Kathmandu, Nov. 3 -- Nepal has over two decades to capitalise on its expanding working-age population before the demographic advantage begins to fade. However, according to a new World Bank report, structural weaknesses in employment, healthcare and social protection could prevent the country from translating this opportunity into sustained economic growth.

Nepal's working-age population is projected to peak in 2047, giving it a longer window than most South Asian countries to benefit from what economists call the demographic dividend-the potential economic gains that arise when the share of the working-age population increases relative to dependents.

The country is expected to become an aged society by 2059, when the share of older peo...