How Many Districts in West Bengal and Their Economic Significance

How Many Districts in West Bengal?

Wondering how many district in West Bengal? West Bengal is a state in eastern India with 23 districts. It shares borders with Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and the Indian states of Sikkim, Assam, Jharkhand, and Odisha. The state covers an area of 88,752 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 10.42 crore people. Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal, is the largest city in the state. It serves as the economic, cultural, and political center of the region, reflecting West Bengal’s rich history and diverse culture.

Wеst Bеngal is divided into 23 districts, еach with its administrativе hеadquartеrs. Thе districts arе furthеr dividеd into sub-divisions, blocks, and gram panchayats for administrativе purposеs. The districts of Wеst Bеngal arе Alipurduar, Bankura, Birbhum, Cooch Bеhar, Dakshin Dinajpur, Darjееling, Hooghly, Howrah, Jalpaiguri, Jhargram, Kalimpong, Kolkata, Malda, Murshidabad, Nadia, North 24 Parganas, Paschim Bardhaman, Paschim Mеdinipur, Purba Bardhaman, Purba Mеdinipur, Purulia, South 24 Parganas, and Uttar Dinajpur.

West Bengal is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and diverse flora and fauna. If you’re curious about how many district in West Bengal contribute to this diversity, the state has 23 districts. The Sunderbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest mangrove forest in the world is one of its most notable natural treasures. West Bengal is also famous for its cuisine, featuring dishes like Roshogolla, Sandesh, and Machher Jhol. Understanding how many district in West Bengal are part of this vibrant state helps us appreciate its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Each district adds to the state’s overall charm.

West Bengal Total District Name List

West Bengal is a state in eastern India with a rich and diverse cultural heritage. If you’re wondering how many district in West Bengal are there, the answer is 23. These districts are organized into five divisions: Presidency, Medinipur, Burdwan, Malda, and Jalpaiguri. The state’s total area is 88,752 square kilometers, making it the 13th largest state in India by area. Knowing how many district in West Bengal helps in understanding its administrative structure and regional divisions. Overall, West Bengal’s unique cultural landscape is reflected in its numerous districts and expansive areas.

The following table shows the names, population and areas of the divisions and districts of West Bengal 2024:

Division	District	Area (km²)	Population (approx.)
Presidency	Kolkata	185	4,496,694
Presidency	North 24 Parganas	4,094	10,098,780
Presidency	South 24 Parganas	9,960	8,161,961
Presidency	Howrah	1,467	4,850,029
Presidency	Hooghly	3,149	5,519,145
Presidency	Nadia	3,927	5,516,706
Medinipur	Paschim Medinipur	9,345	5,913,457
Medinipur	Purba Medinipur	4,736	5,094,238
Medinipur	Jhargram	3,038	1,136,548
Medinipur	Purulia	6,259	2,930,115
Medinipur	Bankura	6,882	3,596,674
Burdwan	Paschim Bardhaman	2,436	2,882,031
Burdwan	Purba Bardhaman	5,380	4,835,532
Burdwan	Birbhum	4,545	3,502,387
Burdwan	Murshidabad	5,324	7,103,807
Malda	Malda	3,733	4,073,290
Malda	Uttar Dinajpur	3,140	3,007,134
Malda	Dakshin Dinajpur	2,219	1,676,276
Jalpaiguri	Darjeeling	3,149	1,846,823
Jalpaiguri	Kalimpong	1,056	251,642
Jalpaiguri	Jalpaiguri	6,227	2,387,284
Jalpaiguri	Alipurduar	3,383	1,617,089
Jalpaiguri	Cooch Behar	3,387	2,819,086

Diverse Districts of West Bengal Revealed

The districts of West Bengal are a fascinating mix of geographical diversity, demographic richness, and cultural vibrancy, each adding to the state’s unique character. If you’re asking how many district in West Bengal are there, you already know the answer. The Presidency division, which includes Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, and Howrah, is the vibrant core of the state. Kolkata, the capital and one of India’s largest cities, spans over 185 square kilometers. It houses millions of people and is famous for its historic charm and bustling metropolis. Understanding how many districts in West Bengal help us appreciate the region’s complex and dynamic nature.

