Historically, West Sikkim was the part of the state capital, Yuksom. It had been the capital of Sikkim for almost 50 years. For Nepalese, it was the major place for earning in the 18th and 19th century. The West district became the part of the Sikkim again after Anglo-Nepalese War.

Bikash Jairu is a prominent football player who played as a winger for East Bengal football team in the I-League. Sanju Pradhan is also an illustrious football player who played as a winger for East Bengal in the I-League. He has won two Federation Cups in the year 2009-10 and 2012, one Indian Super Cup in 2011 and all major domestic tournaments as the member of the East Bengal.

Geographically, the district has a total area of 1,166 sq. km. and occupies the rank 2nd State and 592nd in India on the basis of the size. It lies at 27°40' N latitude, 88°21' E longitude and 1400 m altitude. In the year 2021, there was a total 66.41% forest area of total geographical area. It is bounded by North Sikkim, Nepal, South Sikkim, Darjeeling district and West Bengal. 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 2342.9 mm in the year of 2021-22.

Administration wise, the district is divided into 2 sub-districts, 2 towns and 125 village. Nepali is its official language. It has administrative headquarters at Geyzing which is situated at a distance of 108 kms from the State Capital.

Demographically, according to the 2011 census, the district has a total number of 27,860 households with a total population of 1,36,435 comprising 70,238 are males and 66,197 are females which causing it to rank 3rd in the state and 608th in India. The density of population of the district is 117 (persons per sq km.). The sex ratio is pegged at 942 (females per 1000 males) while the child ratio stands at 964 (females per 1000 males). The population growth rate in the district during the period 2001-2011 was 10.69% out of which 9.90% were males and 11.55% were females. As per 2011 census the principal languages in the district are Nepali and Limbu with 58.14% and 18.59%. According to 2011 census the major religions in the district are Hindu and Buddhist with 55.18% and 26.67% of the total population. In the year 2020 the number of live births in the district was 880 out of which 444 were males and 436 were females. In the same year the number of deaths in the district was 682 out of which 416 were males and 266 were females.

Economically, the district is dependent on agriculture primarily. In the year 2007-08 the gross domestic product in the district was Rs. 40,263 lakhs at current price and Rs. 28,373 lakhs at constant prices in the year 1999-2000. The net domestic product in the district during the period 2007-08 was Rs. 34,284 lakh at current price and Rs. 24,691 lakh at constant prices in the year 1999-2000. The Per Capita Income or NDDP, At Factor Cost during the period 2007-08 was Rs. 25,369 at current price and Rs. 1,351 at constant prices in the year 1999-2000.

Education wise, according to 2011 census the literacy rate in the district is 77.39% out of which 83.53% are males and 70.86% are females. The total literate population of the district was 93,432 including 51,988 are males and 41,444 are females. The total number of illiterates in the district is 43,003 including 18,250 are males and 24,753 are females. The district has many schools and colleges which impart important education. Sikkim Government B.Ed College, Don Bosco School and Sikkim Govt. College are some of the main educational institutes in the district.

Nar Bahadur Bhandari, an eminent Indian politician and the chief minister of Sikkim from 1979 to 1994 was born in the district. He also founded the Sikkim Sangram Parishad party and the Sikkim Janata Parishad. In 1984, he was elected as the Member of the 8th Lok Sabha. Bhim Bhadur Gurung was appointed as the 3rd Chief Minister of Sikkim from 11rd May until 24rd May, 1984.

The district has many famous and beautiful 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 Soreng, Varsey, Dentam, Sombaria, Gyalshing, Legship, Tashiding, Uttarey, Rinchenpong, Yuksam, Pelling, Khecheopalri, Pemayangste, Heebermoik. Every year a huge number of tourists visit this place from worldwide in order to enjoy its mesmerizing natural sceneries. Rabdentse Ruins are the ruins of the Kingdom of Sikkim. Tourists can view the beautiful deep valley from the top of the ruins. Sanga-Choling Monastery is believed to be one of the oldest monasteries, built in 1697 AD. Khecheopalri Lake is a sacred lake for Buddhist and Hindu. It is located in the dense forest. Tashiding Monastery, situated on the top of a heart shaped hill was built in the 18th century. It is believed that the land of Sikkim was blessed by Guru Padma Sambhava (Guru Rimpoche) from this place.