7 Provinces of Nepal
Nepal adopted a federal structure in 2015, dividing the country into 7 provinces. Each province has its own government, elected assembly, and administrative capital.
Provinces Overview
| Province | Capital | Districts | Area (km²) | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Koshi Province | Biratnagar | 14 | 25,905 | 4,534,943 |
| Madhesh Province | Janakpur | 8 | 9,661 | 5,404,145 |
| Bagmati Province | Hetauda | 13 | 20,300 | 5,529,452 |
| Gandaki Province | Pokhara | 11 | 21,504 | 2,403,757 |
| Lumbini Province | Deukhuri | 12 | 19,707 | 4,499,272 |
| Karnali Province | Birendranagar | 10 | 27,984 | 1,570,418 |
| Sudurpashchim Province | Dhangadhi | 9 | 19,539 | 2,711,270 |
Province Details
Koshi Province
Eastern Nepal. Home to Mount Everest region, Biratnagar city, and the tea gardens of Ilam. Capital: Biratnagar.
View ProvinceMadhesh Province
Southern Terai plains. Agricultural heartland of Nepal, home to Janakpur, birthplace of Goddess Sita. Capital: Janakpur.
View ProvinceBagmati Province
Central Nepal. Contains the national capital Kathmandu and the Kathmandu Valley UNESCO sites. Capital: Hetauda.
View ProvinceGandaki Province
Western hills. Features Pokhara, Annapurna region, and Mustang. Major tourist destination. Capital: Pokhara.
View ProvinceLumbini Province
Western Nepal. Home to Lumbini (Buddha's birthplace), Bardiya National Park. Capital: Deukhuri.
View ProvinceKarnali Province
Remote northwestern Nepal. Largest province by area, least populated. Features Rara Lake. Capital: Birendranagar.
View ProvinceSudurpashchim Province
Far-western Nepal. Rich cultural heritage and religious sites. Capital: Dhangadhi.
View ProvinceFederal Structure of Nepal
Constitutional Framework
Nepal became a federal republic in 2015 with the promulgation of a new constitution. The federal structure divides power between the central government and provincial governments, with each province having legislative, executive, and judicial powers on matters under their jurisdiction.
Province Formation
The seven provinces were formed based on identity and capability factors, including geography, historical relations, and economic viability. Each province has diverse ethnic groups, languages, and cultural practices, reflecting Nepal's rich diversity.