Koshi Province

{{Main|Kosi River#Cultural significance}}

The province is named Koshi after the Koshi River, which is the largest river in the country. On 1 March 2023 the former temporary name of the province, Province No. 1, was changed to Koshi Province.{{cite web |url=https://cast.asiapacific.ca/map/event/2418 |title=Nepal's 'Province 1' renamed 'Koshi' after country's largest river |date=2023 |website= |publisher=Canada Asia Sustainability Tracker |access-date=9 March 2023 |archive-date=19 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419034217/https://cast.asiapacific.ca/map/event/2418 |url-status=live }} The Kosi river is significantly and culturally an important river of Nepal. The Koshi river is called Kausika in the Rigveda and Kausiki in the Mahabharata. The Kosi is associated with many ancient spiritual stories. It is mentioned in the Bal Kand section of Valmiki's Ramayana as the Kausiki who is the form assumed by Satyavati after her death. In the Markandeya Purana, the Kosi is described as the primal force. Due to the violent nature of the Kosi in monsoon season, legend says that Parvati, the wife of Shiva, after defeating the demon Durg, became known as the warrior goddess Durga who transformed into Kaushiki. In Ramayana, the river Ganges is depicted as her elder sister.{{Cite book |last=Valmiki |first=Maharishi |title=Ramayana |publisher=Various |edition=1st |location=India}} According to Mahabharata epic, the God of death took the form of a woman and resides on the banks of the river to limit population growth. Kosi resonates with the folklore of Mithila. The most important depictions of Kosi folklore are Kosi as a virgin absolutely carefree and full of energy, and as a frustrated wife of old hermit Richeek wandering in the Himalayas. Koshi river is also invoked as the mother: 'Kosi Ma'.

{{further|History of Nepal}}

File:Cropped image of An actual survey, of the provinces of Bengal, Bahar &c. (1794) By Major James Rennell.jpg

When King Mung Mawrong Hang came to prominence in the Terai lands of Limbuwan, he cleared much of the forest area in present-day Rangeli, east of Biratnagar, and built a town there. He named his Kingdom Morang after his name and rose to power.{{Cite web |title=प्रदेश नं. १ सरकारको आधिकारिक पोर्टल |url=https://www.p1.gov.np/ |access-date=11 February 2023 |website=p1.gov.np |archive-date=11 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230211132111/https://www.p1.gov.np/ |url-status=live}}{{Verify source|date=April 2023}}

Meanwhile, King Prithvi Narayan Shah was on a campaign to conquer all the hill kingdoms into his Empire (the Kingdom of Nepal). He attacked Limbuwan on two fronts. After the Limbuwan–Gorkha War from 1771 to 1774 AD, the Limbu ministers of Morang, and Limbu rulers of the ten principalities came to an agreement with the King of Gorkha. With the Limbuwan Gorkha treaty of 1774, Limbuwan was annexed to the Kingdom of Nepal.{{Cite book |last=Swatantra |first=G. |title=Nepal KO itshaas |publisher=Kriti publishers |year=2018 |edition=1st |location=Kathmandu |pages=1–567}}

File:Eastern Nepal.png

The term district has been used in various ways throughout the modern history of Nepal.

At the end of the Rana regime, Nepal was divided into 32 districts. Eastern Nepal was composed of the following districts:

• Morang District
• Udayapur District
• Ilam District
• Dhankuta District
• Bhojpur District
• Okhaldhunga District

In 1956, the eastern districts of Nepal were grouped together into a region called the Aruṇ Kshetra or Arun Region, after the Arun River which flows through it. Arun Kshetra was made by combining the then five districts; it had total area of {{cvt|7000|sqmi|order=flip}} and a total population of 1.1 million people.{{cite book |title=नेपालको जिल्ला प्रशासन पुनर्गठनको रिपोर्ट, २०१३ |url=http://saruwa.moga.gov.np/mogawebsite/images/pdf/pratibedan/%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8B%20%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%BE%20%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%A8%20%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%A0%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8B%20%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9F,%20%E0%A5%A8%E0%A5%A6%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A9.pdf |location=Nepal |publisher=Nepal Govt |pages=31, 32, 33 |access-date=15 January 2020 |archive-date=24 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200124143423/http://saruwa.moga.gov.np/mogawebsite/images/pdf/pratibedan/%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8B%20%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%BE%20%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%A8%20%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%A0%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8B%20%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9F,%20%E0%A5%A8%E0%A5%A6%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A9.pdf |url-status=live}}

The five districts were:{{cite book|title=Land and social change in east Nepal|author=Caplan, L. |year=2000}}{{Cite book |title=History and Culture of the Kirat People: Part I-II}}

1. Biratnagar District: including Sunsari District and Morang District
2. Dhankuta District: including Dhankuta District and Sankhuwasabha
3. Taplejung District: including Taplejung and Panchtharl
4. Mechi District: including Ilam District and Jhapa District
5. Bhojpur District: including Bhojpur District and Khotang District

