Demographer Prof. Dr. Yogendra Bahadur Gurung Discusses Population Dynamics
Summary
Prof. Dr. Yogendra Bahadur Gurung discusses Nepal’s shifting population dynamics, focusing on youth migration, declining fertility rates, and the challenges and opportunities posed by the demographic dividend.
Key Points
- Nepal's population growth rate has decreased, raising concerns about future demographic challenges including youth exodus and declining fertility.
- The population's adequacy depends on the country's development stage and capacity, not just population size.
- Nepal is currently in a demographic window of opportunity with 65 percent of the population in the productive age group, but has so far failed to effectively utilize this youth power.
- Structural and policy reforms, especially in education and local governance, are critical to managing migration, improving population quality, and leveraging demographic dividends.
