The districts of Nepal (Nepali: जिल्ला) are the second-tier administrative units that sit below the seven provinces and above local municipalities. There are 77 districts in Nepal, each serving as a territorial, administrative and statistical unit used for planning, public administration and delivery of government services. Districts range widely in area, terrain and population—from densely populated urban districts to remote Himalayan regions.
Structure and governance
Each district hosts several layers of governance. The district-level coordination body, commonly known as the District Coordination Committee, helps synchronize development plans among local units and provincial authorities. At the same time, a centrally appointed District Administration Office manages certain executive functions such as civil registration, disaster response and maintenance of public order. Judicial and security institutions also operate at the district level to provide courts and policing.
Subdivisions and local units
Districts are subdivided into local governments: metropolitan and sub-metropolitan cities, municipalities, and rural municipalities. These local units are responsible for most everyday public services, development projects and local taxation. For an overview of municipalities and rural municipalities, see local government units.
History and development
Districts have evolved through Nepal’s administrative history as boundaries and responsibilities changed to reflect political reforms. The present arrangement of 77 districts is coordinated under the federal system established by the Constitution of 2015 and was put into practice during subsequent local-level restructuring. Provincial grouping places districts within seven provinces for higher-level planning and governance; see the provinces for more context.
Districts remain important for statistical reporting, electoral organization and the coordination of inter-local projects. Their diversity—geographic, cultural and economic—shapes how services are delivered and how development priorities are set across Nepal.