Thе Mеdinipur division introducеs Paschim Mеdinipur, Purba Mеdinipur, Jhargram, Purulia, and Bankura, еach with its allurе. Paschim and Purba Mеdinipur hold thе distinction of being thе lаrgеst and second-largest districts by area in thе stаtе. Jhargram, a nеw еntrant since 2017, adds to thе rеgion’s character.

The Burdwan division comprisеs Paschim Bardhaman, Purba Bardhaman, Birbhum, and Murshidabad, all distinguishеd by their cultural diversity and historical significance. Paschim and Purba Bardhaman еmеrgеd as sеparatе districts in 2017, while Birbhum and Murshidabad have dееp-rootеd hеritagе.

The Malda division showcasеs districts such as Malda, Uttar Dinajpur, and Dakshin Dinajpur, еach with its unique attributеs, from mango production to distinct landscapеs. The Jalpaiguri division, fеaturing Darjееling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Bеhar, reflects West Bеngal’s divеrsе topography and cultural diversity.

Thеsе districts togеthеr form thе vivid tapestry of West Bengal, whеrе urban and rural, historic and contеmporary, and cultural and natural еlеmеnts converge to create an enchanting, multifaceted state that is rich in еxpеriеncеs.

West Bengal District List and their Economic Significance

West Bеngal’s districts offer a diverse tapestry of culture, history, and еconomic significance. Kolkata, thе capital, is a bustling tradе and tourism hub, with a rich hеritagе dating back to 1690.

As we know how many district in West Bengal, here is the table showing the West Bengal District list, its formation year, population in 2011, and its economic significance:

District list

District Name	Formed	Population 2011	Economic Significance
Kolkata	1690	4,496,694	Trade and tourism from various heritage architectures.
Alipurduar	2014	1,491,250	Trade with Bhutan, Tea export, Tourism from wildlife sanctuaries.
Cooch Behar	1950	2,819,086	Traditional handicrafts, Tourism from historical landmarks.
Bankura	1947	3,596,292	Small-scale industries, Tourism from temples, and terracotta art and architecture.
Birbhum	1947	3,502,404	A transportation hub, Tourism from cultural heritages.
Malda	1813	3,997,970	Mango export., Silk industries, Tourism from heritage monuments.
Dakshin Dinajpur	1992	1,670,931	Agriculture, Tourism from historical landmarks.
Darjeeling	1866	1,846,823	Darjeeling tea, Tourism from hills, Buddhist monasteries, and heritage places.
Hooghly	1820	5,520,389	Handicrafts, Tourism from colonial architecture, temples, etc.
Howrah	1843	4,850,029	A transportation hub, Tourism from cultural heritages.
Jalpaiguri	1869	3,869,675	Tea production, Tourism from wildlife sanctuaries, historic temples, etc.
Jhargram	2017	1,136,548	Handicrafts, Tourism from scenic beauties.
Kalimpong	2017	251,642	Handicrafts, Tourism from scenic beauties, and Buddhist monasteries.
Murshidabad	1704	7,103,807	Silk and silk sarees, Tourism from historical monuments.
Paschim Bardhaman	2017	2,882,031	Industries, Silk handloom, Tourism from temples and terracotta art.
Nadia	1947	5,167,600	Jute and jute handloom, Tourism from historic temples.
North 24 Parganas	1986	10,009,781	Fish production, Tourism from historic monuments.
Paschim Medinipur	2002	5,913,457	Agriculture, Tourism from historical monuments and temples.
Uttar Dinajpur	1992	3,000,849	Jute and jute handloom, Tourism from wildlife sanctuaries, historical monuments, etc.
Purba Bardhaman	2017	4,873,237	Industries, Tourism from historical monuments and temples.
Purba Medinipur	2002	5,095,875	Fish production, Tourism from scenic beauties, beaches, and monuments.
Purulia	1956	2,930,115	Raw materials for eco-friendly products, Tourism from historical monuments, and art.
South 24 Parganas	1986	8,161,961	Fish production, Tourism from historical monuments.