In 1962, the administrative system once again was changed, abolishing the kshetra system. The country was restructured into 75 development districts and those districts were grouped together into zones.{{cite web|url=http://reviewnepal.com/articles/memorial-step-of-king-mahendra-in-1st-poush-2017-bs.html| title = Memorial Step of King Mahendra in 1st Poush 2017 BS|date=2017| website=Review Nepal| access-date=6 February 2018| archive-date=7 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207005325/http://reviewnepal.com/articles/memorial-step-of-king-mahendra-in-1st-poush-2017-bs.html| url-status=live}} In 1972, what is now called Koshi Province was called the Eastern Development Region that was composed of 16 districts which were grouped into three zones: Koshi, Mechi and Sagarmatha. {{Anchor|Province No. 1}}

In 2015, the Constitution was adopted which made 14 districts into an autonomous Province which was temporarily named Province No. 1. At the cabinet meeting held on 17 January 2018, the city of Biratnagar was declared the interim capital of Province No. 1. On 6 May 2019, it was declared the permanent capital by a vote of two-thirds of the provincial Member of legislative assembly.{{cite web|url=http://annapurnapost.com/news/126771|title=प्रदेश १ राजधानी: विराटनगरको पक्षमा दुईतिहाई, नाम टुंगो लागेन |date=2019 |work=Annapurna Post |language=ne |trans-title=Province No. 1 Capital: Two-thirds of MLAs vote in favour of Biratnagar|access-date=7 May 2019 |archive-date=7 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507011842/http://annapurnapost.com/news/126771|url-status=live}} The province was named Koshi Province on passage of the bill in Parliament. Later, some protested the name "Koshi".{{Cite web |title=Protest against naming of Koshi Province intensifies |url=https://kathmandupost.com/province-no-1/2023/03/29/protest-against-naming-of-koshi-province-intensifies |access-date=2023-04-24 |work=Kathmandu Post}}

{{Main|Geography of Koshi Pradesh}}

File:Nepal Province No 1 rel location map.svg

Koshi Province covers an area of 25,905 km². The province has three-fold geographical division: Himalayan in the north, Hilly in the middle and Terai in the southern part of Nepal, varying between an altitude of 70 m and 8,848 m. Terai, extended from east to west, is made up of alluvial soil. To the west of Koshi River, in between Mahabharat Range and Churia Range, there elongates a valley called Inner Terai. Churai Range, Mahabharat Range and other hills of various heights, basins, tars, and valleys form the hilly region. Some parts of this region are favorable for agriculture but some other parts are not. The Himalayan region, in the north, consists of many mountains ranges. Mahalangur, Kumbhakarna, Umvek, Lumba Sumba and Janak being some of them. The highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest (8848.86 m); and the third highest mountain, Kangchenjunga (8598 m) also lie in this province.{{Cite web |title=Geography of Nepal |url=https://jp.nepalembassy.gov.np/geography-of-nepal/ |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=Embassy of Nepal - Tokyo, Japan |language=en-US}}

Nepal's lowest point, Kechana Kawal at 70 m, is located in Jhapa District of this province. There are many river basins and gentle slopes as well. Chure, Mahabharat, many basins, tars, and valleys form the Terai region. Between the Churia and Mahabharat, a low land of inner Terai exists. The Koshi River flows through the region with its seven tributaries; Indrawati, Likhu, Tamur, Dudh Kosi, Arun, Tamakoshi and Bhote Koshi (Sunkoshi). Tundra vegetables, coniferous forests, deciduous monsoon forests, and sub-tropical evergreen woods are vegetations found here. Sub-tropical, temperate, sub-temperate, and alpine and tundra types of climates are found here.{{Cite web |last=Republica |title=Welcome to Federal Nepal, Koshi! |url=http://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/137160/ |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=My Republica |language=en}}

Koshi Pradesh also includes the snow fall capped peaks including Mount Everest, Kangchenjunga, Makalu with Solukhumbu, Sankhuwasabha, and Taplejung districts towards the north, the jungle clad hill tracts of Okhaldhunga, Khotang, Bhojpur, Tehrathum, Ilam and Panchthar in the middle and the alluvial fertile plains of Udayapur, Sunsari, Morang and Jhapa. Province No. 1 includes places like Haleshi Mahadev Temple, Pathivara Temple and Barahachhetra, which are the famous religious shrines for Hindus.{{Cite web |last=Board |first=Nepal Tourism |title=Geography |url=https://ntb.gov.np/plan-your-trip/about-nepal/geography |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=ntb.gov.np |language=en-gb}}

Climatic conditions of Nepal vary from one place to another in accordance with their geographical features. Koshi Pradesh has three geographical folds: the lowland of Terai, the hilly region, and the Himalayas' highlands. The low land altitude is 59 m, whereas the highest point is 8848 m.{{Cite web |title=Koshi's weather forecast for today |url=https://justweather.org/Nepal/Province-1/Sunsari/Koshi/ |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=justweather.org |language=en}}

In the north, summers are cool and winters severe, while in the south, summers are tropical and winters are mild. Climatically, the southern belt of the province, the Terai, experiences a warm and humid climate. Eastern Nepal receives approximately 2,500 millimeters of rain annually. Koshi Pradesh has five seasons: spring, summer, monsoon, autumn and winter.

