अAmarnepalNepal Data
Province No. 7Capital: Godawari (Dhangadhi)

Sudurpashchim Province

सुदूरपश्चिम प्रदेश

Nepal's far-western frontier — Khaptad, Api and the Terai of Kailali.

Capital

Godawari (Dhangadhi)

Population

2,711,270

9.3% of Nepal (2021)

Area

19,539 km²

9 districts

Density

136/km²

People per km²

Overview

Sudurpashchim ('Far-West') Province occupies Nepal's western frontier, bordering both India and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It ranges from the dense Terai forests and farmland of Kailali and Kanchanpur to the high peaks of Api and Saipal.

The province's administrative centre is Godawari, near the booming Terai city of Dhangadhi. Long one of Nepal's least-developed regions, it preserves distinctive Doteli language and culture, the open meadows of the Khaptad plateau, and the conservation landscapes of Api-Nampa.

Geography

The far-western corner of Nepal, from the Terai plains of Kailali and Kanchanpur through the Khaptad plateau to the Api–Saipal Himalaya on the Tibetan border.

Economy

Agriculture in the Terai (Kailali, Kanchanpur), cross-border trade at Gaddachauki, remittances, and tourism around Khaptad National Park and the Api–Nampa Conservation Area.

Recommended provincial languages: Dotyali, Tharu (Language Commission, 2021 — alongside Nepali)

Local administration

The 9 districts of Sudurpashchim

Sudurpashchim Province is divided into 9 districts. The largest by population are listed first.

All 77 districts of Nepal →
Questions

Sudurpashchim Province, answered

What is the capital of Sudurpashchim Province?+

The capital of Sudurpashchim Province is Godawari (Dhangadhi).

How many districts are in Sudurpashchim Province?+

Sudurpashchim Province has 9 districts: Achham, Baitadi, Bajhang, Bajura, Dadeldhura, Darchula, Doti, Kailali, Kanchanpur.

What is the population of Sudurpashchim Province?+

Sudurpashchim Province has a population of 2,711,270 (9.3% of Nepal's total), according to the National Census 2021.

What was Sudurpashchim Province called before?+

Sudurpashchim Province was originally Province No. 7 when the provinces were created in 2015. Named Sudurpashchim Province in 2018 (formerly Province No. 7).

Other provinces of Nepal

Koshi Province

Home to Mt Everest, Kanchenjunga and the tea gardens of Ilam

Capital: Biratnagar →

Madhesh Province

Nepal's most densely populated province and its grain basket

Capital: Janakpur →

Bagmati Province

Contains the federal capital, Kathmandu, and the nation's economic core

Capital: Hetauda →

Gandaki Province

Nepal's tourism capital, the Annapurna range and Mustang

Capital: Pokhara →

Lumbini Province

Birthplace of the Buddha at Lumbini

Capital: Deukhuri (Bhalubang) →

Karnali Province

Nepal's largest province by area — remote mountains and Rara Lake

Capital: Birendranagar →

Sources & data note

Population, density and share figures are the final published counts of the National Population and Housing Census 2021 (National Statistics Office). Each province's total area is summed from the official statistical areas of its districts, so it stays consistent with the district dataset on this site. Provincial capitals are the permanent headquarters fixed by each provincial assembly. The 2015 constitution created seven provinces, initially numbered; each was later given a name by its assembly (Province No. 1 → Koshi in 2023 being the last).