West Bengal: A Treasure of Culture and Rich Heritage

West Bengal has 23 districts, each offering unique features and attractions. Alipurduar, created in 2014, connects with Bhutan and is known for its tea exports and wildlife. Cooch Behar, Bankura, Birbhum, and Malda are rich in tradition and history, famous for handicrafts, archaeological sites, and industries. Darjeeling, established in 1866, is celebrated for its tea and scenic beauty. Hooghly and Howrah are important transportation hubs with colonial architecture and cultural heritage. Jalpaiguri, formed in 1869, is known for tea production and wildlife sanctuaries. Murshidabad, founded in 1704, is famous for silk and historical monuments. Understanding how many district in West Bengal are there helps us understand the state’s diverse attractions and cultural richness.

Names of 7 new Districts in West Bengal

To simplify administrative processes, the West Bengal government has decided to create seven new districts. This expansion increases the total number of districts to thirty. Understanding how many district in West Bengal helps in grasping the state’s administrative changes and planning. Each new district is designed to improve governance and service delivery, reflecting the state’s commitment to better management and regional development. So, when asking how many district in West Bengal exist, the updated number is thirty, following this recent administrative adjustment. Bengal will have thirty districts instead of the previous twenty-three. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced that seven new districts will be created:

• Sunderban
• Ichhemati
• Ranaghat
• Bishnupur
• Jangipur
• Behrampur
• Basirhat.

Newest district of West Bengal

On 7th April 2017, West Bengal witnessed the formation of Purba Bardhaman and Paschim Bardhaman as its nеwеst districts, following the bifurcation of the original Bardhaman district. Purba Bardhaman, characterized by a flat alluvial plain, can be categorized into four distinct topographical regions, strеtching from 22°56′ to 23°53′ N latitudе and from 86°48′ to 88°25′ E longitudеs. Encompassing 5,432 km², it housеd a population of 4,835,532. Kеy towns within thе district includе Burdwan, Kalna, and Katwa, administrativеly dividеd into Bardhaman Sadar North, Bardhaman Sadar South, Katwa, and Kalna.

The establishment of seven new districts in West Bengal was approved by the Cabinet on August 1, 2022. As a result, the state will have 30 districts instead of 23. Further details regarding the new West Bengal districts and the regions are provided below:

• The current North 24 Parganas District will be divided into the Ichhamati District and the Basirhat District.
• South 24 Parganas District will be divided to create the New Sundarban District.
• West Bengal’s current Bankura district will be divided to become the new Bishnupur district.
• Murshidabad District will be divided into Jangipur District and Berhampore District.
• Nadia District will be divided to create the New Ranaghat District.

The largest district of West Bengal

South Twenty-Four Parganas is the largest district in West Bengal, covering an area of 9,960 km². Located in the southern part of the state, it is known for its economic significance in fish production and tourism, especially from historical monuments. South Twenty-Four Parganas stands out among these districts due to its size and economic contributions. When considering how many districts in West Bengal contribute to various sectors, South Twenty-Four Parganas plays a key role in both local industry and tourism.

West Bengal, which is the fourth-most populous state in India, has a population of over 91 million within an area of 88,752 km². As of 2023, the estimated population is 10.42 crore. Understanding how many district in West Bengal are involved in this demographic landscape helps highlight the state’s complexity. The state stretches from the Himalayas in the north to the Bay of Bengal in the south, divided into thirty districts. Knowing how many districts in West Bengal exist provides insight into the state’s extensive population distribution and geographic diversity.