{{Wide image|Everest-Panorama.jpg|800}}

The northern part of Koshi Pradesh has the highest mountain in the world. Here is a list of mountains in Koshi Pradesh.{{Cite web |title=Province1 |url=https://walkthroughhimalayas.com/explore-detail/1 |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=walkthroughhimalayas.com}}

{{Mountain list row| Kabru |7412|Singalila Kangchenjunga|}}

{{Mountain list row| Kirat Chuli |7365|Kangchenjunga|}}

{{Mountain list row| Nangpai Gosum |7350|Khumbu Mahalangur|}}

{{Mountain list row| Chamlang |7321|Barun Mahalangur|#79 in the world}}

{{Mountain list row| Pumori |7161|Khumbu Mahalangur|First ascent 1962}}

{{Mountain list row| Baruntse |7129|Barun Mahalangur|First ascent 1954}}

{{Mountain list row| Ama Dablam |6812|Barun Mahalangur|"Mother and her necklace"}}

{{Mountain list row| Kangtega |6782|Barun Mahalangur|First ascent 1963}}

{{Mountain list row| Cho Polu |6735|Barun Mahalangur|First ascent 1999}}

{{Mountain list row| Lingtren |6714|Khumbu Mahalangur|First ascent 1935}}

{{Mountain list row| Num Ri |6677|Barun Mahalangur|First ascent 2002}}

{{Mountain list row| Khumbutse |6640|Khumbu Mahalangur|First mountain west of Everest}}

{{Mountain list row| Thamserku |6623|Barun Mahalangur|First ascent 1964}}

{{Mountain list row| Pangboche |6620|Kutang Himal|}}

{{Mountain list row| Taboche |6542|Khumbu Mahalangur|First ascent 1974}}

{{Mountain list row| Mera Peak |6476|Himalayas|Trekking peak}}

{{Mountain list row| Cholatse |6440|Khumbu Mahalangur|Connected to Taboche}}

{{Mountain list row| Kusum Kangguru |6367|Barun Mahalangur|Trekking peak (difficult)}}

{{Mountain list row| Ombigaichan |6340|Barun Mahalangur|}}

{{Mountain list row| Kongde Ri |6187|Barun Mahalangur|Trekking peak (difficult)}}

{{Mountain list row| Imja Tse |6160|Khumbu Mahalangur|Also known as Island Peak. Popular trekking peak.}}

{{Mountain list row| Lobuche |6145|Khumbu Mahalangur|Trekking peak}}

{{Mountain list row| Nirekha |6069|Khumbu Mahalangur|Trekking peak (difficult)}}

{{Mountain list row| Pokalde |5806|Khumbu Mahalangur|Trekking peak (moderate)}}

{{Mountain list row| Mount Khumbila |5761|Mahalangur|Unclimbed}}

{{Mountain list row| Kala Patthar |5545|Khumbu Mah|Popular hiking peak below Pumori}}

{{Mountain list row| Gokyo Ri |5357|Himalayas|Popular hiking peak}}

|}

{{Multiple image

| image1 = Koshi barrage golden hour.jpg

| caption1 = Koshi Barrage over Koshi River

}}

There are many rivers in the region that flow south from the Himalayas which are tributaries of other large rivers that join Ganga River (in India). Sapta Koshi or the Koshi is the main river of the region. Seven tributaries join the Koshi so it is called Saptkoshi.

The major rivers in the province are:

• Mechi River
• Kankai River
• Koshi River (SaptaKoshi) {{small|Below given names are tributaries}}:
• Tamor
• Arun River
• Sun Koshi
• Dudh Koshi
• Likhu Khola
• Tama Koshi
• Indrawati River

• Sagarmatha National Park – {{cvt|1148|km2}}
• Makalu Barun National Park – {{cvt|1500|km2}}
• Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve – {{cvt|175|km2}}
• Kanchenjunga Conservation Area – {{cvt|2035|km2}}

There are total of 137 local administrative units in this province, in which there is 1 metropolitan city, 2 sub-metropolitan cities, 46 municipalities and 88 rural municipalities.

The province is made up of the 14 following districts:

{{colbegin|colwidth=13em}}

1. Bhojpur District
2. Dhankuta District
3. Ilam District
4. Jhapa District
5. Khotang District
6. Morang District
7. Okhaldhunga District
8. Panchthar District
9. Sankhuwasabha District
10. Solukhumbu District
11. Sunsari District
12. Taplejung District
13. Tehrathum District
14. Udayapur District

{{colend}}

Cities and villages are governed by municipalities in Nepal. A district may have one or more municipalities. Koshi Province has two types of municipalities.

1. Urban Municipality {{small|(Urban Municipality has three levels):}}
2. Metropolitan city
3. Sub-metropolitan city and
4. Municipality
5. Rural Municipality (Gaunpalika)

The government of Nepal has set out minimum criteria to meet city and towns. These criteria include a certain population, infrastructure, and revenues.

