Administrative Structure of Nepal

Nepal is a federal democratic republic divided into three levels of government: federal, provincial, and local. The country adopted a federal structure with the 2015 Constitution.

Federal Structure

ProvinceCapitalDistrictsHeadquarters
Koshi ProvinceBiratnagar14Biratnagar
Madhesh ProvinceJanakpur8Janakpur
Bagmati ProvinceHetauda13Hetauda
Gandaki ProvincePokhara11Pokhara
Lumbini ProvinceDeukhuri12Deukhuri
Karnali ProvinceBirendranagar10Birendranagar
Sudurpashchim ProvinceDhangadhi9Dhangadhi

Key Political Map Features

  • Capital: Kathmandu (national capital)
  • Provinces: 7 federal provinces
  • Districts: 77 administrative districts
  • Local Units: 753 local governments (6 metropolitan cities, 11 sub-metropolitan cities, 276 municipalities, 460 rural municipalities)
  • International Borders: China (north), India (east, south, west)

Neighboring Countries

Nepal shares borders with two countries:

  • China (Tibet Autonomous Region): 1,389 km northern border along the Himalayan crest
  • India: 1,770 km border on three sides (east, south, west), shared with Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and West Bengal

Understanding Nepal's Political Geography

Historical Administrative Changes

Nepal has undergone several administrative reorganizations. The current federal structure with 7 provinces was established in 2015. Prior to this, Nepal was divided into 5 development regions and 14 zones. The district system has remained relatively stable since the 1960s.

Provincial Governance

Each province has its own elected assembly, chief minister, and governor appointed by the central government. Provinces have legislative powers on matters specified in the constitution, while some powers are shared with the federal government.