Pokhara, 4 August । Nepal has witnessed a significant surge in divorce cases, with the latest statistics from the National Identification and Civil Registration Department revealing a record-high of 24,522 registered divorces in the fiscal year 2081/82. This figure represents the highest number of divorces ever recorded in a single year, surpassing the 23,355 cases registered in the previous fiscal year, 2080/81. The data shows a consistent trend of rising divorce rates, with over 20,000 cases being registered annually since the fiscal year 2079/80.
A historical review of the department’s data highlights the dramatic increase. In 2042 BS (1985 AD), only 21 divorces were registered, a number that grew to 397 by 2070 BS (2013 AD). Remarkably, more than 106,000 of the over 110,000 total divorces registered between 2042 BS and 2081 BS occurred within the last 11 years alone. This trend underscores a rapid societal shift.
A recent analytical report from the department on divorce cases between 2076 BS and 2079 BS provides further insights. It found that the highest number of divorces were registered in Bagmati Province, particularly in Kathmandu, while the lowest were in Madhesh Province. The report also identified key demographic patterns: the highest percentage of men getting divorced were aged 30-34, while for women, the highest proportion was in the 25-29 age group.
The study also revealed that 35.1% of couples divorcing during the period had no children, while 37.6% had one child and 21.1% had two. The data also indicated that while the vast majority of divorcees were Nepali citizens, a small number of foreign nationals were also involved. The report noted that 36 foreign men and 126 foreign women registered for divorce, with a significant number of them being from India, the USA, and Australia. The findings point to evolving social dynamics and the need for more in-depth research on the causes behind the escalating divorce rates in Nepal.
