As of 2024, the top 1% in Nepal earned 13.72% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 16.70%. Nepal’s income inequality has increased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 9.69%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Nepal in 2024
In 2024, income in Nepal was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 13.72% of total national income, which is slightly lower than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 16.70% of income, slightly higher than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Nepal | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 13.72% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 41.47% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 16.70% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Nepal?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Nepal’s top 1% has increased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 9.69% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 4.03 percentage points to 13.72%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Nepal has widened over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 33.81% while the bottom 50% received 22.33%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 41.47% and 16.70% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 9.69% | 33.81% | 22.33% | 11.48 pp |
| 1986 | 12.04% | 37.26% | 20.36% | 16.90 pp |
| 1992 | 16.52% | 43.83% | 16.59% | 27.24 pp |
| 1998 | 16.90% | 44.82% | 15.74% | 29.08 pp |
| 2004 | 15.67% | 43.51% | 15.78% | 27.73 pp |
| 2010 | 14.58% | 42.35% | 15.94% | 26.41 pp |
| 2016 | 13.70% | 41.46% | 16.71% | 24.75 pp |
| 2022 | 13.72% | 41.47% | 16.70% | 24.77 pp |
How Nepal Compares Globally
Nepal vs Asia Average
Compared to other countries in Asia, Nepal’s top 1% income share of 13.72% is slightly lower than the regional average of 16.42%. The bottom 50% in Nepal receives 16.70% of income, compared to the Asia average of 15.41%.
Where Nepal Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Nepal ranks 124th out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Nepal ranks 57th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Nepal include Kenya's wealth gap, Madagascar's income inequality, income distribution in Azerbaijan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Nepal?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Nepal earned 13.72% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered moderate by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Nepal?
Income inequality in Nepal has increased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 9.69% in 1980 to 13.72% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Nepal?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Nepal received 16.70% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 41.47%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.