Banke

Banke is a district in the southern part of Nepal, situated in Lumbini Province. It lies in the Terai plain and shares a southern boundary with India. The district’s administrative center and largest urban area is Nepalgunj, which serves as the major commercial hub and a gateway to markets in western Nepal and cross-border trade with India.

Geography and climate

The terrain is predominantly flat and fertile alluvial plain land, shaped by rivers and irrigation networks. The area experiences a subtropical climate with a monsoon season that brings most of the yearly rainfall in the summer months.

Administration and demographics

Banke was part of the Rapti Zone under the old administrative structure and became part of Lumbini Province after Nepal’s 2015 provincial reorganization. The district comprises multiple municipalities and rural municipalities, with Nepalgunj as the principal urban center. The population is ethnically and linguistically diverse, including communities such as Tharu, Chhetri, and Brahmin. Nepali is widely spoken, along with local languages in various communities.

Economy

Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy, with crops such as rice, wheat, maize and sugarcane, along with vegetables and fruits. The city of Nepalgunj supports trade, services, and light manufacturing, contributing to regional economic activity. Cross-border trade with India also plays a significant role in the district’s economy.

Transport and education

Banke is connected by road to other parts of Nepal, and Nepalgunj hosts air services that link to Kathmandu and other cities, supporting mobility and commerce. The district is home to educational institutions that serve the western region, including colleges affiliated with national universities.