Nepal's population crosses 26 million mark

Officials have estimated Nepal's present population on July 11- the World Population Day—to have reached 26. 42 million.

According to a report published in Kathmandu on Tuesday, each day 2,128 babies are born and 617 persons die, increasing the population by 1,511 persons. Every hour, the country's population rises by 63 persons with 83 babies being born and 26 persons dying.

Nepal's population has shown a continuous rise except during 1911-1930. The highest population growth rate was recorded in 1971-1981 when it was 2.66 per cent. The population growth by the 2001 census is 2.25 per cent.

According to the last census, Nepal's population stood at 23.15 million in 2001, which is likely to double in the next 26 years, if the present rate of population growth continues, experts say. nepalnews.com by July 12 06