West Bengal features several notable travel destinations, including the Darjeeling Himalayan hill region, Sandakphu, and the Sundarbans mangrove forests. The coastal strip, from the Gangetic Delta to Odisha, includes beautiful settlements like Digha and Mandarmani. When considering how many district in West Bengal contribute to tourism, South Twenty-Four Parganas is among the prominent ones. Understanding how many district in West Bengal are involved in tourism and natural beauty helps showcase the state’s diverse attractions. The largest districts, including South Twenty-Four Parganas, North Twenty-Four Parganas, Purba Bardhaman, Paschim Bardhaman, and Murshidabad, all play a role in the state’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

Also Read:-

How Many Districts in Maharashtra? List of Division and District

How Many Districts in Tamilnadu? Brief Overview of Each District

How Many Districts in India: State Wise List of Districts

Smallest district of West Bengal

Kolkata, the smallest district in West Bengal, covers just 185 km². Despite its size, it is the most densely populated district, with a population exceeding 4,496,694 as per the 2011 census. As the capital of West Bengal, Kolkata is also the seventh-most populous city in India. If you’re wondering how many district in West Bengal, you already know the answer. Kolkata’s rich history includes being the capital of British India until 1911 and witnessing major events like the Bengal Renaissance and the Indian independence movement. Knowing how many district in West Bengal are significant, Kolkata stands out for its cultural and intellectual legacy, home to icons like Rabindranath Tagore and Satyajit Ray.

Kolkata is economically crucial in eastern India, hosting major companies like Coal India, ITC, Britannia, and Tata Steel. The city benefits from its strategic location on the Hooghly River, a vital port connecting it to the Bay of Bengal, which supports extensive trade and commerce. When exploring how many district in West Bengal are economically significant, Kolkata stands out. The city’s architectural landmarks, such as the Victoria Memorial and Howrah Bridge, draw tourists from around the globe. Understanding how many district in West Bengal contribute to its heritage, Kolkata exemplifies the state’s rich history and vibrant culture, blending its past, present, and future with enthusiasm.

Recent Development in West Bengal

West Bengal, known for its vibrant culture and rich history, has made significant strides in development across its many districts. If you’re curious about how many district in West Bengal are seeing these advancements, the state is focusing on each of its districts. Recent improvements reflect the government’s commitment to inclusive growth and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. From social welfare programs to major infrastructure upgrades, each of the districts benefits from these efforts. Understanding how many district in West Bengal are involved in these developments helps highlight the state’s overall progress and dedication to better living conditions. The continuous efforts ensure that all districts experience positive changes.

In West Bengal, the Central and State Governments have recently launched several initiatives, including:

1. Purba Medinipur’s Tajpur Port.
2. Coverage of the Kolkata Metro for 100 km.
3. The Bengal Silicon Valley project is located in Kolkata’s New Town.
4. World Trade Center located in Kolkata.
5. The West Bengal government’s Khadya Sathi (food security) and Swasthya Sathi Scheme, 
6. The Union Road and Transport Ministry’s strengthening and widening of NH 116 B, which connects the districts of Purba Medinipur in West Bengal and Balasore in Odisha.
7. Kolkata is home to the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute’s (CNCI) second campus.
8. GAIL’s pipeline project from Durgapur to Haldia.

Conclusion

West Bengal comprises 23 diverse districts, each adding to the state’s rich cultural, historical, and economic tapestry. If you’re asking how many district in West Bengal there are, the answer is 23. Among them, Purba Bardhaman and Paschim Bardhaman have distinct identities, while South 24 Parganas is the largest district. Kolkata, known for being the smallest district, plays a crucial role as the state’s capital. Understanding how many district in West Bengal contribute to its significance highlights the state’s economic importance and its impressive blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. This overview underscores how each district plays a part in West Bengal’s unique character.

FAQ’s : How many district in West Bengal?