{{Largest cities

| kind = cities

| country=Koshi Province

| stat_ref = 2021 census

| div_link=List of districts of Nepal#Koshi Province{{!}}District

| city_1 = Biratnagar

| div_1 = Morang District

| pop_1 = 244,750

| img_1 = Biratnagar Bazar Drone view.png

| city_2 = Itahari

| div_2 = Sunsari District

| pop_2 = 198,098

| img_2 = Itahari, Sunsari.jpg

| city_3 = Dharan

| div_3 = Sunsari District

| pop_3 = 173,093

| img_3 = Dharan Clock tower.jpg

| city_4 = Mechinagar Municipality{{!}}Mechinagar

| div_4 = Jhapa District

| pop_4 = 131,520

| img_4 = Kakadvitta - panoramio.jpg

| city_5 = Sundar Haraicha Municipality{{!}}Sundar Haraicha

| div_5 = Morang District

| pop_5 = 121,305

| city_6 = Birtamod Municipality{{!}}Birtamod

| div_6 = Jhapa District

| pop_6 = 117,355

| city_7 = Damak Municipality{{!}}Damak

| div_7 = Jhapa District

| pop_7 = 107,410

| city_8 = Triyuga Municipality{{!}}Triyuga

| div_8 = Udayapur District

| pop_8 = 104,375

| city_9 = Barahakshetra

| div_9 = Sunsari District

| pop_9 = 91,891

| city_10 = Arjundhara Municipality{{!}}Arjundhara

| div_10 = Jhapa District

| pop_10 = 84,429

}}

{{Further|Ministry of Internal Affairs And Law (Koshi Province)|label1=Ministry of Internal Affairs And Law|Ministry of Tourism, Forests and Environment (Koshi Province)|label2=Ministry of Tourism, Forests and Environment}}

The Province is governed by Unicameral parliamentary system of representative Democracy. The house consists of 93 seats where 56 candidates are elected by FPTP and 37 by proportional basis.

The legislative assembly comprises a Chief Minister who is executive Head, Deputy chief Minister who assists the Chief Minister, a speaker who host the assembly, a deputy speaker who assists the speaker, and various ministries which look over respective departments.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}}

The first provincial elections in Nepal were held on 26 November and 7 December 2017. According to the results of this election in Koshi province, the biggest party is CPN (UML) winning 51 seats; the second biggest party is Nepali Congress which won 21 seats; the third biggest party is CPN (Maoist Center) which won 15 seats .{{cite web|url= https://election.ekantipur.com/province-level-results/pradesh-1?lng=eng|title= Province No. 1|website=kathmandupost.ekantipur.com |access-date= 12 December 2017|archive-date=9 December 2017|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171209044132/https://election.ekantipur.com/province-level-results/pradesh-1?lng=eng|url-status= live}}

In a meeting on 17 January 2018, the Government of Nepal finalized the temporary capital of Province No. 1, which was renamed as Koshi Province in Falgun 17 2079 and appointed Govinda Subba as the governor.{{cite news|url= http://nepalekhabar.com/2018/01/79987|title= Government finalises provinces' governors and temporary headquarters|date= 17 January 2018|website= nepalekhabar.com|access-date= 19 January 2018|archive-date= 15 November 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201115144640/http://nepalekhabar.com/2018/01/79987|url-status= live}}

Sher Dhan Rai was elected as first Chief Minister of Koshi Province on 14 February 2018.{{cite news |url= http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2018-02-14/sherdhan-rai-elected-cm-of-province-1.html |title= Sherdhan Rai elected CM of Province 1 |date= 14 February 2018 |publisher= kathmandupost.ekantipur.com |access-date= 15 February 2018 |archive-date= 14 February 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180214223831/http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2018-02-14/sherdhan-rai-elected-cm-of-province-1.html |url-status= live }} Currently Hikmat Kumar Karki is serving as Chief Minister who is the executive Head of Koshi Government

For convenience and decentralisation, the province is divided into 14 districts, making it the province with the most districts in Nepal. CDO is the administrative head of each District. District inturn is further divided into Metropolitan city or/and Sub Metropolitan city or/and Municipality or/and Rural Municipality which has its own Local Government.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}}

{{Unreferenced section|date=March 2023}}

{{see also|Ministry of Health (Koshi Province)}}

Koshi province stretches from Himalayan region to terai belt due to which health facilities are more viable in Terai than other parts.

Koshi Province has 791 public health facilities: 3 Hub hospitals ( BPKIHS, Koshi Hospital), 18 Public Hospitals, 1 Regional Medical Store, 41 Primary health centre, 648 Health Post, 34 Urban health care centre, 41 community health units.

