The Christian population in Nepal is 512,313, which is 1.75% of the total population. This data is just published by the national census 2021. Though the other data were already published, the religion data was delayed by the national census. However, finally, the religion data came on 2nd June 2023.
According to the National Census of Nepal (2021), the male Christian population is 240,206 and the female Christian population is 272,107.
National Christian Community Survey Data
The National Christian Community Survey (NCCS) published a survey report on December 15, 2022. According to an NCCS survey, there are 683,261 Christians and 7,758 Churches in Nepal.
The Nepal Government’s census 2021 basic result shows that Nepal has 29,192,480 population in total. Detailed data from the government about Christians in Nepal has not yet been published. However, if we compare the NCCS survey data with Nepal’s census of 2021, it shows that there are 2.34% of Christians in the country.
Looking back at history, according to Nepal’s census of 2011, there were 375,699 Christians in Nepal. It comes to only 1.4% of the total population. However, on the contrary, many churches and Christian organizations were claiming there was a much more Christian population in the country. Some people and organizations even used to claim that there were 3 million Christians in Nepal. However, besides the census report, there was no other written or authenticated data on this matter. This was one of the motivations for NCCS to conduct this survey.
NCCS: Province-wise Christian Population in Nepal
| Province Name | Total Population (Census 2021) | Number of Church | Christian Population (NCCS Data) | % of Total Population |
| Koshi | 4,972,021 | 1,912 | 139,089 | 2.79% |
| Madhes | 6,126,288 | 361 | 20,886 | 0.34% |
| Bagmati | 6,084,042 | 2,704 | 258,562 | 4.42% |
| Gandaki | 2,479,745 | 839 | 82,113 | 3.31% |
| Lumbini | 5,124,225 | 948 | 84,604 | 1.64% |
| Karnali | 1,694,889 | 406 | 39,693 | 2.24% |
| Sudurpashchim | 2,711,270 | 588 | 58,854 | 2.17% |
| Total | 29,192,480 | 7,758 | 683,261 | 2.34% |
Nepal Census 2021; Christian Population in Nepal
| Province | Female | Male | Total |
| Koshi | 60,768 | 54,485 | 115,253 |
| Madhesh | 5,644 | 5,254 | 10,898 |
| Bagmati | 105,735 | 96,059 | 201,794 |
| Gandaki | 31,497 | 26,818 | 58,315 |
| Lumbini | 32,404 | 26,652 | 59,056 |
| Karnali | 15,764 | 13,693 | 29,457 |
| Sudurpashchim | 20,295 | 17,245 | 37,540 |
Does NCCS data match Nepal’s Census 2021?
We have to wait for a while to see if the NCCS survey data comes close to the government data or not. The final Nepal census result had to come earlier, but it was postponed due to the election in 2079 BS. Hopefully, we will have the result within a few months.
Finally, the government census data is published, so you can compare the data now.
Limitations of the NCCS Survey
Though we got another set of data besides the government data on the Christian population in Nepal, this NCCS data has some limitations.
Selected denominations survey: The NCCS data only includes the denomination that accepts the Apostle’s Creed and Roman Catholic. This data doesn’t include other denominations that are known as cults or heresies. For example, Sachai Kendara Nepal, Jehovah’s Witnesses, WMSCOG (Ahn Sahng-hong), the Church of Almighty God, and other denominations are not included in the survey.
Distance survey: This survey was a distance survey. The number of local volunteers helped to collect this data using a mobile app. The person who collected the data didn’t go door to door. He or she took all the data from the respected church pastor.
Only a guess number from some districts: The NCCS could not get data from some districts, so they guessed and put the numbers for them. So, they lacked accurate data here.
You admitted the survey being distantly taken and not accessed some areas. And some denominations not included. Plus, even among those who are them embers of NCS/NCFN and independent, they are missing, they publicly decried when the data was published.
This way, the survey has left out about 50% of the population the government views as “Christian”.
Let’s say 5%, which amounts to 1,500,000 CChristian population.
But let’s see what the government census reveals! Some Hindu activist claim to have seen the data which is about 14% Christian population, in which case it will be some 4 million Christian!