Health, Population and Environment Education 9

g. Development of technology
Development activities support in the
development of new technologies. During the
conduction of development activities, various
types of technologies, tools and machines are
required. By the conduction of development
activities, people get opportunities to develop
various technologies based on geographical
condition, local resources available, investment Fig: 12
utilized, problems achieved as well as plans made by the government or organizations.
For example, during the construction of tunnel in hydro-power generation, engineers may
find different rock structures in a place than the starting point. In that condition, either
they may have to change the design or develop new machines or tools or technology to
overcome the problem. Ultimately, they might develop new way to tackle the problem
and make the project successful.




3.2 Indicators of Development

Every individual expects happiness, satisfaction
as well as peace and prosperity in life. These all
are possible only when people have fulfillment
of basic needs like food, clothes, shelter, health
services, education, security and additional needs
like love, caring, freedom, self actualization.
People also need to have employment and
sufficient income generation. An indicator Fig: 13
of development indicates a state or level of
fulfillment of all those needs. People need to have fulfillment of all those needs. People need
to have fulfillment of basic and additional needs proportionately. Efforts should be made
for economic improvement of people. There should be establishment of various industries
which utilize local resources, create job opportunities and support in balanced distribution
of population in a place. Establishment of industries produces goods and services, develops
human resource, improves economic condition. Gradually, other facilities are also available
and people have improvement of living standard. There are various indicators of development
which are as follows.

a. Economic progress

Economic progress is the major indicator of
development without which other progress
cannot be achieved. Health services,
education, transportation, communication,
sanitation, energy, commerce, etc. are the basic
infrastructures in a nation. Countries need to Fig: 14
GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 51

have economic progress to develop such infrastructures. Actually, economic progress
can be enhanced by effective mobilization of natural resources, industrialization and
production of human resource. Many countries in the world have gained economic
progress with industrial revolution and they are developed. Such developed countries
have developed wide range of infrastructures in their countries whereas many countries
in the world have weak economic progress, weak infrastructural development and weak
indicators of development.

Gross domestic product (GDP) and Gross national product (GNP) are considered to
determine economic progress of countries. Economic progress can be achieved through
GDP and productive mobilization of income. Both GDP and GNP help to measure the
market value of all goods and services produced for final sale. GDP is the total market
value of goods and services in a country whereas GNP is the net market value of goods
and services produced in a fiscal year including the remittances sent from abroad. GDP
shows local prosperity but GNP describes national output. GNP can be either higher
or lower than GDP. GDP should be increased for economic progress of a nation. The
developed nations have 2 digits GDP but Nepal has a single digit GDP. Countries need to
make efforts to increase GDP. They must mobilize means and resources adequately. The
literacy rate should be increased. Health services should be made available in the local
level. Special security should be managed for elderly people, widows, differently abled
people, marginalized people. Efficient and effective transportation and communication
services need to be enhanced for economic progress in a country.

b. Quality Life

Physical quality growth of standard of living is the next indicator of development.
Though economic progress is most essential for development, improvement in living
standard and various other aspects of people should be considered for it. People need
to have fulfillment of health services, education, drinking water, sanitation, etc. along
with psychological, emotional and spiritual needs for their quality of life. Quality of life
indicates the happiness and satisfaction from the fulfillment of all those needs. People
need to adopt following measures for quality of life as well as development of society and
nation.

Every person should get opportunity for quality education.
Every individual should consume nutritious food and balanced diet everyday.
People must limit the family size as small as possible so as to fulfill required
facilities easily.
People must have regular health check ups, provision of sanitation, counselling for
marriage at appropriate age, births spacing and first pregnancy at appropriate age.
There should be maintenance of cleanliness in home, courtyard, garden, public
places and the environment.

People should have generation of sufficient income.
52 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9

Every individual should be ensured for peace and security to maintain social and
community life.
When people have less fulfillment of basic needs, lack of employment, lack of income,
increase of poverty, family disputes, poor health and sanitation, high infant and maternal
mortality rate, they have low quality life. Low quality life shows low living standard and
unhappiness as well as dissatisfaction in life. Hence, various efforts for health services,
education, nutrition, sanitation, security, income, saving, etc. should be increased to
enhance the quality life. Quality life is measured in Human Development Index(HDI)
in which literacy rate, per capita income and life expectancy of people are considered.
Countries are marked in (0–1) value in HDI. Countries having high HDI value are
considered developed as well as have quality life and vice versa.

Human Development Index of SAARC countries, 2015 and 2016
Rank in Rank in 2016 Country HDI Value in 2015 HDI value in 2016
2015
73 73 Srilanka 0.757 0.766
104 105 Maldives 0.706 0.701
130 131 India 0.609 0.624
132 132 Bhutan 0.607 0.607
142 139 Bangladesh 0.570 0.579
145 144 Nepal 0.548 0.558
147 147 Pakistan 0.538 0.550

171 169 Afghanistan 0.465 0.479
Source: Human Development Report, 2015 and 2016
Countries with High Human Development Index, 2015 and 2016

Rank Country HDI Value
1 Norway 0.949
2 Australia 0.939
3 Switzerland 0.939
4 Germany 0.926
5 Denmark 0.925
6 Singapore 0.925
7 Netherlands 0.924
8 Ireland 0.923
9 Iceland 0.921
10 Canada 0.920
11 United States 0.920

Source: Human Development Report, 2016

GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 53

Countries with low Human Development Index, 2015 and 2016
Rank Country HDI Value
179 Eritrea 0.420
179 Sierra Leone 0.420
181 Mozambique 0.418
181 South Sudan 0.418
183 Guinea 0.414
184 Burundi 0.404
185 Burkina Faso 0.402
186 Chad 0.396
187 Niger 0.353
188 Central African Republic 0.352
Source: Human Development Report, 2016
People need to make following efforts considering quality of life as an indicator of
development
– Maintain small family size
– Provision of quality education
– Marriage at appropriate age
– First pregnancy at appropriate age
– Management of health services and sanitation
– Consumption of nutritious and balanced diet
– Maintain birth spacing
– Bear responsibility of parents
– Saving for future


C. Happiness

Happiness is also one of the indicators of development.
People tend to remain happy from the fulfillment of basic
needs, additional needs, provision of social security, good
jobs and better income. It is related with satisfaction and
indicates development. People are supposed to achieve
highest quality of development by being satisfied. But it
is not regarded as development if there is no happiness in
prosperity. In the same way, it is regarded as development
even if people are poor, lack the required facilities but are Fig: 15
happy.
New economic foundation publishes Happiness Planet Index (HPI) every year since
2006 onwards. It has considered the flowing seven prosperity as positive and negative
infrastructure for the development of a country.


54 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9

i. Economic prosperity
Economic prosperity is related to income. In this, consumer’s income, average income and
condition of distribution of income of every individuals within the country are analyzed
by giving priority to consumers. When people have better jobs and income generation
they can easily fulfill their basic and additional need. As a result, they can live a happy,
comfortable life and improve their living standard. Ultimately, people tend to remain
happy.

ii. Environment prosperity
Environment prosperity is related to environmental balance and conservation of
resources in environment. When there is availability of green and clean environment
which is free from any type of pollution, people remain happy. “A healthy mind exists in
a healthy body.” When there is availability of fresh air, clean drinking water, less noise
and disturbances, people tend to remain satisfied, happy and relaxed.

iii. Physical prosperity
Physical prosperity is related with physical fitness as well as proper functioning of body
organs and systems. When all the systems and organs function properly, people remain
free from diseases which ultimately makes them happy and satisfied.


iv. Mental prosperity
Mental prosperity is related with our mental soundness and the condition in which we
are free from mental diseases and disorders. When people don’t have any type of mental
diseases, stress and depression, they remain happy. Ultimately, they can take right and
responsible decisions in life.
v. Work place prosperity
Work place prosperity is related with the working environment, relationship with staffs
colleagues and boss in the working place. It is even related with availability of working
opportunity, unemployment, changes in work, etc. If the working place is clean, green
and there is friendly environment, then people remain free from stress, tensions and
remain happy.


vi. Social prosperity
Social prosperity is related with social development which includes day to day activities,
marriage, divorce, migration, security, entertainment, birth, death and so on. When people
don’t have conflict, quarrels and enmity in society, people tend to remain happy.

vii. Political prosperity

Political prosperity is related with stability of government, political activities, democracy,
individual freedom and free from internal and external conflicts in the nation. When
citizens have freedom for their rights, people’s voice is heard, respected and development
programmes are made for people, they tend to remain happy and satisfied.


GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 55

d. Development of human resource

The overall development of nation depends on development of human resource. Trained
human resource is regarded as an indicator of development. The concept of extreme
utilization of human resource as an infrastructure of development was introduced after
1990 A.D. All the countries need to develop strategies for the human resource development
and its effective implementation.
Development works and natural resources are inter–related and inter–dependent on each
other. Various types of resources are widely utilized during the development of various
infrastructures. There is need of human resources of different skills for proper utilization
of resources during infrastructural development. Actually, only the trained human
resources can conduct sustainable development works considering carrying capacity of
the earth. Availability of human resource can boost up economic development of entire
nation. Without sufficient human resource, development works cannot run smoothly and
effectively. They can support in the following aspects of development:
Economic progress
Modernization of industrialization and agriculture
Increase in production
Utilization of physical capital
Proper utilization of natural means and resources
Conservation of environment and infrastructure development
Social development
Activity: 1

Visit your locality and observe any development works taking place there. Discuss in
your class about the development work based on:
i. Introduction ii. Purpose iii. Advantages
iv. Challenges v. Construction materials


Activity: 2

Visit your locality and collect information from 10 houses based on the following:
Statement Situation Remarks
Size and type of family
Educational status
Marital status
Age of first conception
No. of children and birth
spacing
Occupation
Income and expenditure

56 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9

Activity: 3

Collect the latest data on HDI of different countries in the world. Discuss in a group on
comparative study of HDI value of different countries and present in a class.



3.3 Concept of Human Resource Development

Introduction

Human resource includes semi–skilled and skilled
manpower for different sorts of activities. It is the part
of human resource management that specifically deals
with training and development of the employees in the
organization. The concept of human resource
development was first introduced in 1969 A.D. by
Leonard Nadler who has defined it as, “A series of
organized activities conducted within a specialized Fig: 16
time and designed to produce behavioural changes.”
Human resource development is the management
of human resources in order to provide trainings
for laborers or staffs in various aspects of their
development. It acts as the supply plan required for
any country or an organization. It enhances capability
of the institution by increasing the capability of
workers or employees. It is required for developing
mutual cooperation among the employees and builds Fig: 17
confidence to work unitedly in a team.

