Nepali Community in Birmingham

Where they come from

Nepal is a Himalayan nation between India and China, home to Mount Everest and to the birthplace of the Buddha at Lumbini. Many Nepali families in Britain are those of Gurkha veterans, who won the right to settle here, while others have come as students, nurses and professionals.

The community in numbers

At the 2021 Census, out of a city population of 1,144,919, 608 Birmingham residents described their ethnic group as Nepali, including Gurkha; and 439 residents gave Nepali as their main language. Main language figures leave out the many bilingual residents who use English day to day, so the number who speak the language at home is higher still.

Working for Birmingham

Nepali residents work in healthcare, social care, hospitality, security, catering and business, and Nepali restaurants have become popular across the city. Former Gurkhas bring discipline and leadership to their work, and a younger generation is studying at Birmingham's universities and building careers of their own.

Birmingham is one of the youngest and most diverse cities in Europe, and its progress has always depended on people who chose to make it home. Its hospitals, schools and universities, its building sites, workshops, warehouses and kitchens all rely on skills brought from around the world. The Nepali community adds its own share to that effort, and takes pride in giving back to the city that welcomed it.

Culture and community life

Dashain and Tihar, the great autumn festivals, are times for family, blessings and lights. Momo dumplings and dal bhat are much-loved dishes. Hindu and Buddhist traditions are both part of Nepali life, and cultural groups organise dance, music and language classes so that children can share in their heritage.

In a city where scores of languages are spoken, the Nepali community adds another voice to the conversation. Its members, old and new, are helping to make Birmingham the confident, outward-looking city it wants to be.