Nepal who are similar to hundreds of flowers

knitted into one large garland.

Nepali is also the medium language to other dialect groups. The major

languages of Nepal according to 2011 AD census are Nepali 44.6%, Maithali
11.7%, Bhojpuri 6.0%, Tharu 5.8%, Tamang 5.1%, Nepal bhasa 3.2%, Magar

3.0%, Bajjika 3%, Doteli 3.0%, Urdu 2.6%. The regional languages Awadhi,
Bhojpuri, Maithali, etc are spoken in the Southern Terai region.

Key Terms

Conduct : behavior and manner
Consume : buy goods and services
Essence : fundamental nature
Fragrance : scent
Unique : only one of its kinds

Note to the teacher: Exhibit clothes, paintings, song and dance reflecting unity in diversity.
60 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 8