Necessity of human resource development

Human resource development is a concrete plan of human resource preparation for
social, economic and scientific progress in nation. Every nation should plan for human
resource development based on the need and requirement of manpower. There is need of
human resource development for the following reasons:
To support employees develop their personal and organizational skills, knowledge
and abilities.
To acquire or sharpen capabilities required to perform various functions associated
with their present or expected future roles.
To increase productivity of organization by managing available resources.
To demand and recruit employees or labourers on the basis of human resource
plan.
To supply and to manage excess human resource on the basis of need.
To decrease the number of employees or to keep employees in an organization on
the basis of labour cost analysis.

GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 57

To estimate the condition of human resource required in the market needed for
different works in order to bring diversity in work.
To find out adequacy and prospects of experts and specialists required for the
development of nation.



3.4 Importance of Human Resource Development

Human resource development is needed for any institution for proper utilization of
resources, development of working condition, promotion of technology, institutional
norms and values as well as for the overall development of institution. Some of the
importance of human resource development are as follows:

a. Management of works

For the smooth running of any institution or an organization, various activities should be
managed properly. Human resource development supports in effective implementation
of plans and policies, budget allocation, management of loss and profit, etc.

b. Effective utilization
The information technology plays vital role for smooth running of day to day activities in
the organization. Human resource development supports in managing the information
technology and utilize it for various official or institutional activities to fulfill the goals of
organization.

c. Motivation
Any organization needs human resource that can utilize the physical resources with zero
risk or less risk. Hence, the organization or institution should prepare its manpower to
achieve its goals and aims. For that, the manpower needs more training. Human resource
development provides necessary trainings for its manpower by which they get motivated
to fulfill their responsibilities. Moreover, the organization also gets motivated in the hope
of better performance by the skilled manpower.

d. Expansion of human resource
The organization needs certain manpower who can make better relation with the internal
staffs as well as stakeholders outside the organization. The organization needs such
manpower for effective communication, supervision and leadership development in the
institution. Human resource development helps to recruit such type of manpower for
effective management and running of organization.
e. High productivity

The main aim of any organization is to fulfill its goals and get success. The organization
can get success when it mobilizes human resource effectively, makes best utilization of
time, energy, provides trainings, etc. Human resource development supports to plan for
the high productivity of organization with all those activities.
58 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9

3.5 Process of Human Resources Development

The main intention of human resource development is for individual development of
employees and make them more skillful and efficient. It sharpens capabilities of employees
to perform various functions associated with their present position or expected future roles.
Human resource development is an organized process which adopts the following processes:

a. Preparation of an outline of human resource plan
Every organization or institution is established with certain goals and objectives.
Organization makes an effort to fulfill the goals. It needs to overview the objectives before
formulation of human resource development plan. Human resource development plan
should develop employee recruitment plan for present and future.

b. Analysis of the current human resource
Based on human resource development plan, an organization needs to analyze number
of employees, their work load, their quality, the type of employment. With the analysis of
current human resource, an organization can develop capacity building plan for prompt
completion of activities, to communicate good works and to create good job strategy.

c. Design of necessary manpower for the future
With the expansion or contraction of work load in the organization, necessary manpower
should be reshuffled. Some employees are reduced when organization activities are limited
whereas some employees are increased when organization activities are extended. There
should be pre–plan for the amount and type of manpower required in an organization in
future.

d. Development of employment programme

People keep on searching new kind of employment opportunities. They expect to get
additional responsibility or new duties in the organization. They desire to learn new
skills and knowledge. Hence, the organization should include adequate programs for
employment activities in human resource development plan.

e. Training program development
Employees working in the organization should
get necessary skills and knowledge based on
changed condition and technologies developed.
Organization should arrange refresher and
capacity development training to enhance skills
and capability of employees. The new employees
should be given necessary trainings. Training
provides energy and motivates employees to Fig: 18
work efficiently. Hence, organization should
manage internal and external training programmes to employees regularly to achieve
highest productivity in human resource development plan.

GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 59

3.6 Challenges and Future Direction of Human Resource
Development in Nepal


Nepal has no concrete human resource development plan. We do not have exact data
on available human resource and need of human resource in particular sector for future.
We have challenge for proper adjustment between demand and produced manpower
in the country. We have a great challenge for production of human resource according
to national and international demand and reduce dependency of foreign employment.
Our development plan and polices are frequently changed. Hence, we have challenges
for implementing development plans for rural areas, women, dalits, backward class and
communities. We need to develop long term plan to face such challenges in Nepal. Some
of the long term visions for human resource development in Nepal are as follows:
To maintain a balance between the demand and supply of human resource by
developing competent and skilled human resources.
To emphasize on technical and vocational trainings to create employment and self
employment.
To develop able and skilled human resource to compete in the national and
international markets.
To increase potentiality of agencies related with human resource.
To integrate programmes for skilled human resource development.
To implement human resource development policy.
To run programmes related to leadership development for the youth.
To develop the ability of targeted group.
To develop human resource to handover skills and technology to the domestic
human resource to compete in international market.
To define jobs in a new way so as to make them job oriented.
To maintain harmony between human resource produced from educational
institutions and jobs available in the market.

Activity: 4

Discuss in groups and present in the class for the topic “Role of nation in human resource
development plan and the challenges.”

Summary

1. Development is a process by which the members of society increase their personal
and institutional capabilities to mobilize and manage resources, to produce
sustainable and justly distributed improvement in their quality of life consistent
with their own aspirations.
2. According to UNO, development is the fulfillment of desires and aims of public to
provide them the chance of being active by inspiring them.
3. In general, development can be defined as the positive growth which changes the
attitudes of people for social, economic, mental and cultural aspects.
60 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9

4. Infrastructure means the basic frameworks or the underlying foundation of an
organization. Infrastructures make an organization strong, firm and pave way for
the functioning of the organization.
5. All the pre-requisites which include physical, social, economic and human resource
without which development activities cannot be conducted are called infrastructure
of development.
6. The skilled and semi-skilled manpower related to education, health services,
communication, agriculture, industries, science and technology, law and legislature
etc. is called as human resource.
7. An indicator of development indicates a state or level of fulfillment of all those
needs.
8. Economic progress is the major indicator of development without which other
progress cannot be achieved.
9. GDP is the total market value of goods and services in a country whereas GNP
is the net market value of goods and services produced in a fiscal year including
the remittances sent from abroad. GDP shows local prosperity but GNP describes
national output.
10. Quality of life indicates the happiness and satisfaction from the fulfillment of all
those needs.
11. Quality life is measured in Human Development Index (HDI) in which literacy
rate, per capita income and life expectancy of people are considered. Countries are
marked in (0–1) value in HDI.
12. People tend to remain happy from the fulfillment of basic needs, additional needs,
provision of social security, good jobs and better income.
13. Environment prosperity is related to environmental balance and conservation of
resources in environment.
14. Physical prosperity is related with physical fitness as well as proper functioning of
body organs and systems.
15. Work place prosperity is related with the working environment, relationship with
staffs, colleagues and boss in the working place.
16. Social prosperity is related with social development which includes day to day activities,
marriage, divorce, migration, security, entertainment, birth, death and so on.
17. Political prosperity is related with stability of government, political activities,
democracy, individual freedom, free from internal and external conflicts in the
nation.

18. The trained human resources can conduct sustainable development works
considering carrying capacity of the earth.
19. A series of organized activities conducted within a specialized time and designed
to produce behavioural changes.
20. Human resource development is the management of human resources in order to
provide trainings for laborers or staffs in various aspects of their development.
GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 61

Exercise


A. Write very short answer to the following questions:
1. Define development.
2. Mention any two examples of development works.
3. What is the main aim of development?
4. What is human resource? Give some examples.
5. Give any 2 examples of physical infrastructures.
6. Mention major indicators of development.
7. Define GDP and GNP.
8. What is quality of life?
9. What is the HDI of Nepal according to 2016 HDI report?
10. Which countries have the highest and lowest HDI value among the SAARC
countries?
11. Which country has the highest HDI value in the world?
12. From when was happiness index published?
13. Mention two reasons for production of trained manpower.
14. Why is human resource development plan made?
15. Mention any two challenges of human resource development in Nepal.


B. Write short answer to the following questions:
1. What is infrastructure of development? Explain briefly about the infrastructures
of development.
2. How does development activity help in improvement of living standard?
3. How do development works help to develop technology and make balance in
environment?
4. What is indicator of development ? How can people have quality of life?
5. Why do we need human resource development plan?


C. Write long answer to the following questions:
1. Show the inter–relationship between population, environment and development
works.
2. Make a list of indicators of development and explain any two of them briefly.
3. What is happiness? Explain briefly about seven prosperities people need to have.
4. What is human resource development? Explain about importance of human
resource development.
5. Explain the processes of human resource development.
6. What are the challenges of human resource development in Nepal? Discuss on
long term vision for human resource development in Nepal.

62 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9

UNIT
4 Demographic Status and



Environment in Nepal




Estimated Teaching Periods: 18



Learning Outcomes
Learning Objectives
After completing the study of this unit, students will be able to:
i. explain demographic situation of Nepal.
ii. describe the composition of population.
iii. explain population distribution in Nepal.
iv. introduce urbanization and state its effects.


Course Outline


4.1 Population Size
4.2 Composition of Population
4.3 Population Density
4.4 Population Distribution
4.5 Urbanization and Its Effects



Glossary

demographic : of or relating to the study of changes that occur in large groups of people
over a period of time
urbanization : the process by which towns and cities are formed and become larger as
more and more people begin living and working in central areas
recruitment : the action or process of recruiting
topography : the features (such as mountains and rivers) in an area of land
insurgency : the quality or state of being insurgent
judicial : of or relating to a judgment
instability : the quality or stale of being unstable
conflict : strong disagreement between people, groups, etc., that results in often
angry argument, a struggle for power, property, etc.





GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 63

4.1 Population Size

People are distributed in different places. The total number of people living in a particular
place at a time is regarded as population size. It can also be said as total number of people
in a country. Population size cannot remain same as population is dynamic and keeps on
changing very often. But it can be indicated exactly on the basis of particular place and
time.


