Exploring the Smallest Province and Zones in Nepal

Nepal, a small yet diverse country located in South Asia, is known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and vibrant history. The country has undergone significant administrative reforms since 2015, dividing it into provinces to better manage its territories.

The Smallest Province of Nepal

When discussing the smallest province of Nepal, Province 2 stands out. With an area of approximately 9,661 square kilometers, it falls significantly short of the largest province, which has more than twice the area.

Province 2 is located in the southeastern part of Nepal and includes various districts. One of the prominent cities within this province is Janakpur, a significant religious and cultural center in the region.

The Smallest Administrative Zone in Nepal

Before the administrative restructuring, Nepal was divided into zones. The smallest zone in terms of area was Bhaktapur, which was part of the Bagmati Zone. However, with the new provincial system, zones are no longer administrative units. Instead, they have been replaced by provinces, which are further divided into districts and municipalities.

The Bagmati Zone

Bagmati Zone, being the smallest zone of Nepal, is located in the central part of the country. It was one of the 14 administrative zones before the country's administrative restructuring in 2015. The Bagmati Zone retains its name due to the Bagmati River, which flows through the region. Despite its small size, it played a crucial role in the region's socio-economic development.

The Karnali and Mahakali Zones

When discussing the sizes of administrative zones, the Karnali zone stands out as the largest. Contrary to this, the Mahakali zone is the smallest in terms of area. In terms of districts, Dolpa is the largest, while Bhaktapur is the smallest in area. Each of these zones, along with development regions, districts, and municipalities/VDCs, has its own administrative center, contributing to the localized governance structure in the country.

Province No. 2: The Smallest Provincial Division

Among the new provincial divisions, Province No. 2 is the smallest both in terms of area and the number of districts it encompasses. This province comprises a total of eight districts, making it one of the smallest provinces in the country.

While Province 2 might be the smallest in terms of area, it is still a significant administrative unit within the broader governance framework of Nepal. It plays a crucial role in managing the local resources, ensuring socio-economic development, and implementing national policies at the grassroots level.

The restructuring of Nepal into provinces has led to a more structured and efficient administrative system. This ensures that resources are better distributed, and the needs of each region are more effectively addressed. As Nepal continues to evolve, these administrative changes play a vital role in fostering unity and development across the nation.