Ilām Population 2026
Ilām has a population of 17,491, making it the #45 biggest city in 🇳🇵 Nepal, located in Koshi. Roughly 0.1% of Nepal's population lives here. It is about 82× smaller than Kathmandu, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
17,491
Rank in Nepal
#45
Coordinates
26.91°N, 87.93°E
~1,218 m elevation · Asia/Kathmandu
Distance to capital (Kathmandu)
272 km
169 miles, straight line
Other big cities in Koshi
| City | Population | Rank in Nepal |
|---|---|---|
| Biratnagar | 244,750 | #6 |
| Dharān | 173,096 | #11 |
| Triyuga | 71,405 | #17 |
| Inaruwa | 70,093 | #18 |
| Īṭahari̇̄ | 47,984 | #24 |
| Khā̃dbāri̇̄ | 22,903 | #37 |
| Dhankutā | 22,084 | #38 |
| Bhadrapur | 19,523 | #42 |
Cities near Ilām
FAQ
What is the population of Ilām?
Ilām has a population of 17,491 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #45 biggest city in Nepal.
What region is Ilām in?
Ilām is located in Koshi, Nepal.
Is Ilām the capital of Nepal?
No, the capital of Nepal is Kathmandu, about 272 km away.
Sources & notes
Population refers to the city proper (municipal boundaries), not the metropolitan area. Source: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 2026-07-07. Country data: UN World Population Prospects 2024.