Nepal Declared Federal Democratic Republic — End of 240-Year Monarchy
नेपाल संघीय लोकतान्त्रिक गणतन्त्र घोषित — २४० वर्षे राजतन्त्रको अन्त
What happened
On May 28, 2008, Nepal's parliament voted to end the kingdom. Nepal's 240-year monarchy was over. King Gyanendra quietly left the palace. Nepal became a republic — a country ruled by elected people, not a king. This was one of the biggest moments in Nepal's entire history.
Full Verified Record
On 28 May 2008, Nepal's newly elected Constituent Assembly declared Nepal a federal democratic republic in its first meeting — abolishing the 240-year-old Shah monarchy. King Gyanendra was given 15 days to vacate Narayanhiti Palace. He left quietly on 11 June 2008. The Constituent Assembly vote was 560 in favour, 4 against (monarchist parties). This ended the world's only constitutionally Hindu monarchy. Ram Baran Yadav became Nepal's first President (a ceremonial role) in July 2008. The Constituent Assembly began drafting Nepal's permanent constitution — a process that took 7 years.
२८ मे २००८ मा नवनिर्वाचित संविधान सभाले नेपाललाई संघीय लोकतान्त्रिक गणतन्त्र घोषित गर्यो — २४० वर्षे शाह राजतन्त्रको अन्त भयो। राजा ज्ञानेन्द्रले नारायणहिटी दरबार खाली गरे।
Why it mattered
The republic declaration was the culmination of Nepal's democratic revolution that began in 1990 and accelerated through the civil war and 2006 uprising. It ended the world's last Hindu kingdom. The Shah dynasty's 240-year rule was over. Nepal joined the ranks of democratic republics.
Who was affected
All 29 million Nepalis via republican governance. The Shah royal family who lost their status. Nepal's Hindu nationalist groups who lost the Hindu state. The new President and republican institutions.
Verification
verified
Editorial status
approved
Fact sensitivity
Level 1 of 5
Last updated
29 May 2026