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 program. 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).