Provinces
Since 2015 Nepal has had seven provinces, each running from the plains or hills up towards the mountains.
- Koshi Province
- Madhesh Province
- Bagmati Province
- Gandaki Province
- Lumbini Province
- Karnali Province
- Sudurpashchim Province
- places
- Hidden gem
The seven provinces at a glance
| Province | Capital | Area (km²) | Population (2021) | districts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Koshi Province | Biratnagar | 25,905 | 4,961,412 | 14 |
| Madhesh Province | Janakpur | 9,661 | 6,114,600 | 8 |
| Bagmati Province | Hetauda | 20,300 | 6,116,866 | 13 |
| Gandaki Province | Pokhara | 21,504 | 2,466,427 | 11 |
| Lumbini Province | Deukhuri (Dang) | 22,288 | 5,122,078 | 12 |
| Karnali Province | Birendranagar (Surkhet) | 27,984 | 1,688,412 | 10 |
| Sudurpashchim Province | Godawari (Kailali) | 19,999 | 2,694,783 | 9 |
Area and population: National Census 2021, National Statistics Office.
Quick answers
- How many provinces are there in Nepal?
- Seven: Koshi Province, Madhesh Province, Bagmati Province, Gandaki Province, Lumbini Province, Karnali Province, Sudurpashchim Province.
- Which is the largest province of Nepal?
- Karnali Province, with about 27,984 km².
- Which is the smallest province of Nepal?
- Madhesh Province, with about 9,661 km².
- Which province has the most people?
- Bagmati Province (6,116,866 people in the 2021 census), closely followed by Madhesh Province.
- Which province has the fewest people?
- Karnali Province (1,688,412 people).
- What are the capitals of the provinces?
- Koshi Province: Biratnagar; Madhesh Province: Janakpur; Bagmati Province: Hetauda; Gandaki Province: Pokhara; Lumbini Province: Deukhuri (Dang); Karnali Province: Birendranagar (Surkhet); Sudurpashchim Province: Godawari (Kailali)
Provinces
Koshi Province
The far east: Kanchenjunga and Makalu, Everest's Khumbu, the tea gardens of Ilam and the rice plains of Jhapa and Morang.
14 districts · 52 places →.jpg?width=960)
Madhesh Province
Nepal's smallest and most densely settled province: the plains of Mithila and Bhojpura, Sita's birthplace Janakpur, ponds, mango groves and Parsa's forests.
8 districts · 16 places →
Bagmati Province
The Kathmandu Valley and its seven World Heritage monument zones, Langtang and Gaurishankar in the north, and Chitwan's jungle in the south.
13 districts · 54 places →
Gandaki Province
Pokhara and its lakes, the Annapurna and Manaslu circuits, Mustang's desert kingdom and Gurung and Magar hill villages.
11 districts · 46 places →
Lumbini Province
The birthplace of the Buddha, the old town of Tansen, Bardiya's tigers, and the Magar hills of Rolpa, Rukum and Pyuthan.
12 districts · 19 places →
Karnali Province
The largest and least visited province: Rara Lake, Shey Phoksundo, Humla's route to Kailash and the old Khasa kingdom of Jumla.
10 districts · 16 places →
Sudurpashchim Province
The far west: Khaptad's high meadows, Api and Saipal Himal, the temples of Doti and Baitadi, and Shuklaphanta's swamp deer.
9 districts · 18 places →