Extreme poverty has nearly disappeared in Nepal, but half remain economically vulnerable
Summary
Extreme poverty in Nepal has fallen to 2.4 percent, but 52.7 percent of the population still cannot meet the higher $8.30-a-day consumption threshold. The World Bank warns that political uncertainty, economic shocks and climate-related disasters could push millions back into poverty.
Key Points
- Nepal's extreme poverty rate fell from nearly three in four people in 1995 to 2.4 percent in 2022, according to the World Bank.
- Despite that progress, 52.7 percent of Nepalis remain below the $8.30-a-day consumption threshold, showing widespread economic vulnerability.
- Using Nepal's national poverty line, nearly one in five people are still classified as poor.
- The World Bank warns that floods, economic shocks and political uncertainty could reverse recent gains and deepen poverty again.
