Nepal
Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
59 / 100
Partly Free
As politics have stabilized in Nepal since 2006, pressure on journalists has decreased, and authorities have been somewhat more tolerant of peaceful assembly. However, political protests are still sometimes marred by violence, and corruption remains endemic in politics, government, and the judicial system.
Research & Recommendations
Nepal
Partly Free
59
100
| PR Political Rights | 27 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 32 60 |
Last Year's Score & Status
62
100
Partly Free
A country or territory’s Freedom in the World status depends on its aggregate Political Rights score, on a scale of 0–40, and its aggregate Civil Liberties score, on a scale of 0–60.
See the methodology.
Overview
Nepal’s elections have been competitive and credible, with parties and citizens largely committed to democratic processes. In 2025, youth-led protests, which featured a deadly response by security forces and widespread, severe damage by mobs to government and other buildings, led to Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s resignation; a new caretaker prime minister was selected in an online vote that bypassed constitutional procedure. Corruption persists despite some recent improvments in enforcement, journalists and civil society face some restrictions, and gender-based violence, underage marriage, and bonded labor remain problems.
Freedom in the World 2026 Policy Recommendations
Strengthen democratic coordination and collective action in a contested global order
Democratic resilience will increasingly depend on stronger coordination among countries that share a commitment to freedom, the rule of law, and accountable governance.
Reimagine international democracy assistance to help reverse the global decline in freedom
International support for democratic institutions, civil society, and independent media has been associated with modest but meaningful improvements in democratic governance, and it is far less costly than the military outlays necessitated by rising authoritarian aggression.
Prioritize engagement with younger generations in the digital spaces where civic identity is now formed
Young people are increasingly dissatisfied with democracy—not because they reject its principles, but because they see institutions failing to deliver on them. Programmatic work should create clear pathways for meaningful political participation, from voting and policy engagement to community organizing and public leadership, so that young people can translate their expectations into agency.
News and Updates
Freedom House Perspectives
News Releases & Media Coverage
Country Facts
Basic Facts
Freedom in the World Score
59
/ 100
Partly Free
Population: 30,550,000
Internet Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Election Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Transnational Repression
Status
Not Tracked
