Generation Z in Nepal, generally defined as those born between 1997 and 2012, represents a significant and active segment of the population, making up about 40% of Nepal's nearly 30 million people. This group has grown up in a digital and internet-based environment, deeply influenced by social media and global digital culture. They are highly connected and politically and socially conscious, using platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and other social media not just for communication but as tools for political engagement and expression. In 2025, Nepali Gen Z came prominently into the spotlight by leading massive protests across the country. These protests, sparked by a government ban on many social media platforms, quickly expanded to confront broader issues such as political corruption, nepotism, and economic hardship. The movement drew university students, schoolchildren, and many young citizens from cities including Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Itahari. They used social media to organize and spread their message, demanding government transparency, an end to corrupt practices, and restoration of free speech rights. The unrest led to significant political consequences, including the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and calls for a more inclusive political process involving Gen Z voices in shaping Nepal's future. Youth unemployment, which exceeds 20%, and economic challenges were critical underlying factors fueling their activism. The Gen Z protests in Nepal reflect a digitally savvy generation's frustration with traditional politics and their desire for change in governance and social justice. Thus, Gen Z in Nepal is a digitally connected, politically active generation that is reshaping Nepal's social and political landscape through activism and demands for reform.
