Nepal’s political system today mirrors many democratic institutions familiar to Americans. It has a President as the ceremonial head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government, akin to systems seen in countries like India or the United Kingdom. Nepal adopted its new democratic constitution in 2015, following years of political instability and a decade-long Maoist civil war that ended in 2006. The country is now organized as a federal republic, divided into seven provinces, each with its own local government and legislature. Nepal’s national Parliament is bicameral, consisting of a House of Representatives and a National Assembly, and general elections are held every five years. The voting age is 18, just like in the U.S. Despite the new system, Nepal’s political landscape remains turbulent, with frequent changes in leadership—more than a dozen Prime Ministers have taken office since the monarchy ended in 2008. The country is also secular by constitution, a significant change from its prior designation as a Hindu kingdom, reflecting a broader commitment to inclusion and democratic values.