GRADE 11 ECONOMICS

Chapter 10 : Nepalese Economy

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Overview of Nepalese Economy

Nepalese Economy is characterized as one of the least developed countries in the world with very low per capita income and mass poverty. The structure of the economy is fragile; the economic environment is not favourable; performance of the economy is weak, and development indicators are unfavourable.

Contemporary Challenge: The economy has mainly been characterized by a long period of political transition and uncertain economic environment. Because of various socio-economic and political obstacles, there is high rate of unemployment, inequality and poverty in the country.

Contemporary Features of Nepalese Economy

The contemporary features of Nepalese economy highlight both the structural characteristics and developmental challenges facing the nation:

1
Low per capita income

One of the lowest in South Asia at approximately $1,190

2
Mass poverty

About 25% population below poverty line

3
Excessive dependence on agriculture

65% workforce in agriculture contributing 25% to GDP

4
Underutilization of natural resources

Abundant water, mineral resources not fully harnessed

5
High trade deficit

Persistent imbalance with imports exceeding exports

6
Dualistic and mixed economic system

Modern and traditional sectors operating side by side

7
High population growth

1.8% growth rate creating demographic pressure

8
Remittance economy

25% of GDP from foreign employment remittances

Macroeconomic Indicators

Macroeconomic Indicators provide a comprehensive picture of Nepal's national economic performance and are crucial for policy formulation and economic planning at both federal and provincial levels.

Federal vs Provincial Indicators

Federal Level Indicators
  • Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
  • Gross National Product (GNP)
  • Per capita income (Per capita GNI)
  • Rate of inflation
  • Trade Balance
  • Public Debt
Provincial Level Indicators
  • Size of province-level GDP
  • Growth rate of GDP by province
  • Per-capita income by province
  • Unemployment rate by province
  • Province-wise budget expenditure

Key Federal Indicators

1
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

Total value of goods and services: ~$36 billion

2
Gross National Product (GNP)

GDP plus net income from abroad including remittances

3
Per capita income

Average income: $1,190 per person annually

4
Rate of inflation

Average 6% with periodic fluctuations

5
Trade Balance

Consistently negative with high import dependency

6
Public Debt

Approximately 40% of GDP and increasing

Provincial Economic Analysis

Provincial Economic Analysis since the adoption of federalism in 2015 has become crucial for understanding regional disparities and planning decentralized development across Nepal's seven provinces.

Provincial Development Process

1
Bagmati Province

Leading Economic Contributor (34.5% GDP share)

  • Highest per capita income: $1,850
  • Services, trade and industry based economy
  • Includes Kathmandu valley urban center
2
Province 2 (Madhesh)

Agricultural Heartland (17.8% GDP share)

  • Per capita income: $980
  • Agriculture and manufacturing focus
  • High population density
3
Province 1 (Koshi)

Diverse Economy (16.2% GDP share)

  • Per capita income: $1,050
  • Agriculture, tourism and trade activities
  • Strategic border location
4
Less Developed Provinces

Karnali & Sudurpashchim (9.5% combined GDP)

  • Lowest per capita income: $780-$810
  • Agriculture and remittance dependent
  • Limited infrastructure and access

Economic Transformation Framework

Economic Transformation involves shifting Nepal from a traditional agrarian economy to a modern, diversified economic structure through strategic investments and policy reforms across key sectors.

Economic Development Pathway

🌾
Agrarian Base
Energy Development
🏭
Industrialization
💼
Service Economy

Strategic Development Priorities

Hydropower Development

Harnessing 43,000 MW hydropower potential

Tourism Expansion

Leveraging natural and cultural heritage

Infrastructure Modernization

Transport, energy and digital connectivity

Agricultural Modernization

Productivity enhancement and commercialization

Human Capital Development

Education, health and skills development

Future Outlook: With successful implementation of federalism, strategic investments in infrastructure and productive sectors, and effective governance, Nepal has the potential to achieve accelerated economic growth and sustainable development in the coming decades, transforming from a least developed country to a developing nation.