SEE Social Studies Nepal key terms

A system of government in which power is divided between one central authority and smaller units such as provinces or local levels, each with its own defined duties under the constitution.

A form of government where a single central government holds most power and may create or abolish lower administrative units, which have only the authority the centre chooses to grant.

The transfer of authority, resources and decision-making responsibility from higher levels of government to lower or local levels so that services are planned closer to the people.

A schedule of subjects on which both the central and provincial governments may make laws; in Nepal it includes areas such as education, health and agriculture.

The elected body at ward, municipality or rural municipality and district level that delivers basic services, collects local revenue and plans development within its own jurisdiction.

An elected body of representatives given the task of drafting a country's constitution; Nepal's second Constituent Assembly promulgated the 2015 constitution.

The supreme law of a country that sets out how government is organised, what powers each organ holds, and what rights citizens are guaranteed.

Basic freedoms guaranteed to every citizen by the constitution, such as equality, freedom of expression, education and justice, which courts can enforce if violated.

The principle that everyone, including government officials, is subject to the law and no one may act above it or punish a person without legal authority.

The branch of government made up of courts and judges that interprets laws, settles disputes and protects the constitution and citizens' rights.

The arrangement in which legislative, executive and judicial functions are given to different bodies so that no single group holds all state authority and each can check the others.

The law-making body of the state; in Nepal's federal parliament it consists of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly, which also approve budgets and oversee the executive.

The basic entitlements every person holds simply by being human, such as life, liberty, dignity and freedom from torture, regardless of nationality, sex or belief.

Development that meets present needs without destroying the resources and opportunities available to future generations, balancing economic growth, social welfare and environmental care.

Seventeen global targets adopted by the United Nations for 2030, covering poverty, hunger, health, education, gender equality, clean energy, climate action and peaceful institutions.

Policies and programmes aimed at reducing the number of people living below a defined income or capability threshold, usually through employment, education, health and social security measures.

A composite measure of national well-being based on average life expectancy, years of schooling and income per person, used to compare development across countries.

The protection, careful use and repair of natural resources such as forests, water, soil and wildlife so that ecosystems continue to function for present and future generations.

Long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns, mainly driven by greenhouse gases released from burning fossil fuels, which raise sea levels and disturb rainfall and farming.

The variety of living species, genetic differences and ecosystems found in a place; high biodiversity makes ecosystems more resilient and supports food, medicine and tourism.

Planned actions such as early warning, land-use rules, preparedness training and safer buildings that lessen the damage caused by floods, landslides, earthquakes and other hazards.

The period from the late eighteenth century when machines and factory production replaced handcraft work, transforming economies, cities, transport and social life in Europe and beyond.

An economic system in which private individuals own the means of production and decide what to produce, with prices and profits largely shaped by market competition.

An economic and political idea holding that the community or state should own or control key resources and production so that wealth and benefits are shared more equally.

A system where decisions about what to produce, how much and at what price are mainly taken by buyers and sellers through supply and demand rather than by government order.

The growing share of a population living in towns and cities, usually driven by rural-to-urban migration in search of jobs, education and better services.

The movement of people from one place to another to live, either within a country or across borders, often caused by employment, education, marriage, conflict or disaster.

Money sent home by workers living abroad; it is a major source of foreign currency and household income in Nepal and helps cover food, education and health costs.

Working in another country under a contract, common among Nepali workers in the Gulf states and Malaysia; it brings income but also risks of exploitation and unsafe conditions.

The recruitment, transport or harbouring of people by force, fraud or deception for exploitation such as forced labour or sexual servitude; it is a serious crime under Nepali law.

The partyless political system that governed Nepal from 1961 to 1990, banning political parties and concentrating power in the monarchy and indirectly elected councils.

A system of government in which people choose their rulers through free and regular elections and enjoy civil liberties, with power exercised under law and open to challenge.

A 1960 agreement between Nepal and China that settled the boundary question, affirmed peaceful relations and mutual non-interference, and remains a base of bilateral ties.

A grouping of states formed during the Cold War that refused to join either superpower bloc and instead promoted independence, sovereignty and peaceful coexistence.

The global organisation founded in 1945 to keep peace, protect human rights and promote development; Nepal joined in 1955 and has contributed troops to peacekeeping missions.

The lifelong process through which a person learns the norms, values, language and behaviour expected in society, first in the family and later through school, peers and media.

The condition in which women and men have equal rights, opportunities and treatment in education, employment, property, decision-making and freedom from violence.

Unfair treatment of people based on the caste they are born into; Nepal's constitution prohibits it and provides punishment for practising untouchability in any form.

The personal and social abilities, such as decision-making, problem-solving, communication, empathy and stress management, that help a person cope with daily demands and challenges.