Historically, the Ukhrul district is inhabited by the great mangolian race, Tangkhul, who are a highly cultured people as well. Earlier, every Tangkhul village had its own traditions and conventions. The name Tangkhul was given to them by their neighbours, Meiteis. On the other hand the northern Tangkhuls were popularly known as Luhupas. Piercing of the earlobes is wide-spread practice among the Tangkhuls. They had hereditary or elected chief who were assisted by Council of Elders. The Tangkhul and the Meitei had political and trade relations. Linguistically, they belong to a large language family called Sino-Tibetan, within that family to the sub-family Tibeto-Burman. During 1709-1748 time, the region was ruled by the most powerful Meitei King Pamheiba or popularly known as Garib Nawaz. In the medieval period, there were trade and commerce between Tangkhuls and the Meiteis despite of wars. In 1834, the East India Company had authority over the border of Manipur by an agreement with Burma (Myanmar). The Tangkhuls divided in India and Burma after these countries got independence.

Geographically, the district has a total area of 4,544 sq. km. and occupies the rank 2nd in State and 259th in India on the basis of the size. It lies at 25°10' N latitude, 94°36' E longitude and 1662 m altitude. In the year 2021, there was a total 79.75% out of total geographical area. It is surrounded by the Phek district of Nagaland, Senapati district, Myanmar, Thoubal district and Chandel district. The climate of the district remains pleasant almost throughout the year. Most of its rainfall occurs in the monsoon season. The actual rainfall in the district was 1329.7 mm in the year of 2021-22.

Administration wise, the district has total 4 sub-divisions mainly Ukhrul, Lungchong-Maiphai, Chingai and Jessami. It is divided into 1 town and 213 villages. Meiteilon (Manipuri) is its official language. In the state of Manipur with an allotted district code of 279th district of Ukhrul came into existence on 15th July, 1983 with its administrative headquarters located at Ukhrul, situated at a distance of 81 kms from the state capital.

Demographically, according to the 2011 census, the district has a total number of 35,790 households with a total population of 1,83,998 comprising 94,718 are males and 89,280 are females which causing it to rank 7th in the state and 593 in India. The density of population of the district is 40 (persons per sq km.). The sex ratio is pegged at 943 (females per 1000 males) while the child ratio stands at 923 (females per 1000 males). The population growth rate during the period 2001 to 2011 was 30.70% including 28.93% were males and 32.63% were females. In the year 2020 the number of live births in the district was 2,928 out of which 1,353 were males and 1,575 were females. In the same year the number of deaths in the district was 6 out of which 4 were males and 2 were females. As per 2011 census the major religion in the district is Christian with 94.63% of the total population. According to 2001 census the principal language in the district is Tangkhul with 88.90%.

Economically, the district is dependent on agriculture primarily. In the year 2006-07 the gross domestic product in the district was Rs. 35,802 lakhs at current price and Rs. 31,710 lakhs at constant prices in the year 1999-2000. The net domestic product in the district during the period 2006-07 was Rs. 32,879 lakh at current price and Rs. 29,538 lakh at constant prices in the year 1999-2000. The Per Capita Income or NDDP, At Factor Cost during the period 2006-07 was Rs. 20,473 at current price and Rs. 1,606 at constant prices in the year 1999-2000. There is no any industry because of scarcity of electricity, transport and communication infrastructure in Ukhrul town.

Education wise, according to 2011 census, the literacy rate is 81.35% out of which 85.52% are males and 76.95% are females. The total literate population of the district is 2,69,304 including 1,52,617 are males and 1,16,687 are females. The total number of illiterates in the district is 54,169 including 24,570 are males and 29,599 are females. Missionary Rev. William Pettigrew established the first school in the district in 1896. Now, there are a number of schools and colleges. Ukhrul is the second most educated city of the in the District after Imphal. Sacred Heart Higher Secondary School, Alice Christian Higher Secondary School, Little Angels School, Savio School, Blesso Montessori School, Holy Spirit School, Patkai Academy, Juniors Academy, Sentinel College, Saint John School and Pettigrew College, Kendriya Vidyalaya and Jawahar Lal Novadaya Vidyalaya are some of the main educational institutes of the district.

In 2019-20, there were total 10,489 domestic tourists and 176 foreign tourists who visited here. The district has some beautiful tourist places to visit. The main and famous tourist places of the district are Khangkhui Cave, Shiroy Hills, Nungbi. Khangkhui Mangsor (cave) is considered as one of the oldest cave of India. Khayang waterfall is also a famous picnic spot of the district. There is a beautiful picnic spot near the river Khangkhui, Nungshong Choithar (KNC) called Saibai Kong.