There are various power stations in Koshi province:

• Mai Hydropower Station is one of station located in Illam and was established in 2014 producing 22 MW energy.
• Puwa Khola Hydropower Station is located in Illam with capacity of 6.2 MW energy and was established in 1999.
• Chatara Hydropower Station is located in Sunsari District with production capacity of 3.2 MW energy. It was established in 1996.
• Iwa Khola Hydropower Project was established in 2018–19.
• Upper Mai Hydropower Station is located in Illam with a capacity of 12 MW.
• Pikhuwa Khola Hydropower Station is located in Bhojpur with a capacity of 5 MW.
• Hewa Khola-A Hydroelectric Project is located in Pachthar with a capacity of 14.9 MW.
• Jogmai Khola Hydropower Station is located in Illam with a capacity of 7.6 MW.
• Upper Puwa-1 Hydropower Station is located in Illam with a capacity of 3 MW.
• Upper Mai-C Hydropower Station is located in Illam and established with a capacity of 6.1 MW.
• Kabeli B1 Hydropower Station is located in Pachthar and established in 2019 with a capacity of 25 MW.
• Lower Hewa Hydropower Station is located in Pachthar and established in 2017 with a capacity of 21.6 MW.
• Mai Cascade Hydropower Station is located in Illam and established in 2014 with a capacity of 8 MW.
• Puwa Khola-1 Hydropower Station is located in Illam and established in 2014 with a capacity of 4 MW.
• Solu Hydropower Station is located in Solukhumbu and established in 2016 with a capacity of 23.5 MW.
• Molun Khola Small Hydropower Station is located in Okhaldhunga and established in 2019 with a capacity of 7 MW.
• Upper Khorunga Hydropower Station is located in Tehrathum and established in 2018 with a capacity of 7.5 MW.
• Super Mai Hydropower Station is located in Illam and established in 2020 with a capacity of 7.8 MW.
• Super Mai-A Hydropower Station is located in Illam and established in 2020 with a capacity of 9.6 MW.
• Super Mai Khola Cascade Hydropower Station is located in Illam and established in 2020 with a capacity of 3.8 MW.
• Mai Khola Small Hydropower Station is located in Illam and established in 2008 with a capacity of 4.5 MW.

{{Further|Koshi Provincial Assembly}}

The first meeting of the provincial assembly was held on 5 February 2018 in Biratnagar and was chaired by Om Prakash Sarbagi.{{Cite news|url=http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2018-02-05/first-province-assembly-meeting-of-province-1-today.html|title=First Province Assembly meeting of Province 1 today|access-date=23 March 2018|archive-date=1 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401075034/http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2018-02-05/first-province-assembly-meeting-of-province-1-today.html|url-status=live}} Pradeep Kumar Bhandari was elected unopposed as the Speaker of the Provincial Assembly on 11 February 2018.{{Cite news|url=http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2018-02-11/pradeep-bhandari-named-province-1-speaker.html|title=Pradeep Bhandari named Province 1 speaker|access-date=23 March 2018|archive-date=24 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324101809/http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2018-02-11/pradeep-bhandari-named-province-1-speaker.html|url-status=live}} Saraswoti Pokharel was also elected unopposed to the post of Deputy Speaker on 15 February 2018.{{Citation needed|date=December 2021}}

{{Unreferenced section|date=March 2023}}

Only three districts out of Koshi's fourteen fall in Terai and one district falls in inner Terai. Elevation from the lowest point of Nepal, Kechana (70 m above sea level) to the highest point of world, Everest (8848 m above sea level) lies in this province, so maintaining a consistent road network is challenging, but all districts are connected by road networks. Air services are available. Rail services are under construction.

{{main|List of national highways in Nepal by province}}

File:Road and Highway map of Koshi Province, Nepal.jpg

File:Koshi Highway, Tarahara Eastern Nepal.jpg

File:Hillside capture.jpg

File:Hilepani Bus booking counter and junction of road between Okhaldunga and Haleshi.jpg

File:Lukla Airport April 2010.JPG at Lukla]]

Many domestic airports and air services are available in the region including one of the most geographically challenging airports, Lukla Airport.

Airports in Koshi:

• Bhojpur Airport (Bhojpur)
• Biratnagar Airport (Biratnagar)
• Kangel Danda Airport (Kangel, Solukhumbu)
• Man Maya Airport (Khanidanda, Khotang)
• Thamkharka Airport (Khotang Bazar)
• Lamidanda Airport (Lamidanda, Khotang)
• Tenzing-Hillary Airport (Lukla, Solukhumbu)
• Phaplu Airport (Phaplu, Solukhumbu)
• Rumjatar Airport (Rumjatar, Okhladhunga)
• Syangboche Airport (Syangboche, Solukhumbu)
• Taplejung Airport (Taplejung)
• Tumlingtar Airport (Tumlingtar, Sankhuwasabha)
• Bhadrapur Airport (Bhadrapur, Jhapa)

{{cite web |url= https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/feasibility-report-of-larger-dharan-airport-ready/ |title= Feasibility report of larger Dharan Airport ready |date= 1 July 2017 |publisher= Nagrik News |access-date= 24 January 2019 |archive-date= 24 January 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190124203806/https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/feasibility-report-of-larger-dharan-airport-ready/ |url-status= live }}