Population size and growth rate in Nepal
Population size is denoted by census. Census is conducted in every ten years interval
in Nepal. It has been conducted regularly in Nepal since last 100 years. There has been
fluctuation of population in Nepal. The population size has increased tremendously since
last few decades.
















Fig: 1

Table 1: Population size and growth rate in Nepal
Annual
Inter census Population
Total Population
Census Year Change in Doubling
Population Growth
Population Time (Years)
Rate (%)
1911 A.D. (19 68 B.S) 5,6,38,749 – – –
1920 A.D. (1977 B.S) 5, 5, 73, 788 – 64,961 – 0. 13 –
1930 A.D. (1987 B.S) 5,5,32,574 – 41, 214 – 0.07 –
1941 A.D. (1998 B.S) 6,2,83, 649 7,51,075 1.16 60
1952/54 A.D. (2009/11 B.S.) 8,2,56,625 19,72,976 2.27 31
1961 A.D. (2018 B.S) 9, 4, 12, 996 11,56,371 1.64 42
1971 A.D. (2028 B.S) 1,1,5,55,983 21,42,987 2.05 34
1981 A.D. (2038 B.S) 1, 5,0,22,839 34,66,856 2.62 26
1991 A.D. (2048 B.S.) 1,84,91,097 34,68,258 2.08 33
2001 A.D. (2058 B.S) 2,31,51,423 46,60,326 2.25 31
2011 A.D.(2068 B.S) 2,64,94,504 33,43,081 1.35 52
Source: CBS, 2011
64 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9

The above table shows that first census was conducted in 1911 A.D., i.e. 1968 B.S. in Nepal.
At that time, the population was 56, 38, 749. But the population was in decreasing trend
in second and third census in 1920 A.D. and 1930 A.D. respectively. The population was
around 55 lakhs in those censuses. The population kept on increasing since 1941 A.D.
census. At that time the population on Nepal was around 62 lakhs with the annual growth
rate of 1. 16%. It is said that the scientific census started from the fifth census, 1952/54 A.D.
census in which the population of Nepal reached around 82 lakhs with the annual growth
rate of 2.27%. By 1981 A.D. the population of Nepal crossed 15 million or 1 core 50 lakhs
with the annual growth rate of 2.62 % which is the highest till now. It would have taken 26
years to double the population if the same rate of growth had continued. In 1991 A.D. the
population of Nepal was around one core 85 lakhs with annual growth rate of 2.08%. The
tenth census was conducted in 2001 A.D. in which the population of Nepal was recorded
as 2,31, 51, 423 with the annual growth rate of 2.25%. The latest census was conducted
in 2011 A.D. in which the population was counted as 2,64,94,504 with the annual growth
rate of 1.35%. It will take 52 years to double the population with this annual growth rate.
In the context of Nepal, there is illiteracy and ignorance about population growth, early
marriage system, priority given to son, prevalence of superstitious beliefs, less availability
of contraceptive devices. Hence, there has been continuous increase of population in
Nepal.
Population size of Nepal



300
Population size in lakhs 200

250




150


100

50



1911 1920 1930 1941 1952/54 1961 1971 1981 1991 2001 2011
Fig: 2 Census years

According to the table and graph on population size and growth rate in Nepal, we can see
the population was in decreasing trend in 1920 A.D. and 1930 A.D. census. There are some
reasons for the decrease of population which are described below:






GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 65

a. False enumeration
The first scientific census started in Nepal only from 1952/54 A.D. onwards. During the
census period of 1920 A.D. and 1930 A.D there was no use of modern means and methods
in census. So, it is guessed that the calculation of population might be wrong and the
population was shown less.

b. Lack of health services and health manpower
During 1920 and 1930 A.D., our country was very backward and was not as developed as it
is today. There was lack of health services, proper management system, health manpower
and treatment procedures in almost all parts of Nepal. People had no availability of
treatment for their health problems. Many people used to die due to lack of health services
and treatment of diseases. As a result, there was decrease in population.


c. Spreading of epidemics
In the decades of 1920 and 1930 A.D., there was spreading of epidemics like tuberculosis,
malaria, influenza, small pox, etc. in many parts of the country. As health facilities were
not easily available, people would lose their life. Even people of that time had no idea
about proper cleanliness and sanitation. As as result, many people used to die due to
spreading of epidemics which resulted in decrease in population.


d. Recruitment of young juveniles in Gorkha army
The first world war took place from 1914 A.D. to
1918 A.D. Huge number of young juveniles and
youths were sent to fight in the war on behalf of
Gorkha Army. In that war, many people lost their
life. As a result, many girls didn’t get males to get
married, they couldn’t bear children and their total
fertility rate was decreased. Hence, the population
of Nepal was in decreasing trend in 1920 A.D. and
1930 A.D. census.
Fig: 8

4.2 Composition of Population

The distribution of population on the basis of age, sex, caste, language, occupation,
religion, education, etc. is called as composition of population.
We can study about total number of people with their age and sex, the types of languages
they speak, literate and illiterate people, the economically active and inactive population,
etc. in composition of population.

Importance of Composition of Population

It shows the population size and structure of a place.
It is the pillar of demographic study. It helps to develop certain demographic theories.
66 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9

It shows the social and demographic characteristics of people in a place.
It provides important information for the government to launch different development
planning.
It supports the nation to study about the condition of geographical regions and their
opportunities.
It shows the real picture of society.

Classification of Composition of Population

Composition of population can be classified into various types which are as follows:
A. Composition of population by sex
B. Composition of population by age
C. Composition of population by castes
D. Composition of population by language
E. Composition of population by religion
F Composition of population by education

A. Composition of Population by Sex
The distribution of population on the basis of their sex (i.e. male and female) is called
composition of population by sex. The composition of population by sex denotes the total
number of males and females in a particular region or place.
The composition of population by sex can be shown in the following table.

Census Year Male Female Total Population Male% Female%
2001 A.D. (2058 B.S) 11563921 11587502 23151423 49.9 50.1
2011 A.D. (2068 B.S) 12849041 13645463 26494504 48.5 51.5

Source: CBS, 2058 B.S. and 2068 B.S.
The above table shows the total number of males and females in 2001 and 2011 A.D.
census. It shows that number of females is more than males in those censuses in Nepal.
Generally, life expectancy of females is more than males in many countries in the world.
In our context as well, females have more life expectancy than that of males.


B. Composition of Population by Age
The distribution of population on the basis of their age is called as composition of
population by age. The composition of population by age denotes the population of
different age. It shows the number of children, school going children, economically active
and inactive population as well as the old people.
We can classify population into three major groups which are as follows:
a. (0 – 14) years children
t Economically inactive/ Dependent population
b. 60 yrs and above people
c. (15 – 59) years people } Economically active population/ Independent population
GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 67

a. Economically inactive population/Dependent population
The population who cannot work and has to depend on others for their living is called
dependent population. As they don’t work, they are also called as economically inactive
population. The population below 15 years and old people of 60 years and above are
regarded as dependent population. They are not important for social and economic
development of a nation. According to 2011 A.D. census, there were 34.91% children
below 15 years of age and 8.13% of old people of 60 years and above in Nepal.

b. Economically active population/Independent population
The population who can work and do not have to depend on others for their living is called
as independent population. As they can work, they are also called as economically active
population. The population of (15 – 59) years is regarded as independent population.
They are very important for social and economic development of a nation. According to
2011 A.D. census, there was 56.96% independent population in Nepal.
Table: Composition of Population by Age group
Age Group 2058 B.S. (2001 A.D) census 2068 B.S. (2011 AD) census

Population % Population %
(0 – 14) years 8948587 39.35 9248246 34.91
(15 – 59) years 12310968 54.15 15091848 56.95
60 years and above 1477379 6.5 2154410 8.13

Source: CBS, 2058 and 2068 B.S.
Table: Composition of Population by Age
Age groups Male (%) Female (%) Age group Male (%) Female (%)

(0 – 4) years 10.23 9.18 (50 – 54) years 3.94 3.66
(5 – 9) years 12.73 11.50 (55 – 59) years 3.21 2.97
(10 –14) years 13.73 12.54 (60 – 64) years 2.87 2.85
(15 – 19) years 11.23 10.91 (65 – 69) years 2.16 2.03
(20 – 24) years 8.13 9.63 (70 – 74) years 1.55 1.43
(25 – 29) years 7.14 8.52 (75 – 79) years 0.91 0.86
(30 – 34) years 6.0 7.07 (80 – 84) years 0.49 0.48
(35 – 39) years 5.76 6.33 (85 – 89) years 0.20 0.20
(40 – 44) years 5.14 5.32 (90 – 94) years 0.07 0.08

(45 – 49) years 4.48 4.38 (95 years and 0.03 0.05
above)
Source: CBS, 2068 B.S.

We can study composition of population by sex and age together at the same time by
means of population pyramid.

68 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9

Population pyramid
Population pyramid is the graphical representation of composition of population by sex
and age together at the same time.
































Fig: 3
In population pyramid, there is use of vertical bar and horizontal bars. Vertical bar represents
the age group of population divided with an interval of 5 years (i.e. 0 – 4, 5 – 9, etc). Horizontal
bars represent sex and percentage (%) of population of particular age group.


Types of population pyramid
There are three types of population pyramid. They are as follows:

i. Expansive Pyramid
Expansive pyramid shows the young and growing population. It shows larger number
or percentage (%) of population of younger age group. It has broad base. This type of
pyramid is usually found in countries with very high fertility especially in the developing
countries like Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, etc.









Fig: 4
Expansive pyramid
GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 69

ii. Stationary pyramid
Stationary pyramid displays somewhat equal number or percentage for almost all age
groups. It is common among the countries having low mortality and low fertility rate
especially in Scandinavian countries like Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark.









Fig: 5

Stationary Pyramid

iii. Constrictive pyramid
Constrictive pyramid displays lower number or percentage of young age people. This
pyramid is common in the countries having long life expectancy, low birth and death rate
and population is generally older on average. It is common in United States of America.







