The Chandel District (formerly known as Tengnoupal District) came into existence on May 13, 1974. The District lies in the south-eastern part of Manipur at 24^o40' N Latitude and 93^o50' E Longitude. It is the border district of the state. Its neghbors are Myanmar (erstwhile Burma) on the south, Ukhrul district on the east, Churachandpur district on the south and west, and Thoubal district on the north. It is about 64 km. away from Imphal. The National Highway No. 39 passes through this district.

The district is inhabited by several communities. It is sparsely inhabited by about 20 different tribes. They are scattered all over the district. Prominent tribes in the district are Anal, Lamkang, Kuki, Moyon, Monsang, Chothe, Thadou, Paite, Maring and Zou etc. There are also other communities like Meiteis, and Muslims (Meitei Pangal) in small numbers as compared to the tribes. Non-Manipuris like Nepalis, Tamils, Bengalis, Punjabis and Biharis are also settled in this district.

The Moreh town, the international trade centre of the state, lies on the southernmost part of the district. When the Trans-Asian Super Highway comes into existence, Chandel district will be one of the gateways to the Asian countries.

It is a hill district with an area of 3,313 sq. km. As per Census 2001, the population of the district is 1,34,462 (Male 67,965 & Female 66,497) and, the literacy rate is 42.73% ( Male 48.77% & Female 36.56%). The density of population per sq. km. is 41.

Even though considered as one of the backward districts, Chandel is not left behind when the safety of the nation comes. The names of Chara Nicholas Mayon, S. Gemithang, and NL Benaingvir Mayon, who sacrificed their lives during the Kargil War, included in the list of Matryrs of India, will always be remembered by one and all.