Measure
Analysis
Nepal is a minor power in Asia.
The country has defied a prevailing regional downward trend with an unchanged overall score over the past year.
Nepal performs best in economic capability, defence networks and cultural influence rankings, where it places 23rd for all. Its lowest ranking is in the resilience measure, coming in at 26th place.
In 2021, Nepal climbed the rankings for future resources, diplomatic influence and defence networks. However, it fell by one place in the military capability measure, reinforcing its vulnerability as a landlocked country between two more powerful neighbours — China and India.
Nepal exerts less influence in the region than expected given its available resources, as indicated by the country’s negative power gap score. While Nepal is a net underachiever in Asia, its negative power gap improved in 2021.
Read more analysis in the Key Findings report . Explore further results in the Scores section.
Annual changes
Bilateral Influence
Bilateral trade, current dollars (2020)
Countries that influence Nepal
Globally, which countries does Nepal do most of its trade with?
Countries influenced by Nepal
Which countries in the region rely most on trade with Nepal?
Scores
Comprehensive power
A country’s weighted average across eight measures of power
25th
—
4.5
Rank
Change
Trend
Score
Economic capability
Economic size and attributes with the most geopolitical relevance
23rd
1.4
Military capability
Conventional military strength
25th
−1
1.2
Resilience
Capacity to deter real or potential threats to state stability
26th
15.3
Future resources
Projected distribution of future economic, military and demographic resources
24th
+1
0.5
Economic relationships
The capacity to exercise influence and leverage through economic interdependencies
25th
—
0.5
Defence networks
Defence partnerships that act as force multipliers of military capability
23rd
+1
2.5
Diplomatic influence
The extent and standing of a state’s foreign relations
24th
+1
18.0
Cultural influence
Ability to shape international public opinion through cultural appeal and interaction
23rd
3.1