Fig: 6
Constrictive pyramid

C. Composition of population by caste

The distribution of population on the basis of caste is called composition of population
by caste. Nepal is a multi – ethnic country. According to 2068 B.S. or 2011 A.D. census, 125
castes of people are spread all over Nepal. Till 2048 B.S. or 1991 A.D. census, there was no
system of keeping statistical records of people of different castes in Nepal.
Table: Composition of Population by Castes: (List of Castes having more than 1%
population)

Population Population
Caste Population % Population % Caste
Group in 2001 A.D. in 2011 A.D. group % in 2001 % in 2011
A.D. A.D.
Kshetri 15.80 16.60 Gurung 2.39 1.97
Brahmin 12.74 12.18 Damai 1.72 1.78
Magar 7.14 7.12 Limbu 1.58 1.46
Tharu 6.75 6.56 Thakuri 1.47 1.61
Tamang 5.64 5.81 Sarki 1.40 1.41
Newar 5.48 5.03 Teli 1.34 1.40


70 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9

Muslim 4.27 4.39 Chamar, 1.19 1.27
Harijan,
Ram
Kami 3.94 4.75 Koiri 1.11 1.16
Yadav 3.94 3.98
Rai 2.79 2.34
Source: CBS, 2001 B.S. and 2011 B.S.
The above table lists castes of people having more than 1% population. According to 2011
A.D. census, there are 107 castes having less than 1% population and 18 castes having more
than 1% population. People having more population in Nepal in 20011 A.D. are Kshetris,
Brahmins, Magars, Tharus, Tamangs and Newars. The population of Kshetris was 15.8%
in 2001 A.D. which is increased to 16.6% in 2011 A.D. The number of Bramins decreased
from 12.74% in 2001 A.D. to 12.18% in 2011 A.D. Similarly, the number of people of major
castes, top in list decreased in 2011 A.D. than in 2001 A.D. except Tamangs, Muslims,
Kamis, etc.

D. Composition of population by languages (Mother tongue)
The distribution of population on the basis of language people speak is called as
composition of population by language.
Nepal is a multi – lingual country. According to 2011 A.D. census, there are 123 languages
spoken in Nepal. In 2001 A.D. census, 92 languages were identified in Nepal. The list of
mother tongue spoken by more than 1% population in Nepal is as follows:

Table: Composition of Population by Language (Mother Tongue)
Percentage Percentage Percentage Percentage
Language Language
in 2001 A.D. in 2011 A.D. in 2001 A.D. in 2011 A.D.
Nepali 48.61 44.64 Magar 3.39 2.98
Maithili 12.30 11.67 Doteli – 2.97
Bhojpuri 7.53 5.98 Urdu 0.77 2.61
Tharu 5.86 5.77 Awadhi 2.47 1.89
Tamang 5.19 5.11 Limbu 1.47 1.30
Newari 3.63 3.20 Gurung 1.49 1.23
Bagika – 2.99 Baitadeli – 1.03
Source: CBS 2058 and 2068 (2011 A.D.)
According to 2011 A.D. census, 14 languages are spoken by more than 1 % population
whereas 109 languages are spoken by less than 1 % population in Nepal. The major
languages spoken in Nepal are Nepali, Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tharu, Tamang, Newari,
Bagika, etc. Among them, majority of people speak Nepali language. According to 2011
A.D. census, 44. 64 % of total population speak Nepali language which is 4 % less than
that of 2001 A.D. census. It has been observed that the number of people speaking almost
all the languages is decreased in 2011 A.D. than that of 2001 A.D.
GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 71

E. Composition of population by occupation
The distribution of population on the basis of occupation or profession in which people
are involved in is called composition of population by occupation. It shows the percentage
of people involved in different occupation among the economically active population.
The composition of population by occupation is shown in the table below:

Occupation in %
Census Year
Agriculture Service Trade Others
2001 A.D. (2058 B.S) 65. 7 16. 04 7. 89 10. 37
2011 A.D. (2068 B.S.) 60.43 17. 29 20.23 2.05

Source: CBS 2001 and population Monograph of Nepal, Vol III, CBS 2014
According to the above table, it is seen that people involved in agriculture profession
are decreasing and people involved in non–agriculture profession are increasing. People
involved in agriculture profession were 65.7 % in 2001 A.D. and are 60.43% in 2011 A.D.
This shows many people have shifted to other profession than agriculture. This is due
to increase in foreign employment in recent years and increase of migration in urban
areas. People who have migrated to urban areas are involved in other occupation
than in agriculture and foreign employment has decreased the necessary manpower
in agriculture. The increase in percentage of people involved in non– agriculture sector
indicates increase in commercial and industrial sector which supports in economic
development of individuals and entire nation.

F. Composition of population by religion
The distribution of population on the basis of religion people follow is called composition
of population by religion. Nepal is a multi–religious country. According to 2011 A.D.
census, there are 10 different religions people follow in Nepal. Hinduism, Buddhism,
Islam, Christianity, Kirant, etc. are some of the major religions followed by people in
Nepal. The composition of population by religion is shown in the following table.

Table: Composition of population by religion (2001 – 2011 A.D.)
Census Year (2001 A.D.) Census Year (2011 A.D.)
Religion
Population Population % Population Population %
1. Hinduism 18330121 80.62 21551492 81.34
2. Buddhuism 2442520 10.74 2396099 9.00
3. Islam 954023 4.20 1162370 4.39

4. Kiranti 818106 3.60 807169 3.05
5. Christianity 101976 0.45 375699 1.41
6. Prakriti – – 121982 0.46
7. Jainism 4108 0.02 3214 0.01
8. Sikhism 5890 0.02 609 0.01
9. Bahaism 1211 0.01 1283 0.01

72 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9

10. Others 78979 0.34 61581 0.26
11. Bon – – 13006 0.04

Source: CBS 2001 and 2011 A.D.
Majority of people follow Hinduism in Nepal and next to Hinduism is Buddhism. In 2001
A.D. people following Hinduism were 80. 62% which is increased to 81.34% in 2011 A.D.
But people following Buddhism were decreased from 10.74% in 2001 A.D. to 9. 00% in 2011
A.D. Though people follow different religions in Nepal, there is unity in diversity. People
have respect on others religion as well. People are living together happily in the same
place by following different religions. There is no conflict, quarrel and misunderstanding
among people in Nepal in name of religion.

G. Composition of population by educational status
The distribution of population on the basis of educational status of people is called as
composition of population by educational status. Education is very important in our life.
It provides us knowledge, skills and broadens our mind. It brings changes in mental,
emotional, social, economical and intellectual condition of our life. It makes us able to
judge what is right and what is wrong. It is the indicator of development. It helps to
develop human resource for the overall development of nation. Hence, people need to be
educated. There has been collection of data on literacy in Nepal since 1952/54 A.D. census,
the 5 census onwards.
th
The following table shows literary status of people in Nepal.
Table: Literacy status of people of 6 years and above:

Census Year Male Percentage Female Percentage Total Percentage
1991 A.D. (2048B.S.) 54. 5 25 39.75

2001 A.D. (2058 B.S.) 65. 5 42. 8 54. 15
2011 A.D (2068 B.S.) 75.1 57.4 66.25


Sources: CBS 2011 A.D
The above table shows literacy status of people from 1991 A.D. to 2011 A.D. We can observe
gradual increase in literacy rate in Nepal. The literacy percentage has increased by more
than 25% in Nepal in 20 years from 1991 A.D. to 2011 A.D. There has been subsequent
increase in literacy rate of females as well since then. However, there is gap between the
literacy percentage of male and female till now. Increase in literacy percentage shows
increased number of educated people in Nepal. The educated people can ultimately
support in overall development of Nepal.







GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 73

4.3 Population Density

Population density can be defined as total number of people living in one square kilometer
area.

Mathematically,
Total population
Population density =
Total area
It is calculated by dividing total population living in a place or nation by total area of that
place or a nation. Hence, it depends on total population and total area of a place. The total
population in a place is affected by availability of facilities like heath services, education,
transportation, communication, drinking water, electricity, favourable climate, cultivable
land, industry, security, etc.



Solved Numerical Example: 1

The population of Nepal in 2011 A.D. was 26494504 and the area of Nepal is 1471841
square kilometer. Calculate the population density of Nepal.

Solution:
Given, In 2011 A.D. in Nepal,

Total population = 26494504

Total area = 147181 square kilometer
Population density ?

Now,
Total population
Population density =
Total area
2,64,94,504
=
1,47,181
= 180. 01 per sq. km

∴ The density of population (Population density) of Nepal in 2011 A.D. was 180.01 per
sq. km.
The population density of Nepal as 180. 01 per sq. km indicates that nearly 180 people live
in one square kilometer in Nepal.
There has been gradual increase in population density in Nepal. The following table
indicates population density in Nepal.




74 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9

Density of Population in Nepal

Census Year Population Densty (in sq. km)
1911 A.D. (1968 B.S.) 38.8
1920 A.D. (1977 B.S.) 38.3
1930 A.D.(1887 B.S.) 38.0
1941 A.D. (1998 B.S.) 43.2
1952/54 A.D. (2009/11 B.S.) 56.8
1961 A.D. (2018 B.S.) 64.6
1971 A.D. (2028 B.S) 79.5
1981 A.D. (2038 B.S) 102.2
1991 A.D. (2048 B.S.) 125.6
2001 A.D. (2058 B.S.) 157.0
2011 A.D. (2068 B.S.) 180.0
Source: CBS 2011 A.D.

According to the first census in 1911 A.D or 1968 B.S., the population density in Nepal
was 38.8 per sq. km. which increased to 43. 2 per sq. km in 30 years in 1941 A.D. or 1998
B.S. There is huge increase of population density to 102. 2 per sq. km in 1981 A.D. or 2038
B.S. from 79.5 per sq. km. in 1971 A.D. or 2028 B.S. Since then, there is rapid increase of
population density in every census. The huge increase of population density indicates the
huge increase of population in Nepal. Since 1971 A.D. or 2028 B.S. onwards, there is rapid
increase of population in Nepal due to which there is increase of population density.


Population density by geographical regions

Geographically, Nepal is divided into three regions as mountain, hilly and terai region. The
population density of all these regions vary a lot. Mountain region has least population
density where as terai region has the highest population density. The least density in
mountain region is due to difficult land topography and climate. The highest population
density in terai region is due to plain land and availability of several facilities like health
services, education , transportation, cultivable land, etc.