{{routemap

|title = Bathnaha–Katahari

|collapsible = 1

|width = 180px

|map =

\\CONTg

\\BHF~~0 km~~Bathnaha

\KRW+l\KRWgr

File:Flag_of_India.svg custom yard~~4.2 km ! !\STR!~lZOLL\KBHFe~~7 km~~Jogbani

Border {{BSsplit| File:Flag_of_India.svg|File:Flag_of_Nepal.svg|line=-}}~~5.3 km! !STR+GRZq

File:Flag_of_Nepal.svg custom yard~~6.3 km ! !STR!~lZOLL~~

STR

Katahari~~18 km! !BHF

exCONTf

}}

There is a 13 km railway track which has been laid in Nepal by Indian Railways is connected to Bathnaha railway station. Bathnaha is a village situated at Araria district of Bihar state of India. A custom yard station has been built both side of the border on Bathnaha–Katahari railway section. Katahari is at distance of 18 km from Bathnaha Railway Station.{{cite web |url=https://kathmandupost.com/national/2018/11/04/indian-locomotive-arrives-in-biratnagar-for-test-run |title=Indian locomotive arrives in Biratnagar for test run |date=4 November 2018 |publisher=KMG |access-date=24 February 2020 |archive-date=24 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224071259/https://kathmandupost.com/national/2018/11/04/indian-locomotive-arrives-in-biratnagar-for-test-run |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.sasec.asia/index.php?page=news&nid=859&url=railway-transit-jogbani-biratnagar&enews=55 |title=Railway Transit for Cargo Bound for Biratnagar, Nepal via Jogbani, India |date=25 April 2018 |publisher=South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation |access-date=24 February 2020 |archive-date=20 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420233646/https://www.sasec.asia/index.php?page=news&nid=859&url=railway-transit-jogbani-biratnagar&enews=55 |url-status=live }} Itahari will be further connected with Katahari which is 20 km at distance from Biratnagar (Katahari).{{cite web |url=https://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/environment-impact-assessment-of-proposed-electric-railway-in-province-1-ready |title=EIA of proposed electric railway in Province 1 ready |date=18 December 2019 |website= |publisher=The Himalayan |access-date=15 April 2022 |archive-date=13 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513133804/https://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/environment-impact-assessment-of-proposed-electric-railway-in-province-1-ready |url-status=live }}

Koshi has the third largest economy in Nepal, and contributes 15% to the national GDP. Koshi's GDP growth rate was estimated to be 6.5% in fiscal year 2018/19.

Population in absolute poverty in Koshi is 12.4%, and the multidimensional poverty rate is 19.7%.

The major contributors to the economy of Koshi are:

Agriculture accounts for 38% of Koshi's GDP and is the main source of livelihood for 75% of the population.

The province has 714 registered businesses, with agriculture and forestry industry having the highest number registered businesses 114 (15.96%). Koshi contributes 22% of the total paddy production of Nepal and 29.3% of the national maize production.

File:Sushil Kandel of Biratnagar Kings celebrates after taking a wicket during a match against Rupendhi Challengers.jpg

Koshi province has wide audience and sportsperson in the Province. Also, It has been a pioneer in organising night matches. Inaruwa, sunsari had organised first night cricket in Nepal.{{Cite web |url=http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2018-11-27/mm-one-day-national-cricket-starts-on-jan-5.html |title=MM One day national cricket starts on Jan 5 |website=kathmandupost.ekantipur.com |language=en |access-date=2019-01-22 |archive-date=19 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119012840/http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2018-11-27/mm-one-day-national-cricket-starts-on-jan-5.html |url-status=live }} Similarly, First night football was organised in Duhabi, Sunsari on 31 March 2018.{{Cite web |last=RSS |title=Province 1 sees growing night-time sporting sensation |url=http://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/88037/ |access-date=2023-03-09 |website=My Republica |language=en |archive-date=9 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309105059/https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/88037/ |url-status=live }}

The provincial teams take part in various games inside and outside Nepal.{{Cite web |title=Province Number 1 squad - Prov-1-Nepal Squad - PM Cup (T20), 2022 Squad |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pm-cup-t20-2021-22-1296131/province-number-1-squad-1296205/series-squads |access-date=2023-03-09 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en |archive-date=9 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309105057/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pm-cup-t20-2021-22-1296131/province-number-1-squad-1296205/series-squads |url-status=live }} The team also comprises men as well as women. The overall sports in province is administered by Province 1 Sports Department.

