Swiss lessons for Nepal’s federal journey

Federalism is not a fixed structure but a living system that must evolve with citizens’ needs.

Switzerland has been practising federalism for the past 177 years. The country has continuously adapted to its institutions and practices. This long history makes Switzerland a rich source of lessons for Nepal, which is still in the early stages of its federal experiment—barely a decade since adopting a federal constitution in 2015, and with only eight years of practical implementation since the federal units elections of 2017 and 2022. Nepal, as it struggles with constitutional reform, institutional strengthening, leadership change and effective public service delivery, has much to learn from Switzerland.