The following table shows population density by geographical regions:
Table: Population density by geographical regions

Census Year Mountain Region Hilly Region Terai Region
1991 A.D. (2048 B.S.) 27.8 per sq. km 137.1 per sq. km 253.8 per sq. km
2001 A.D. (2058 B.S.) 33 per sq. km 167 per sq. km 330 per sq. km
2011 A.D. (2068 B.S.) 34 per sq. km 186 per sq. km 392 per sq. km
Source: CBS, 1991, 2001 and 2011 A.D.
According to the above table, population density of mountain region in 1991 A.D. or 2048
B.S. was 27. 8 per sq. km which reached 34 per sq. km in 2011 A.D. or 2068 B.S. This
GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 75

indicates that there is no remarkable increase of population in mountain region since then
till now. Population density of terai region was 253. 8 per sq. km in 1991 A.D. and reached
392 per sq. km. in 2011 A.D. The huge increase of population density in terai region in 20
years shows that there is massive increase of population there.


Population Density by Development Regions

Nepal is divided into five development regions from North to South as Eastern
development region, Central development region, Western development region, Mid-
Western development region and Far-Western development region. Central development
region has the highest population density and Mid-Western development region has the
least population density. Central development region is developed and has major big
cities including capital city of Nepal. But Mid-Western development region has difficult
land topography, less facilities available and is less developed.

The following table shows population density by development regions:
Table: Population Density by Development Regions (Per sq. km)

Eastern Central Western Mid-Western Far-Western
Census Development Development Development Development Development
Year
Region Region Region Region Region
1991 A.D. 156.3 225.6 128.3 56.9 85.9
2001 A.D. 188 293 155 71 112
2011 A.D. 204 352 168 84 131

Source CBS 1991, 2001 and 2011 A.D.
In the above table, we can observe gradual increase in population density in all the
development regions since 1991 A.D. It indicates that there is continuous increase of
population in all the development regions since then.




Population Density by Urban and Rural Areas

Population density of Nepal is gradually increasing. There is huge population density in
urban areas whereas less population density in rural areas. Urban areas have availability
of facilities, employment, security and comfortable life but rural areas lack facilities and
people have difficult life there.
The following table shows population density of urban and rural areas:
Table: Population Density by Urban and Rural Areas (Per. sq. km)

Census Year Urban Areas Rural Areas
2001 A.D. 985 138
2011 A.D. 1380 158
Source: CBS 2011 A.D.

76 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9

In the above table, population density of urban areas was 985 per sq. km in 2001 A.D. and
increased to 1380 per sq. km in 2011 A.D. Population density of rural areas was 138 per
sq. km in 2001 A.D. and reached 158 per sq. km in 2011 A.D. The increase in population
density of both urban and rural areas shows that there is overall increase of population in
Nepal. However, there is huge difference in population density in urban areas and rural
areas.
Activity: 1

Make a list of people of 10 houses in your locality on the basis of their caste, language,
sex, age, religion, occupation and educational status. Prepare a report and submit to
your subject teacher.



4.4 Population Distribution

The arrangement of population with respect to geographical regions, administrative
division like mountain, hills, terai, town, village, district, zone, etc. is called as population
distribution. It indicates how many people and where are they distributed in a place. The
data on population distribution supports the government, organization and individuals
to develop plan and policies based on their location and resources available.
There is difference in land topography, climate, cultivable land, soil structure, availability
of natural resources and facilities in different parts of Nepal. Hence the population
distribution is not same in all the places. Population distribution is more in urban areas
and terai region whereas less in mountain region and rural areas.

Population Distribution by Geographical Regions

There is unequal distribution of population in different geographical regions in Nepal.
Terai region has the highest population distribution where as mountain region has the
least population distribution. The following table shows the population distribution by
geographical regions in Nepal.
Table: Population Distribution by Geographical Regions

Area Census Year
Geographical 2001 A.D. or 2058 B. S. 2011 A.D. or 2068 B.S.
Regions Sq. %
km . Population Population Population Population
% %
Mountain 51817 35 1687859 7.3 1781792 6.73
Region
Hilly Region 61345 42 10251111 44.3 11394007 43.0

Terai Region 34019 23 11212453 48.4 13318705 50.27
Source: CBS 2001 and 2011 A.D.

GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 77

In the above table, we can see that mountain region covers 35% of total area of Nepal. The
population of mountain region decreased to 6.7% in 2011 A.D. from 7.3% in 2001 A.D. Hilly
region covers 42% of total area of Nepal and population decreased slightly in 2011 A.D.
than that of 2001 A.D. Terai region covers only 23% of total area of Nepal. But more than
50% of total population live in terai region. There is gradual increase of population in terai
region because people from mountain and hilly region have migrated to terai region.
In Nepal, the population is not equally distributed in all the geographical regions. There
are several reasons behind it. Some of them are described as follows:

a. Land topography
Mountain region lies in the northern part of Nepal where there is presence of mountains,
rocky areas, steep slopes. Hilly region lies in the middle part of Nepal which consists
of hills, hillocks and slopy areas. Terai region lies in the southern part of Nepal which
consists of plain and flat land. Life is quite easier and comfortable in terai region than
in mountain and hilly region. Hence, people from other regions like to migrate to terai
region which has resulted into high population there.









Mountain region






Hilly region





Terai region


Fig: 7

b. Climate

The climatic condition of a place affects distribution of population. Generally, people like
to live in the places having favorable climate. Mountain region has extremely cold climate.
Hilly region has moderate climate where as terai region has hot and humid climate. Life
is very hard in mountain region. Hence people do not like to live in mountain region and
migrate to other regions. This causes decrease of population in mountain region.





78 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9

c. Cultivable land
Mountain region contains 2% cultivable land.
Hilly region contains 10 % cultivable land and
terai region contains 17 % cultivable land. People
like to live in such place which has more cultivable
land. People can grow various types of food and
cash crops in terai region to sustain their life than
in mountain and hilly region. Hence, people from
hilly and mountain region migrate to terai region
in search of cultivable land. Fig: 8

d. Availability of facilities
People like to make their life easier, more
comfortable and improve their living standard.
That is possible only when people get required
facilities in the place where they live. Terai region
has got several facilities like health services,
education, transportation, communication,
security, entertainment, sanitation, electricity, etc.
than in mountain and hilly region. Hence, people
from other regions are attracted towards terai Fig: 9
region for various facilities. Similarly, some of the
urban areas contain many facilities in Nepal. Thus, people from rural areas migrate to
urban areas in search of facilities.
e. Availability of employment opportunities
People expect to have happiness, satisfaction,
peace and prosperity in life. All of them can be
achieved when people have better jobs and better
income. There is more establishment of industries
and development of commercial sectors more in
terai region than in hilly and mountain region.
People get more job opportunities in industries and
commercial sectors in terai region. Hence, people
from other regions migrate to terai region in serach Fig: 10
of employment opportunities.

f. Political instability
During Maoist insurgency period in Nepal in the decade of 2050 B.S., there was no security
of people and their family members in mountain and hilly region. Hence, more and more
people were forced to migrate to different parts of Nepal especially in Kathmandu valley,
urban areas, district headquarters and terai region. Even after the solution of Maoist
problem, people who migrated from their place did not return to their original place. As
a result, there is unequal distribution of population in different parts of Nepal.



GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 79

Population distribution by development regions
All the development regions in Nepal have no equal availability of facilities and services.
Hence, there is no equal distribution of population in all the development regions. Central
development region has the highest population distribution and far western development
has the least population distribution.

Table: Population Distribution by Development Regions:
Census year
Area
Development 2001 A.D. 2011 A.D.
Region Population Population
Sq. km % Population Population
% %
Eastern Dev. 28456 19.3 5344476 23.09 5811555 21.93
Region
Central Dev.
Region 27410 18.6 8031629 34.09 9656985 36.45
Western Dev. 29398 20.0 4571013 19.74 4926765 18.60
Region
Mid-Western 42378 28.8 3012975 13.01 3546682 13.39
Dev. Region
Far-Western 19539 13.3 2191330 9.47 2552517 9.63
Dev. Region
Total 23151423 100 26494504 100

Source: CBS 2001 and 2011 A.D.
The above table shows that central development region covers only 18.6% of total area of
Nepal. But there is more distribution of population (i.e. 34. 09% and 36.45%) in 2001 A.D.
and 2011 A.D. The main reasons of more population in this region are due to presence
of cultivable land, health services, education, transportation, communication, sufficient
rainfall etc. The mid western development region covers 28.8 % of total area in Nepal.
But it has 13% population in 2001 A.D. and 2011 A.D. The far western development
region covers 13.3% area of Nepal and contains only 9% people in both the censuses. The
major reasons of less population distribution in those regions are due to difficult land
topography, lack of plain land, lack of facilities, etc. Eastern development region has
second highest population in Nepal. It consists of 21.93% population in 2011 A.D. less
than that of 2001 A.D. in which population was 23.09%. This region consists of big cities,
more cultivable land and industrial development. Hence, the population is more there.


Distribution of Population by Urban Areas and Rural Areas
Different parts of Nepal are categorized into urban areas and rural areas. Urban areas have
availability of facilities, employment, opportunities and are geographically accessible
whereas rural areas have lack of facilities, lack of infrastructures and are geographically
remote. The following table shows the distribution of population by urban and rural
areas:
80 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9

Table: Distribution of population by Urban and Rural Areas

Census Year Urban Area Rural Area
2001 A.D. (2058 B.S.) 13. 93 % 86. 1 %
2011 A.D. (2068 B.S.) 17. 07 % 83. 00 %
Source: CBS 2011 A.D.
The above table shows that population in urban areas is increasing and population in
rural areas is decreasing. The population of urban areas increased from 13.93% in 2001
A.D. to 17.07% in 2011 A.D. whereas population of rural areas decreased from 86.1% in
2001 A.D. to 83.00% in 2011 A.D. The increased population in urban areas shows that
there is increase of migration of people from rural areas to urban areas. People in rural
areas are attracted towards availability of facilities in urban areas.













Fig: 11
Activity: 2

People are increasing in urban areas and plain areas but are decreasing in rural areas
and mountain as well as hilly region. Discuss in a group about the reasons and present
in your class.