There are numerous stadium in Koshi are:

• Domalal Rajbanshi Stadium, Birtamode, Jhapa
• Inaruwa Stadium, Inaruwa, Sunsari
• Itahari Regional Stadium, Itahari, Sunsari
• Sahid Rangasala, Biratnagar{{Cite web |title=Morang: Dug-out Construction Begins At Sahid Maidan, Biratnagar |url=http://goalnepal.com/news/detail/4770 |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=GoalNepal}}
• Tharuhat Stadium, Gaighat

Major football cups includes

• Birat Gold Cup Biratnagar{{Cite web |title=Biggest Cities Nepal |url=http://www.geonames.org/NP/largest-cities-in-nepal.html |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=www.geonames.org}}
• Jhapa Gold Cup, Jhapa
• Budha Subba Gold Cup, Dharan
• Manmohan Duhabi Gold Cup, Duhabi
• Madan Bhandari Invitational Itahari Gold Cup, Itahari
• Udayapur Gold Cup, Udayapur

{{Historical populations

|align=center

|percentages=pagr

|1981 |2,954,510

|1991 |3,520,335

|2001 |4,201,795

|2011 |4,534,943

|2021 |4,961,412

|footnote= Sources:{{cite web |title=Nepal: Provinces and Districts |url=http://www.citypopulation.de/en/nepal/admin/ |website=citypopulation.de |language=en |access-date=26 February 2022 |archive-date=26 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226173016/http://www.citypopulation.de/en/nepal/admin/ |url-status=live }}}}

Total population of the province according to 2021 Nepal census is 4,961,412 comprising 2,544,084 women (51.3%). 95 male per 100 female is the sex ratio. There are 1,191,556 households. 79.7% of the total population are literate. 86.1% of the total population of the male are educated while 73.6% of the total of the female population are literate.{{cite web |url=https://censusnepal.cbs.gov.np/results/population?province=1 |title=Population size and distribution of Koshi Province |access-date=5 April 2023 |archive-date=5 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405134058/https://censusnepal.cbs.gov.np/results/population?province=1 |url-status=live }}

{{Pie chart

|caption = Religions of Koshi Province (2021)

|label1 = Hinduism |value1 = 67.38 |color1 = darkorange

|label2 = Kirat |value2 = 16.84 |color2 = red

|label3 = Buddhism |value3 = 8.73 |color3 = yellow

|label4 = Islam |value4 = 4.20 |color4 = green

|label5 = Christianity |value5 = 2.32 |color5 = dodgerblue

|label6 = Prakriti |value6 = 0.45 |color6 = limegreen

|label7 = Other |value7 = 0.08 |color7 = black

}}

Hinduism is the major religion of the province. Kirat Mundhum is the second major religion of the province. 67% of the total population are Hindus, 17% are Kirantis, 9% are Buddhists, 4% are Muslims, 2% are Christians and others make up 1%.{{Cite web |title=Province No. 1 |url=https://nepaltraveller.com/travel/provinces-of-nepal/province-no-1 |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=nepaltraveller.com |language=en}}

{{Pie chart

|thumb=left

|caption=Ethnicity of Koshi Pradesh (2021)

|label1 = Chhetri |value1 = 15.0 |color1 = red

|label2 = Hill Brahmin |value2 = 11.6 |color2 = orange

|label3 = Rai |value3 = 10.2 |color3 = royalblue

|label4 = Limbu |value4 = 7.8 |color4 = steelblue

|label5 = Tamang |value5 = 4.6 |color5 = orchid

|label6 = Tharu |value6 = 4.2 |color6 = olive

|label7 = Musalman |value7 = 4.1 |color7 = green

|label8 = Magar |value8 = 4.0 |color8 = darkturquoise

|label9 = Newar |value9 = 3.6 |color9 = pink

|label10 = Kami |value10 = 3.37 |color10 = salmon

|label11 = Rajbanshi |value11 = 2.58 |color11 = honeydew

|label12 = Madheshi non-Dalit |value12 = 8.68 |color12 = khaki

|label13 = Other Hill Janjati |value13 = 7.85 |color13 = teal

|label14 = Other Plains Janjati |value14 = 4.38 |color14 = lime

|label15 = Madheshi Dalit |value15 = 3.40 |color15 = gold

|label16 = Other Khas Dalit |value16 = 2.84 |color16 = firebrick

|label17 = Indian Nepalis (including Biharis, Marwaris & Bengalis)|value17 = 1.86 |color17 = grey

}}

The province is very ethnically diverse. In 2011, the largest group was Chhetri, making up 14.58% of the population. Followed by Madheshi with (14.26%). Next is Hill Brahmin (11.98%). Other Khas Arya groups are the Kami (3.27%) and Damai (1.78%). The Janajati groups are the Rai (10.21%), Limbu (8.01%), Tamang (4.62%), Magar (4.13%), Newar (3.68%), Sherpa (1.40%) and Gurung (1.36%). Some Terai groups include Tharu (4.10%), Musalman (3.55%), Rajbanshi (2.47%), Musahar (1.35%), Yadav (1.30%) and Santal (1.11%).{{Cite web |title=Province 1 |url=https://nepaloutlook.com/province-1/ |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=Nepal Outlook {{!}} Believe in Data}}{{Cite web |title=National Data Portal-Nepal|url=http://nationaldata.gov.np/Province/Index/1|access-date=27 May 2021 |website=nationaldata.gov.np|archive-date=27 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527044413/http://nationaldata.gov.np/Province/Index/1|url-status=live}}

As of 2021, Chhetris were the largest ethnic group with 15.0% of the population. Bahun constituted 11.6% of the population, Rai 10.2%, Limbu 7.8%, Tamang 4.6%, Tharu 4.2%, Muslims 4.1%, Magar 4.0% and Newar 3.6%.

