Overview

The Zones of Nepal, locally called anchal, were a second-tier administrative layer used to organize the country's territory into 14 named areas. Each zone contained several districts and served as an intermediate unit between local district authorities and higher regional planning. The zones were part of a structure that also included five development regions and the country’s 77 districts — often referenced in Nepali as jillā. For general country context see Nepal and for the subnational units see 77 districts.

History and development

The zone system emerged as part of mid-20th century efforts to standardize administration and improve planning across diverse geographic and cultural areas. It was formalized during the 1960s in a nationwide reorganization. Over time the practical emphasis shifted toward larger development regions for planning and resource allocation, and by the 1990s the zones had begun to fall into disuse as formal instruments of governance. Nepal’s later constitutional reforms and decentralization initiatives further transformed the territorial framework, replacing older intermediate units with new provincial arrangements in the 21st century.

Zones by development region

The 14 zones were grouped into five development regions, arranged roughly from east to west. These groupings helped coordinate regional development and administration.

  • Eastern Development Region
    • Mechi
    • Koshi
    • Sagarmatha
  • Central Development Region
    • Janakpur
    • Bagmati
    • Narayani
  • Western Development Region
    • Gandaki
    • Lumbini
    • Dhaulagiri
  • Mid-Western Development Region
    • Rapti
    • Bheri
    • Karnali
  • Far-Western Development Region
    • Seti
    • Mahakali

Significance and legacy

Although zones are no longer the principal units of government, they remain relevant in historical records, older maps, statistical reports, and public memory. Researchers, planners, and travelers often encounter the zonal names when consulting archival documents, census data, or legacy infrastructure references. Districts continue as important local units, while newer provincial arrangements now serve most formal administrative functions.

Notes and terminology

In Nepali usage the terms anchal (zone) and jillā (district) are common. When reading older documentation or regional studies it is helpful to be aware that modern governance uses provinces and local units differently from the zonal framework described here, so names and boundaries may not align directly with current administrative maps.