The Government of Nepal has recognized that sound population policy formulation in the area of population and development, and the effective and efficient implementation of population policy depend on competent professional advice, research and analysis. The Government of Nepal has, therefore, worked with Tribhuvan University (TU) to establish a high quality research and training institution to serve the country's population and development programme. The Central Department of Population Studies (CDPS) was established in 1988 by T.U. Council. Since 1990, CDPS has been modestly funded by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). It has grown and developed during the last twenty years and has made significant contributions to the nation's population dynamics sector. It is envisaged that CDPS will continue to grow, in line with the evolving needs for research and training in the country; and that it will emerge in due course as a major research and training centre in South Asia.