🇳🇵Nepal Political Stability: 22.6/100

Nepal is a trapezoidal country located in South Asia, bordered by China to the north and India to the south. It features a diverse terrain that includes the towering Himalayas, home to Mount Everest, and the lowland Terai plains. The country experiences five climatic zones and is prone to earthquakes due to the tectonic activity in the region.

Nepal has a population of approximately 30 million people, with a significant portion living below the international poverty line. The country is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups and languages, with Nepali being the official language.

World Bank governance: rule of law 25th percentile, corruption control 24th percentile, political stability 23rd percentile.

Nepal's strongest governance dimension is Voice & Accountability at 39/100, placing it in the lower half globally. This indicates relatively strong citizen participation in selecting government, along with freedom of expression, association, and a free media.

The weakest dimension is Government Effectiveness at 10/100. Limited government effectiveness can mean inconsistent public services and gaps in policy implementation.

A notable 29-point gap between Voice & Accountability and Government Effectiveness reveals uneven governance. Some institutions function well while others lag significantly. Travelers should be aware that the quality of government services and protections may vary depending on the context.

Weak governance indicators for Nepal mean travelers should exercise heightened caution. Government services may be limited or unreliable, corruption can affect interactions with officials, and legal protections may not function as expected. Thorough preparation and situational awareness are essential.

The U.S. State Department currently rates Nepal as Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution). This aligns with a governance profile that, while not without challenges, provides a baseline of institutional functioning.