The areas that comes under the district of Kiphire was a significant part of the ‘North Eastern Frontier Agency” (NEFA) as part of the Tuensang district. It was remained untouched by the British colonial administration even after its nearby areas were subjugated during the 1920s. In the year 2004 it was carved out from the Tuensang district and emerged as the 9th district of Nagaland. It is the home of some prominent Naga tribes namely Sangtam, Yimchungru, and Sumi tribes. Practically, there was neither any political control nor any administration till the year of transfer of power i.e. in 1947. In the wake of expansion of civil administrative outposts, survey for opening of administrative headquarters was done in the year 1951. The survey team, led by Shri. H. Zophianga, the then Assistant to Deputy Commissioner of Tuensang, came to the present Kiphire headquarter. At that time the land was donated by the villages of Kiphire and Singrep. As result on 16th June 1952, the Southern Administrative Centre was set up at Kiphire with Shri. S. D Lakhar as the first Base Area Superintendent. Kiphire has remained as a part of the Tuensang district as an administrative sub-division till it was separated and was inaugurated as the eleventh district of the Nagaland state on 24th January, 2004.

Geographically, the district has a total area of 1,130 sq. km. and occupies the rank 9th in State and 593rd in India on the basis of the size. It lies at 25°87' N latitude, 94°79' E longitude and 896 m altitude. In the year 2021, there was a total 70.22% forest area of total geographical area. It is bounded by Tuensang district in the North, Phek district in the West and Myanmar in the East. Kiphire is situated between the two lofty mountains namely Saramati and Jingkhu. The principal rivers that flow through the district are Zungki, Tizu, Likhimro and Saramati, Tsungaki. The climate of the district remains pleasant throughout the year. Most of its rainfall occurs in the monsoon season. The actual rainfall in the district was 862.6 mm in the year of 2021-22.

Administration wise, the district is divided into 8 sub-districts, 1 town and 96 villages. English is the administrative language of the district. The district came into existence in the year 2007 with its administrative headquarters located at Kiphire which is situated at the distance of 246 kms from the state capital.

Demographically, according to the 2011 census, the district has a total number of 16,655 households with a total population of 74,004 persons comprising 37,830 are males and 36,174 are females which causing it to rank 10th in the state and 625th in India. The density of population of the district is 65 (persons per sq km). As per 2011 census the principal languages in the district are Sangtam and Yimchungre with 46.28% and 37.93%. The sex ratio is pegged at 956 (females per 1000 males) while the child ratio stands at 948 (females per 1000 males). In the year 2020 the number of live births in the district was 762 out of which 406 were males and 356 were females. In the same year the number of deaths in the district was 58 out of which 46 were males and 12 were females.

As per 2011 census the major religion in the district is Christian with 97.03% of the total population. During the year 2001-2011 the population growth rate in the district was -27.04% out of which -29.16% were males and -24.68% were females.

The district is mainly dependent on the agricultural sector. More than half of its populations, living in the rural villages are engaged in the agriculture in order to earn their livelihood. The farmers of the district are very much use to the Jhum cultivation. In spite of having favorable climatic condition and fertile soil, the Jhum cultivation in the district is degrading day by day since its farmers are still stick to the primitive method of the Jhum cultivation. Till today the Government of India has introduced many useful schemes for the farmers of this place but all are in vain. As a result, both the quality and quantity of the output is very poor. The chief agricultural products in the district are paddy, maize, millet, barley, etc. Some of the prominent cash crops in the district are potato, soya bean and different kinds of local beans are also produced. Natives of the district earn their extra income from poultry and cattle breeding.

Education wise, according to 2011 census, the literacy rate in the district is 69.54% out of which 74.88% are males and 63.96% are females. The total number of literates in the district is 41,232 including 22,675 are males and 18,557 are female. The total number of illiterates in the district is 32,772 including 15,155 are males and 17,617 are females. The district is well known as an abode of several reputed educational institutions. It provides a platform for higher education. Some of its most recognized educational institutions are Fazl Ali College, Clark Theological College, Sao Chang College, Sazolie College, Loyola Higher Secondary School (Private) and Zisaji Presidency College, Jawarhar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Amhator School, Anatanger School, Changchor School, Chomi School, Honito School, Inskiur School, etc.

The district has many beautiful and historical tourist places which are not only famous within the country but also in the world. Some of the notable places of interest in the district are Saramati Peak, Langzanger Village Baptist Church, Wildlife Sanctuary at Fakim Village, Stone cafe in Khongjiri, Mimi and Salomi villages; Zungki, Tizu and Likhimro Rivers and mining locations in Pokphur and Longpotrok. Every year a huge number of tourists visit this place from the worldwide in order to enjoy its mesmerizing natural sceneries.