4.5 Urbanization and Its Effects

Introduction
Urbanization is the extension of villages and
cities into big towns with the availability
of various facilities like health, education,
transportation, communication, drinking
water, security, entertainment, market,
industry, electricity, drainage, black topped
roads, huge buildings, etc. It is the gradual
increase in the proportion of people living
in urban areas. With the increase in number
of people in urban areas, they start to find Fig: 12
new opportunities in many sectors other
than agriculture. In Nepal, urban areas are defined legally since 2018 B.S. or 1961 A.D.
onwards. At that time, an area having colleges, judicial and administrative offices, markets,

GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 81

mills, industries, communication facilities as well as 5000 population was declared as
urban area. In fact, urbanization is the total process of establishment, development and
extension of urban areas.


Classification of Urban Areas

Urban areas include towns, metropolitan cities, sub-metropolitan cities, municipalities,
etc. Local Autonomous Governance act 2055 B.S. has defined urban areas and given
certain criteria and infrastructures to be fulfilled by them. It has classified the urban areas
into following types:
a. Municipality b. Sub-Metropolitan City c. Metropolitan City


a. Municipality
Following criteria should be fulfilled for being municipality:
There should be 20000 population in terai and
10000 population in mountain and hilly region.
Minimum of Rs. 50 lakhs annual income in
terai and Rs. 5 lakh in mountain and
hilly region.

There must be facilities of electricity, roads,
communication, drinking water and other
sectors. Fig: 13

b. Sub-Metropolitan City
There should be at least 1 lakh population.
Annual income should be Rs. 10 crore and
more.
There should be management of electricity,
roads with footpath, drinking water, health,
education, etc.
There should be infrastructure for national
and international playgrounds, public parks, Fig: 14
assembly halls and other urban facilities.

c. Metropolitan City
There should be at least 3 lakhs population.

Annual income must be 40 crore and more.
There should be high management of
electricity, special health facility, drinking
water, main and branch roads with footpaths,
etc. Fig: 15
82 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9

Provision of necessary infrastructures for international playgrounds.
Sufficient opportunities for higher education and presence of at least one local
university.
Adequate urban facilities and should have acquired the level of sub metropolitan city.


Trend of Urbanization in Nepal
The historical studies show the existence of ancient towns in Kathmandu, Bhadgaun,
Patan, Panauti, Lumbini, Jankpur, Biratnagar, etc. However, the remainings and proofs of
such towns are less present. Nowadays, urbanization is explained in modern perspective.
Urbanization has been explained in Nepal since 1952/54 A.D. (2009/11 B.S.) census
onwards. At that time, any place having 5000 or more population was regarded as urban
area. There was 2.9% people living in urban area in Nepal at that time. But, with the
passing of time, there has been extension of urban areas and increase of population in
urban areas. People in rural areas are attracted towards several facilities in urban areas.
Hence, there is increase of migration of people from rural areas to urban areas. The trend
of urbanization in Nepal is shown in the following table.
Table: Trend of Urbanization in Nepal

Urban areas
Urban population Urban population
Census Year (metro/sub metro/
(in %) growth rate (in %)
municipality)
1952/54 A.D. 2.9 10 –
1961 A.D. 3.6 16 4.53

1971 A.D. 4.0 16 3.23
1981 A.D. 6.4 23 7.55
1991 A.D. 9.2 33 5.89

2001 A.D. 13.9 58 6.65
2011 A.D. 17 58 3.38

Source: CBS 2011 A.D.

Effects of Urbanization on Population and Environment

Urbanization extends the settlement areas and increases population in the urban areas.
With the increase of population, there is increase in demand of several facilities like
health services, education, transportation, communication, drinking water, electricity,
employment, entertainment, etc. Urbanization increases the infrastructural development
and facilities as well. But the resources in environment like forest, water, soil, minerals are
excessively utilized. As a result, there is increase of deforestation, pollution, problem of
solid waste management, spreading of diseases, environment degradation, etc. Actually,
urbanization affects population and environment positively and negatively. The positive

GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 83

and negative effects of urbanization on population and environment are listed below:

1. Effects of urbanization on population

a. Positive effects on population by urbanization
It increases employment opportunities.

It raises the level of consciousness.
It enhances access in education and health.
It supports in increase of living standard.

It encourages people for small family.
It increases access in information and communication.
It changes profession of people.
It maximizes alternative opportunities of employment.

It helps to raise the status of women.

b. Negative effects on population by urbanization
Increase of pollution and serious impact on human health
Decrease in opportunity of quality education and health

Increase of crowd
Scarcity of food grains, housing and drinking water
Increase of criminal activities and increase of insecurity of people

Increase of unhealthy competition among people for employment
Lack of access to roads, transport, electricity, drainage, etc.
Religious and class struggles can increase.
Social security can be disturbed due to increase in various types of social
disorders.

2. Effects of urbanization on environment


a. Positive effects of urbanization on environment
It supports in generation of awareness related to environment.

It develops knowledge and consciousness among people for environmental
conservation.


b. Negative effects of urbanization on environment
It causes deforestation.
It increases air pollution due to production of harmful gases.
84 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9

It leads towards land pollution due to random disposal of wastes.
It causes water and sound pollution.
It destroys balance among living and non-living things in environment.

Activity: 2

Which place are you living in ? Is there any problem of urbanization in your locality?
Discuss in a group about problems caused by urbanization and ways to tackle with
them. Prepare a short report and submit to your subject teacher.

Summary

1. Census is conducted in very ten years interval in Nepal. It has been conducted
regularly in Nepal since last 100 years.

2. It is said that the scientific census started from the fifth census, 1952/54 A.D.
3. By 1981 A.D., the population of Nepal crossed 15 million or 1 core 50 lakhs with the
annual growth rate of 2.62 % which is the highest till now.
4. The latest census was conducted in 2011 A.D. in which the total population of Nepal
was counted as 2,64,94,504 with the annual growth rate of 1.35%.

5. The distribution of population on the basis of age, sex, caste, language, occupation,
religion, education, etc. is called composition of population.

6. The distribution of population on the basis of their sex (i.e. male and female) is
called composition of population by sex.
7. The distribution of population on the basis of their age is called composition of
population by age.
8. The population who cannot work and has to depend on others for their living is
called dependent population.
9. The population who can work and do not have to depend on others for their living
is called independent population.
10. Population pyramid is the graphical representation of composition of population
by sex and age together at the same time.
11. The distribution of population on the basis of caste is called composition of
population by caste.
12. According to 2068 B.S. or 2011 A.D. census, people of 126 castes are spread all over
Nepal.

13. The distribution of population on the basis of language that people speak is called
composition of population by language.

14. According to 2011 A.D. census, there are 123 languages spoken in Nepal.
15. The distribution of population on the basis of occupation or profession of people
are involved in is called composition of population by occupation.

GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 85

16. The distribution of population on the basis of religion that people follow is called
composition of population by religion.
17. According to 2011 A.D. census, there are 10 different religions that people follow in
Nepal.
18. The distribution of population on the basis of educational status of people is called
composition of population by educational status.
19. Population density can be defined as total number of people living in one square
kilometer area.
20. Mountain region has the least population density whereas terai region has the
highest population density.
21. Central development region has the highest population density and Mid-Western
development region has the least population density.

22. The arrangement of population with respect to geographical regions, administrative
division like mountain, hills, terai, town, village, district, zone, etc. is called
population distribution.
23. Urbanization is the extension of villages and cities into big towns with the availability
of various facilities like health services, education, transportation, communication,
drinking water, security, entertainment, market, industry, electricity, drainage,
black topped roads, huge buildings, etc.
24. Urbanization is the total process of establishment, development and extension of
urban areas.


Exercise


A. Give very short answer to the following questions.
1. What is population size?
2. When was first and latest census conducted in Nepal?

3. What was the total population of Nepal in the first census?
4. What is the total population of Nepal according to 2011 A.D. census?
5. What is the population growth rate of Nepal in 2011 A.D. census?

6. In how many years interval is census conducted in Nepal ?
7. When did the population of Nepal cross 15 million?
8. Which age group is regarded as economically active and inactive population?
9. What is the percentage of economically active and inactive population in 2011
A.D. census?
10. How many languages are spoken in Nepal according to 2011 A.D. census?


86 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9

11. How many castes are there in Nepal according to 2011 A.D. census?
12. How many religions are followed by people in Nepal according to 2011 A.D.
census?
13. Which castes of people are more in Nepal?
14. What is the literacy percentage of Nepal according to 2011 A.D. census?

15. Define population density.
16. What does density of population as 180. 01 per sq. km mean?
17. Which development region in Nepal has the highest and which has the least
population?
18. What percentage of people are living in urban and rural areas according to 2011
A.D. census?
19. From which census is urbanization classified and defined?
20. What percentage of people are living in the terai region?

21. What is the criteria for population and income in sub-metropolitan city?

B. Write short answer to the following questions.

1. Why was the population of Nepal in decreasing trend in the second and third
census?
2. Define composition of population. Write its importance.

3. What is population pyramid? Explain briefly about population pyramid.
4. What is composition of population by language? Explain briefly.
5. Why is the density of population more in central development region?
6. What is urbanization? Write about positive effects of urbanization on population.

7. Make a table on trend of urbanization in Nepal.
8. How are urban areas classified? Explain briefly.


C. Write long answer to the following questions.
1. Explain briefly about population size and growth rate in Nepal.
2. What is composition of population? Explain briefly on any three types of
composition of population.
3. What is population distribution? Why is the distribution of population not equal
in all the geographical regions in Nepal?
4. Critically analyze the table on population distribution by development regions.
5. What are the positive and negative effects of urbanization on environment?



GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 87

UNIT
5 Family Life Education









Estimated Teaching Periods: 18



Learning Outcomes
Learning Objectives
After completing the study of this unit, students will be able to:
i. introduce family life education and describe its stages.
ii. explain the importance of family life education.
iii. introduce family and explain its characteristics and types.
iv. describe the needs of the family and responsibilities and roles of parents.
v. define marriage and describe its types.
vi. explain planning of the family and women’s involvement in planning of the family.
vii. describe ageing and social security.

