Characteristics of Nepalese Rural Society

1. Occupation: Nepalese rural society is predominantly based on agriculture. Possession of land carries with it social and prestige value, besides being considered as an economic asset. In many villages, the land is mostly distributed between two or more castes, or among a few families, or between one big land owner and the rest of the community. Landless laborers and tenants constitute a considerable part of the population depending on agriculture.
2. Isolation and Self-sufficiency: The villages in Nepal were more or less-contained, isolated, and self-sufficient. The inhabitants of the village had very little to do with people outside. All of their essential needs were satisfied in the village itself. However, changing political and economic conditions are putting an end to the isolation and self-sufficiency of the Indian villages. The rapid development of means of transport and communication has broken the barriers between the village and city.
3. Peace and Simplicity: The atmosphere in villages is of simplicity and calmness. The villagers lead a simple life, dress simply. But now the old order is yielding place to a new one. Fashion is making its inroads in the life of young men and women in villages. However, this change is gradual and slow.
4. Conservatism: The inhabitants of village are strongly attached to old customs and traditions. Their outlook is primarily conservative and they accept changes with reluctance. They love old ways of marriage and other customs. Caste is dominant institution of village.
5. Poverty and Illiteracy: Probably the most glaring and also depressing features of Nepalese village community are the poverty and illiteracy of the village people. They are generally poor with a very low income. Beside poverty, the village people are steeped in ignorance and illiteracy. The opportunities are meagre in the villages.
6. General Environment: Rural people are closely related to natural environment. So, they have to face the vagaries of nature like rain, heat, snow and drought etc. over which they have no control. Due to this they build up their beliefs and convictions about nature. The layout of the village, construction of houses, the dress etc. is allowed according to the prescribed patterns of the culture of the area.
7. Size of community: The rural communities are smaller as compared to urban communities. The land to man ratio is higher in rural areas as most of the rural people depend on agriculture. The density of per square mile is low as compared to urban areas.
8. The religious and caste composition of village largely determines its character. Different castes exist in village due to social distance. The habitation of each caste is separated from others. The habitation area has usually a distinct name e.g. Khanal daadaa
9. Women do not have full equality with men in several aspects of life. There is high degree of social stratification, social differentiation.