(VOVworld) - Nepal formally adopted a new constitution on Sunday, which defines the majority Hindu nation as a secular republic divided into seven federal provinces.

A Nepalese army personnel decorates the premises of the parliament with balloons before President Ram Baran Yadav formally promulgates the new constitution in Kathmandu, Nepal September 20, 2015.(Photo: Reuters)

 The document was approved by parliament after seven years of political wrangling. President Ram Baran Yada signed the document and told the assembly that the new constitution has opened the path for Nepal’s development. The new constitution replaces the temporary constitution adopted nearly a decade ago, after Nepal ended a civil war that toppled the Hindu monarchy.