Nepal Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (NMICS) 2024-25
Survey Findings Summary Report
Introduction
The Nepal Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (NMICS) 2024-25 is the seventh iteration of the Global MICS Programme in Nepal. Conducted by the National Statistics Office (NSO) in collaboration with UNICEF, the survey provides statistically sound and internationally comparable data. Fieldwork was carried out between December 2024 and May 2025.
The primary objective of the survey is to deliver a robust evidence base for monitoring progress toward national goals and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It specifically focuses on the situation of children and women, providing critical data to inform the 16th Five-Year Development Plan and other national policies aimed at social inclusion and human development.
Key Survey Data
Demographics & Implementation
- Households Interviewed: 12,802 (99.5% response rate)
- Average Household Size: 3.8 members
- Urban/Rural Split: 66.8% Urban / 33.2% Rural
- Women Interviewed: 13,762 (97.7% response rate)
Health & Mortality
- Under-Five Mortality: 31 per 1,000 live births
- Neonatal Mortality: 17 per 1,000 live births
- Skilled Birth Attendance: 91.4%
- Full Immunization (Basic): 80.2% of children 12-23 months
Education & Learning
- ECED Attendance: 57.9% (children 36-59 months)
- Foundational Reading Skills: 28.6% (age 7-14)
- Foundational Numeracy Skills: 20.6% (age 7-14)
- Basic Education Net Attendance: 76.6% (Grades 1-5)
WASH & Environment
- Safely Managed Water: 47.3% access
- Improved Drinking Water: 98.2% access
- Basic Sanitation Services: 79.9% access
- Clean Energy for Cooking: 35.6% rely on clean fuels
Child Protection
- Birth Registration: 85.4% (under-5 children)
- Child Labour: 12.1% (children 5-17 years)
- Violent Discipline: 78.7% (children 1-14 years)
- Mobile Phone Ownership: 93.6% of households
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Exceptional participation rates (>95%) across all modules.
- Use of standard MICS7 methodology and CAPI for high data quality and monitoring.
- Strong institutional partnership between NSO and UNICEF.
Weaknesses
- Critical gaps in foundational learning (reading and numeracy both less than 30%).
- High prevalence of E. coli contamination in household water (61.2% point-of-use).
- Widespread use of violent discipline in child-rearing (nearly 79%).
Opportunities
- Data provides a baseline for the final five years of SDG implementation (2026-2030).
- High mobile phone reach (93.6%) allows for digital health and education interventions.
- Evidence base to support Nepal's Least Developed Country (LDC) graduation.
Threats
- Regional inequalities, with under-five mortality varying from 21 in Bagmati to 48 in Sudurpashchim.
- Environmental hazards (floods, droughts) affecting water supply for ~12% of households.
- Low health insurance coverage (81.4% have no coverage).
Access the Full Document
For detailed thematic chapters, province-wise disaggregated data, and full statistical tables, please download the complete report.
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