Course Outline


5.1 Introduction to Family Life Education
5.2 Importance of Family Life Education
5.3 Needs of the Family
5.4 Responsibilities of Parents
5.5 Marriage and Its Types
5.6 Agency and Social Security



Glossary

spouse : someone who is married: a husband or wife
cherish : to feel or show great love for (someone or something)
miscarriage : a condition in which a pregnancy ends too early and does not result in the
birth of a live baby
anxiety : fear or nervousness about what might happen
integrity : the state of being complete or whole
prostitution : the act of having sex in exchange for money
harmony : a pleasing combination or arrangement of different things
equity : fairness or justice in the way people are treated
stipend : a usually small amount of money that is paid regularly to someone
88 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9

5.1 Introduction to Family Life Education

After the birth, life of an individual starts in the family. Parents and other family members
love and take care of a baby. A baby learns language and gradually develops to a child. A
child acquires basic life skills and understands society, its norms and values, moral
lessons, manners, etc. A child achieves knowledge and skills in school and becomes
adolescent. An adolescent has physical, mental , emotional and social changes, understands
the life in a way and enters the youth stage. A youth becomes mature, has broad
understanding about family life and family relationship. He/she gets married, bears
children and fulfills all the responsibilities as a responsible parent. With the passing of
time, a youth becomes old, gets retired in life and finally dies. These all are parts of our
life. Family life education supports an individual in each and every parts of our life.
Family life education is an educational
programme which is designed to support
young generations in their physical, emotional
and moral development to make them able to
cope with temporal changes like adolescence,
puberty and ageing with an objective of living
a better family life.
It can also be defined as an educational process
which assists the members of the family in
their physical, mental, emotional and moral Fig: 1
development as they prepare for adulthood,
marriage, parenthood, ageing as well as their social relationships in the socio-cultural
context of the family and society.
Family life education is very important in every part of life. It guides individuals to face
challenges in life and take responsible decisions for family welfare as well as individual
development. Life of an individual is important even from childhood. Family life
education gives knowledge to children to know about family, society, norms and values
of society, discipline, etc. It is more required during adolescence. As a matter of various
changes, adolescents have stress on several conditions. Family life education can impart
required knowledge on them and show the ways to overcome problems with positive
attitudes and feelings. Many youths are unware about proper parenthood and caring of
children as well as various aspects of family life. Family life education provides practical
guidelines for the solution of family problems and better nurturing of children. Old age
is the retirement period in our life. Old people need special attention and care. Family life
education prepares people to face the challenges and tackle the problems in old age. It
develops the feeling of love, affection, care, co-operation and sympathy among each other
in the family and helps in the overall development of family members.

Stages of family life

From birth till death, people have to pass through different stages in life. Each of the stages
are quite different from each other and each of them has different importance, experience,
growth and development. Some of the stages of family life are described below:
GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 89

a. Marital stage
Marriage is compulsory in our society. People like
to get married sooner or later in their life. Male and
female having different attitudes, behaviours, interest,
personality, culture, norms and values are tied up and
start living together after marriage. Both male and
female have different views and perceptions on many Fig: 2
aspects of family life. But, each of them should have
better understanding and belief on each other. They should behave each other as a friend.
They need to sacrifice and compromise each other for happy and satisfied married life.

b. Family expanding stage

After marriage, people like to continue their
generation by bearing children. Both husband and
wife need to plan for bearing children. They must
discuss among each other whether they bear child
within a year or some years after marriage. After
the birth of a child, both father and mother should
take care of a child, inculcate good behaviours, Fig: 3
manners, habit, discipline, moral values and feeling
of independency on a child. They must have consensus on either bearing a single child or
some children. If they plan for next baby, they need to maintain birth spacing for which
they need to use appropriate contraceptive devices as well.


c. Schooling stage
It is the important stage in one’s life. Parents must
provide quality education to their children to make
them knowledgeable, skillful, well cultured, well
mannered and responsible citizens for nation.
Children get formal education in school and college
or university in this stage. They complete elementary
and high school education till 18 years and after Fig: 4
then start university education. Parents need to guide their children in their education.
They need to create environment for better learning and improvement in their studies.
Parents should understand their childrens’ interest rather than forcing them to study the
subject of their choice. Moreover, parents need to support their children in development
of manners, discipline, moral lessons, positive attitudes as a part of informal education.


d. Launching stage
It is the stage in which children become mature,
complete their education, become independent
and get established in any job or profession. Once,
children are independent, parents must suggest them
to get married. Parents must guide their children in
Fig: 5
90 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9

various aspects of life even after their marriage. Parents should share their experiences
and support children to tackle their family problems. Parents should always motivate
their children to remain happy, prosperous and healthy.

e. Retirement stage

It is the stage of old age of parents. With the passing
of time, everyone becomes old. During old age,
people become old physically, mentally and socially.
Hence, they need special attention and care. Old
people cannot remain active like in their adulthood.
They need more rest. The family members should
respect them and love them. We must explore their
knowledge and experiences for family and national
welfare. We must manage religious books, spiritual Fig: 6
environment, health facilities, newspaper, etc. for
them and assist them in visiting outside, performing puja, yoga, etc. With the availability
of all of them, old people can remain healthy, happy and easily pass their time happily.


Importance of family life education
Family life education plays vital role in every stages of our life. It is essential for happy
and prosperous family life and important for family welfare. Children having family life
education can easily cope with physical, mental, emotional and social changes as well as
the challenges they face in different aspects of life. They can become responsible parents
and citizens for the overall development of entire nation. The importance of family life
education are listed below:
a. It supports individuals to cope with physical, emotional and social changes which
take place in the process of growing up.
b. It helps to develop good knowledge on the concept of family, family roles and
functions to recognize various tasks that need to be undertaken for family welfare.
c. It makes them understand that they are becoming sexually mature and realize the
wholesome sex attitudes and behaviours to guide sex drives.
d. It motivates individuals to establish and maintain satisfying relationships with family
members, friends and others with whom they come in contact.
e. It enables them to understand and cope with changes in adolescents lives and in the
society especially for breaking down traditional social structures, changing role of
men and women in marriage practice.
f. It assists young ones to communicate effectively with others and make wise decisions
about family life, personal relationships and membership of the community.
g. It prepares them to develop knowledge, values and skills necessary for adult life,
marriage, parenthood and participation in community life.



GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 91

5.2 Family

Introduction to family
People live in the family. There is presence of
grand father, grand mother, father, mother, son,
daughter in law, daughter, etc. in the family.
All of them have different age. Grand father
and grand mother as well as father and mother
have marriage relationship whereas parents
and children have blood relationship. All of
them live in the same house, have same kitchen,
share the same food, co-operate among each Fig: 7
other, follow the same culture and so on.
Family is the elementary unit of society. The origin of family is not known. However, it is
believed that paleolithic humans started family in the stone age. When people started to
live in groups for various purposes, they realized several advantages. Ultimately, there
was development of family.
Family is a group of individuals having different age, sex, related by blood or marriage,
living under the same roof with the common provision of food, sharing the responsibilities
and other resources together.
It can also be defined as a group of individuals having different age, sex, related by blood
or marriage or adoption, living together in the designated role of father, mother, grand
father, grand mother, uncle, aunt, brothers, sisters, cousins, etc. with the common sub-
culture.
Family is the first school for every individual. A child is born in home or hospital but
brought up in the family. The family and family members are like teachers. They teach
language to a child and shape his/her character. There are certain norms and values in
the family. A child learns those norms, values, manners and behaviours from the family
members. A child observes the behaviours and doings of parents and imitates the same.
A child is made to acquire moral lessons and discipline from family. A child becomes
keen observer of social traditions, cultural activities and religious practices performed by
parents throughout the whole year. A child gains practical experiences on various health,
population and environment matters from the family and family members. It is the family
where a child learns to respect others. A child learns to be civilized and socialized as well
as morally acceptable from family. Similarly, parents care a lot for their children. They
are loving and dearing ones in the family. Parents guide their children in various parts of
life. They always wish their bright future and welfare. They develop background for their
children to become independent and successful.
Family makes a culture-less child a cultured and civilized citizen and gives him/her all
necessary provisions for growing up. Family helps a child to be successful in life. Hence,
family is the place of multi-dimensional development of an individual.




92 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9

Characteristics of Nepalese family
Unlike other common families in the world, Nepalese have sense of love, respect,
co-operation and justice among each other. But, Nepalese families have some typical
characteristics which have made them unique in the world. Some of the major
characteristics of Nepalese family are described below:


a. Joint family system
In Nepal, many people live in joint family in which there
is living together of 3/4 generations in the same home.
There is proper work division, proper security, support
during emergency and other occasions, proper caring of
children, old and diseased ones. The joint family system
is rare in other parts of world especially in western
societies.
Fig: 8
b. Traditional marriage
Many Nepalese like to have arranged or traditional
marriage no matter how much educated they are.
Parents search appropriate bride and bridegroom for
their children and manage every thing for their marriage
which is totally different from western culture.

c. Monogamous marriage Fig: 9

In Nepal, people like to get married only once in life. Even after marriage, they live
together for the rest of life. They take marriage as a precious bond. There is strong bond
between husband and wife. Even after the death of spouse, they remain single and do not
like to get married again. In our country, it is not considered good to marry more than
once. It is totally different from western culture as people can marry many times there.

d. Proper caring of children
In our context, children are loving and dearing ones.
Parents love their children very much. Parents sacrifice
a lot even their happiness, discomfort, tension, rest,
business, busy schedule, etc. for the sake of children.
This type of features is different than many societies in
the world.
Fig: 10
e. Proper guidance of children

In our context, parents are very much worried about bright future of their children. They
guide their children in every step of life. They prepare background for their children
to make them independent. This type of characteristics is totally different from western
culture as children leave home and start independent life after late teenage there.



GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 93

Importance of family
Family supports individual for multi-dimensional development. Whenever people have
good time or bad moments, there is family to cherish and console us. It guides people
for physical, mental, emotional and social development. The importance of family are
described below:


a. Social importance
Family makes us social. It encourages us to follow
norms and values in the society and adjust there. It
provides us knowledge on social traditions and cultural
activities. In the family, children observe parents
practising the social and cultural practises and learn
them. On top of them, family supports in socialization
of every individual. Fig: 11


b. Religious importance
People follow certain religion. In family, all the
individuals are suggested to follow the same religion.
Children learn about religious functions and practices
from parents in family which they practise in future.
After all, family makes a person religious.
Fig: 12
c. Biological importance

In the family, married couples can fulfill their sexual desires and give birth to child. As a
result, there is continuity of generation in the family.

d. Educational importance
People can get both formal and informal education in
the family. Children learn about moral values, ethics,
language, manners, discipline, positive feelings and
attitudes from the family. Children acquire practical
knowledge, experiences and learning on various aspects
of life. Family supports children in their academics
along with several other experiences through informal Fig: 13
education.

e. Psychological importance
In the family, parents love children and in return children
respect parents. There is sense of co-operation, support,
understanding and sharing of happiness as well as
anxieties among each other. Parents create environment
for the maintenance of peace, prosperity and happiness
in the family.
Fig: 14
94 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9

f. Recreational importance
In the family, people can get involved into various
entertainment activities like dancing, singing, playing
games, cracking jokes, watching movies, laughing, etc.
With such entertainment activities, people can remain
healthy and happy.
Fig: 15
g. Proper caring
In the family, children are loving and dearing ones.
Parents love their children a lot. They sacrifice their
happiness, tensions, discomforts and busy life for the
sake of caring their children. There is also caring of
diseased and old family members in the family.


h. Proper guidance Fig: 16
Parents are very much worried about bright future of their children. They encourage their
children to follow right path and not to follow wrong one. They guide children in every
sector of life. They prepare background for their children to make them independent.

i. Security
There is security and protection of all family members in family. Generally, people get
protection from heat, cold, water, wind, dust particles, animals, enemies, etc. in the family.
Feeling of security is one of the bases for happiness and improvement of living standard.


Types of family

Various types of families were developed in the course of development of family. They
were classified into several types on the basis of their characteristics, roles and structures,
etc. Based on family size, family can be divided into following types:
a. Nuclear family or small family

b. Joint family or large family or extended family

a. Nuclear family or Small family
The family which consists of 1 or 2 adults and their
children living together is called nuclear family.
Generally, nuclear family has less members. But, it
can also be large when parents bear more number of
children. A family remains nuclear unless a son gets
married and bears a child. There should not be more
than two generations in a nuclear family. This family Fig: 17
is also regarded as small family when there are less
members. Small family is considered as happy family. This family is very popular in the
world and is in increasing trend in our context too.

GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 95

Advantages of nuclear family
i. As there are less members, there is high chance of fulfillment of needs and demands
of family members.
ii. There is high chance of fulfillment of desires and wishes in this family.
iii. There is more feeling of love, caring and understanding among the family members.
iv. There is less chance of conflict and quarrels among family members.

v. There is more privacy.
vi. It is self supportive or independent family.
vii. This type of family is fast in decision making.

viii. There can be more saving in this family.
ix. People tend to remain happy and there is high chance of improvement of living
standard.


Disadvantages of nuclear family
i. It is very difficult to bring up children in nuclear family.
ii. In this family, there is lack of supervision of children in the absence of parents.
iii. There is problem during emergency time.

iv. There is lack of knowledge about traditional, religious and cultural activities in
nuclear family.
v. Children have less feeling for old parents.

vi. There is lack of manpower for social functions and religious practices.
vii. There is less security of family members in nuclear family.

b. Joint family or Large family or Extended family

The family which consists of at least three generations including grand parents, father,
mother, uncle, aunt, brothers, sisters, sister in laws, cousins, etc. This family consists
many family members and is also called large family or extended family. In joint family,
good leadership, strong economic condition, mutual understanding, feeling of sacrifice,
compromise, etc. matter a lot. As there are more members in this family, there is more
expenditure as well. Hence, more and more members in this family should get involved
in income generating activities. There should be balance in income and expenditure of
this family. In the context of Nepal, more people live in joint family. But, it is in decreasing
trend in the urban areas. People can manage this family by reducing the family members
like grand father, grand mother, father, mother and 1 or 2 children.

Advantages of joint family
i. It is quite easier to bring up children in this family.
ii. There is more supervision of children.

96 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9

iii. There is more manpower for household and religious activities.
iv. There is division of work.
v. There is more security of properties and security from enemy, thief, etc.
vi. There is high chance of acquiring knowledge on social, cultural and religious
activities.
vii. In this family, children are more likely to become disciplined and mannerful as well.
viii. There is more support during emergencies and problems.
ix. Adolescents get more guidance from elders in this family.

Disadvantages of joint family
i. There is high chance of conflict and quarrels among family members.
ii. The demands and needs of all family members are not easily fulfilled.
iii. The feelings are less intense in comparison to nuclear family.
iv. There is more division of movable and immovable property.
v. There is high chance of spreading of diseases, problem of cleanliness, sanitation, etc.
due to crowd in family.
vi. There is no privacy in this family.
vii. It takes long time for decision making in joint family.
viii. There is high chance of decrease of living standard in family.

Differences between Nuclear and Joint Family
Nuclear family Joint family
1. It consists of only two generations. 1. It consists of at least three generations.
2. The demands and wishes are easily 2. The demands and wishes are difficult
fulfilled. to fulfill.
3. The feelings are more intense in this 3. The feelings are less intense in this
family. family.
4. There is more privacy. 4. There is less privacy.
5. Decisions are made faster. 5. Decisions are not made faster.
6. This family is self supportive. 6. Family members are dependent on
one another.
7. It is very difficult to bring up children. 7. It is quite easier to bring up children.
8. There is great problem during 8. There is more support during
emergencies. emergencies.
9. There is lack of supervision of 9. There is more supervision of children.
children.
10. There are less conflict and disputes. 10. There are high chances of conflict and
disputes.




GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 97

5.3 Needs of the Family

Introduction
People live in the family in home. There are certain members in the family. People need
food, clothes for their proper growth, development and safety. Home provides security
and shelter for the family members. Children go to school to achieve education. Parents
manage health care services to all the family members whenever required. Parents love their
children and in return they respect them. Father and mother have mutual understanding
and fulfill their responsibilities cheerfully. All the family members are strongly attached
emotionally and have sense of unity among each other. They have freedom for religion,
culture, education, communication, information. All the family members are encouraged
to have self confidence and self actualization for happiness and satisfaction in life.
Actually people need basic and additional needs in life for proper growth,
development, survival as well as for happiness and satisfaction. In 1954 A.D. an American
psychologist, Abraham Maslow explained a motivational theory in psychology in which
he explained about a five tier model of human needs regarded as hierarchical levels of
needs within a pyramid.



Self
Actualaization Additional needs
needs
Esteem needs
Love and belonging
needs
Safety needs Basic needs
Fig: 18 Physiological needs


According to Maslow, the basic needs are very important in our life and people need to
give priority for fulfillment of basic needs. Even among the basic needs, physiological
needs like food, water, sex, rest, etc. are most important in our life. They are followed
by safety needs. After the basic needs are fulfilled, people expect to achieve additional
needs which include love and belonging needs, esteem need and self actualization need.
Actually, people must satisfy the lower level before progressing on to meet the higher
level of needs.
Basic needs
The prime needs which are essential for our proper growth, development and survival
are called basic needs. Basic needs are most essential part of our life. There is no existence
of our life without fulfillment of basic needs. The following chart shows the classification
of basic needs:




98 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9

Basic needs


Physiological needs Safety needs

Food Sex Drinks Security Stability Structure
(Clothes, shelter)

Maslow has classified basic needs into two major needs as physiological needs and safety
needs. Physiological needs are related with the function of body activities. Food, drinks and
sex are regarded as physiological needs. Food and water are important for our survival. Sex is
also as important as food and water. People should have fulfillment of sex drives. After people
fulfill food, water and sex, they want security and safety. They need clothes to wear, house or
shelter to live in. Clothes and house provide security and safety to people.


Additional needs
Those needs which are essential for career development as well as for happiness and
satisfaction are called additional needs. Love and belongings, esteem and self actualization
are additional needs in our life. They are regarded as secondary needs. After the basic
needs are fulfilled, people expect to fulfill additional needs. Without fulfillment of basic
needs, people cannot imagine of fulfillment of additional needs. The following chart
shows classification of additional needs:
Additional needs

Love and belonging needs Needs of esteem Self actualization


– Giving and taking love – Honour Self fulfillment
– Affection – Respect

– Acceptance – Freedom




Explanation on basic needs

a. Food
Food is the most essential part of our life. It
is required for proper growth, development
and survival. We must consume balanced
and nutritious diet. Consumption of
necessary amount of food helps us to
remain healthy and supplies all necessary
nutrients. It also keeps us strong, fit and
free from diseases. When people do not get
sufficient amount of food, they will suffer
from malnutrition. Ultimately, the physical
Fig: 19
GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 99

and mental development of people are seriously affected. Hence people must prepare
various types of nutritious and hygienic foods everyday and consume them.

b. Clothes
Clothes protect us from heat, cold, water or rain, wind, dust
particles, etc. People must wear neat and clean clothes. Actually,
people need to wear clothes according to the climatic condition
of a place. We wear thin clothes in summer and thick clothes in
winter. Clothes we wear even reflect our personality. When we
wear neat and tidy clothes, we have happiness and satisfaction.
But people have decrease of status when they wear dirty and
untidy clothes. People do not like to talk with someone who
has dirty and untidy clothes. Normally, clothes are worn for
protection. Fig: 20

c. Shelter
Everyone should have some place to live in.
We feel safe while remaining in our home. Our
shelter place protects us from heat, cold, rain,
animals, dust particles, enemies, etc. Our home
should be large enough, clean and green as well.
Moreover, there should be availability of several
facilities like electricity, drinking water, drainage,
toilets, bathrooms, kitchen appliances, furniture,
transportation facilities, etc. Availability of all of
them can make our life easier, comfortable, happier Fig: 21
and improves our standard of living.


d. Sex
Sex is one of the physiological needs. People should have fulfillment of sexual desires.
Without fulfillment of sexual desires and satisfaction of sexual drives, there is no happiness
and person becomes more violent. It is essential to continue generation in family. But
people need to get married and only after that, they can fulfill their sexual desires. People
should not have multiple sexual relationship and they should not practice unsafe sexual
behaviours. People should have control over their sexual desires. Young ones tend to have
sexual relationship which is not good from social, moral and reproductive point of view.
Moreover, sexual relationship should be limited within husband and wife only.


e. Health
Health is the basic right of every individual. A healthy mind exists in a healthy body.
Everyone needs to become healthy and free from diseases. Only the healthy people can
work properly. Healthy people are great asset of nation. The type of food we consume
affects our health. When we consume nutritious food and balanced diet, we can remain
healthy, strong and free from diseases. But low quality or unnutritive food, contaminated


100 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9