The various Madheshi non-Dalit communities were 8.68% of the population, of which the Yadav (1.42%) and Teli (0.98%) were the largest and second-largest non-Dalit communities. Madheshi Dalits were 3.40%, of which Musahar were 1.51%.

{{Pie chart

|caption = Languages of Koshi Pradesh (2021)

|label1 = Nepali |value1 = 45.27 |color1 = orange

|label2 = Maithili |value2 = 11.68 |color2 = pink

|label3 = Yakthung/Limbu |value3 = 6.70 |color3 = blue

|label4 = Tharu |value4 = 4.40 |color4 = maroon

|label5 = Tamang |value5 = 3.54 |color5 = turquoise

|label6 = Magar Dhut |value6 = 2.88 |color6 = orchid

|label7 = Bantawa |value7 = 2.70 |color7 = cornflowerblue

|label8 = Rajbanshi |value8 = 2.58 |color8 = saddlebrown

|label9 = Urdu |value9 = 2.32 |color9 = green

|label10 = Others |value10 = 17.93 |color10 = grey

}}

Nepali language is lingua franca of the province and is the mother tongue of 45.27% of the population. Maithili is the second-largest language, spoken by 11.68%. 6.70% of the population spoke Limbu, 4.40% Tharu, 3.54% Tamang, 2.88% Magar Dhut, 2.70% Bantawa, 2.58% Rajbanshi, 2.32% Urdu, 1.85% Rai, 1.67% Chamling, 1.32% Sherpa, 1.26% Nepal Bhasha and 1.08% Santali.

The Language Commission of Nepal has recommended Limbu and Maithili as official language in the province. The commission has also recommended Tharu, Tamang, Magar, Bantawa, Urdu, Rajbanshi, Nepal Bhasa, Chamling, Sherpa and Santhali to be additional official languages, for specific regions and purposes in the province.

Koshi is very well renowned for its educational facilities; 71.22% of the population of the province can read and write.{{cite report |url=https://moe.gov.np/assets/uploads/files/Education_in_Figures_2017.pdf |title=Province-Wise Literacy Rate of 5 Years and Above Population in 2011 AD |date=2018 |access-date=7 March 2020 |archive-date=11 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211215228/https://moe.gov.np/assets/uploads/files/Education_in_Figures_2017.pdf |url-status=dead}}

Education up to master's level degree is provided by Purbanchal University, which offers courses like Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Bachelor of Science in Nursing.{{citation needed|date=January 2025}}

Institutions like BPKIHS, Birat Medical College Teaching Hospital, Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital, B&C Medical College Teaching Hospital also offer MBBS, BDS courses along with paramedics courses.{{citation needed|date=January 2025}}

• Girija Prasad Koirala, former Prime Minister
• KP Sharma Oli, former Prime Minister
• Bidya Devi Bhandari, former President of Nepal
• Rajendra Prasad Lingden, chairman of Rastriya Prajatantra Party
• Pramod Kharel, singer
• Rachana Rimal, singer
• Nawayug Shrestha, national football player
• Lalit Rajbanshi, national cricket player
• Malvika Subba, Miss Nepal 2002
• Malina Joshi, Miss Nepal 2011
• Manita Devkota, Miss Nepal Universe 2018
• Harka Raj Rai, Independent Mayor of Dharan
• Sabin Rai, Singer
• Siddhicharan Shrestha, Writer
• Kiran Chemjong, Football Player, Captain Nepal national football team
• Dayahang Rai, Actor
• Sanduk Ruit, Ophthalmologist, referred to as the "God of Sight"
• Mahaguru Phalgunanda, leader of the Kirat religion for the Kirat people
• Lhakpa Sherpa, Mountaineer
• Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, Mountaineer
• Mira Rai, Nepalese trail runner and sky runner
• Sushila Karki, Former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nepal and the only woman to have held the post
• Phupu Lhamu Khatri, judoka and Olympian
• Swarup Singh Karki, Dewan (prime minister)
• Nikita Chandak, Miss Nepal 2017
• Sugam Pokharel, Singer
• Girish Khatiwada, rapper, radio, television personality, and vlogger.
• Bipin Karki, Actor
• Sunil Pokharel, Actor

• Provinces of Nepal

{{Reflist}}

{{Clear}}

{{Geographic location

|Centre = Koshi Province, {{flag|Nepal}}

|North = Tibet Autonomous Region, {{flag|China}}

|Northeast = Tibet Autonomous Region, {{flag|China}}

|East = Sikkim, {{flag|India}}

|Southeast = West Bengal, {{flag|India}}

|South = Bihar, {{flag|India}}

|Southwest = Madhesh Province, {{flag|Nepal}}

|West = Bagmati Province, {{flag|Nepal}}

|Northwest = Tibet Autonomous Region, {{flag|China}}

}}

{{Municipalities of Koshi Province}}

{{Koshi Province topics}}

{{Provinces of Nepal}}

{{Districts of Nepal}}

{{Nepal topics}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:2015 establishments in Nepal

1

Category:States and territories established in 2015