Key Highlights
- Manipur now comprises 16 districts, up from 9 in 2016.
- Churachandpur is the largest by area, covering about 4,750 km².
- Imphal East leads in population with over 450,000 inhabitants.
- The state showcases a mosaic of ethnic groups, predominantly Kuki‑Zo in rural areas and Christians in the majority.
- Recent administrative reforms have established a local autonomous council for Churachandpur.
Detailed Insights
Since January 2016, the state government has redrawn district boundaries to improve administration. The 16 current districts now contain diverse topographies—from the rolling hills of the Kuki‑Zo homeland to the flat plains of Imphal Valley. Economically, the largest district by area, Churachandpur, remains one of India’s most under‑developed regions, yet it benefits from growing trade along the India–Myanmar corridor. Demographically, Imphal East, with a population of 452,661, is the most crowded district, illustrating the disparity between population density and land area across the state. The 24‑member Churachandpur Autonomous District Council has been granted limited self‑governance to preserve local customs and address development needs.
Key Concepts
- Administrative District: a sub‑state unit responsible for local governance.
- Autonomous District Council: a body given limited self‑governance in certain regions.
- Kuki‑Zo People: an ethnic group predominantly found in Manipur’s hills.
- Demographic Density: the number of people per square kilometre.
- Revenue per Capita: a measure of average income within a district.