Gondia district is situated in the eastern part of Maharashtra, bordering Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, and acts as a gateway to Maharashtra from central and eastern India. The district, established in 1999 after separation from Bhandara, and consists of eight talukas: Gondia, Goregaon, Tirora, Arjuni Morgaon, Deori, Amgaon, Salekasa, and Sadak Arjuni. Historically, Gondia was part of the Gond kingdom, later ruled by the Marathas and the British.

The name Gondia originates from the Gondi people, Adivasis central to the area’s history and identity. As per the 2011 Census, Marathi is the predominant language, while Hindi, Powari, Gondi, Lodhi, and Chhattisgarhiare also spoken. Festivals and customs from both tribal and migrant communities enrich local life. The district also houses the only prominent Tibetan community in Maharashtra (aroud 1,200), the Norgyeling Tibetan Settlement in Gothangaon village, who arrived here in 1972.

Gondia has dense forests and wildlife reserves, including the Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, which is proposed to be a tiger reserve. The forests are home to tigers, leopards, deer, and various bird species, contributing to the region’s biodiversity. The landscape consists of fertile plains, flanked by numerous small rivers and streams, ideal for rice cultivation, which is why Gondia is known for rice cultivation.

In addition to rice, the surrounding area also supports sugarcane, and both agriculture and forestry are central to the district’s rural economy. Gondia’s otehr major crops including paddy, wheat, soybean, and pulses. The district is also known for forestry, bamboo production, and minor forest produce. The city and district house multiple rice mills, and thermal power station at Tirora, which further contributes to local development. The district's industrial sector is growing, with support from the District Industries Centre (DIC), focusing on agro-based industries, rice mills, and small-scale manufacturing.