About
"Zunheboto" is derived from two Sumi words: "Zunhebo", which is a flowering shrub found throughout the hills whose white sponge-like pockets contain sweet juice and "to", which means top of a hill. Because of this the town Zunheboto in every way, can be described as a hilltop of the flowering shrubs lying over the green rolling ridges. Zunheboto district was formed on December 19, 1973 by partitioning Zunheboto district from the then older district of Mokokchung. The district is mainly inhabited by the traditional Sumi Nagas of the Nagas inhabiting the northern part of the state. Long regarded for their historic warrior tradition and their communal identity, the district occupies approximately 1,255 sq km of rugged terrain heavily forested and comprising undulating hills with elevation ranging from 1,000m to 2,500m. It remains a largely pristine natural environment that still leaves its birds and travellers, bu11 of ways, for the birdwatchers, the ecologists and the explorers.
History & Culture
The present Zunheboto was known as one of the administrative sub-divisions under Mokokchung during 1958. But Nagaland was still in its infancy and consisted of only three districts, viz. Kohima, Mokokchung and Tuensang. These four new districts (Phek, Wokha, Zunheboto, Mon) were officially created sometime in between 1971 and 1981 as notified by the state government. With its shape, these districts came into being through bifurcation of the already existing districts and Zunheboto came out of ten circles namely VK Akuluto Suruhuto Asuto Aghunato, Zunheboto Sadar Atoizu Satakha, Satoi and Zunheboto Town, from Mokokchung district. The earliest census conducted for the first time Zunheboto district in the year 1981 and then later in 1991, two more circles, Poghuboto and Ghathashi, were transferred from Kohima District to Zunheboto District This way making it eleven circles in total.
The Sumi Naga Identity
The Sumi, the dominant tribe of the district, had in the past been regarded as a martial people amongst the Nagas, known for their belligerence towards the neighbouring villages during headhunting times, their strict code of honour that was supposedly tied to their conduct during the headhunting era, which has now been replaced by Christian notions and contemporary village councils. Almost 99% of the Sumi population today is Christian and the Church forms the hub of much of the community's social activity. Although some older practices that were solidly based on the old agricultural family and village communal traditions persist in Sumi social life today, there are still remnants of pre conversion lifeways. The traditional clothing, for example, mainly the war dress of former warriors, is still on display for appropriate festivities, and carries plenty of interest for its workmanship and colour. The most significant festival on the district level calendar is Tuluni which is usually celebrated in the second week of July every year. It is a festival after the jhum planting season which involves rounds of collective eating, singing of traditional song and traditional dance by the community and acts as a bond between the people of the different community and the villages. The Thuwuni festival is celebrated in Pughoboto before the third or fourth week of November at the local level. It is also a festival after the jhum planting to arrest the movement of people, to internalise the jhum festival in the local people and as a thanksgiving festival for the time of pest and also clears the culture for the coming season. The village level festival after jhum or seed sowing and the festival after the harvest are also practised at the district and village level in a similar pattern.
Economy
Zunheboto is characterised by hilly terrain and its proximity to larger industrial centres has influenced its economy. Limited in scope, the agriculture sector contributes mainly to household income, but in Zunheboto, government services and small trades also have some economic importance.
Government Sector
With more formal and registered types of paid employment most employment in Zunheboto is in government employ. The district is heavily dependent upon its local government structures whether that be the district administration, schools, health services or public works. In and around Zunheboto town and the sub-divisional headquarters the largest employer is government due to the lack of private industry in the district.
Public Sector
Besides direct government employment, public institutions contribute to the local economy. The campus of Nagaland University at Lumami village, under Akuluto sub-division, has emerged as a kind of education centre for the entire state, attracting students and faculty from every corner of the state and creating demand for accommodation and food outlets and small retail establishments scattered around the campus. Public sector infrastructure works, like road construction and programs of village electrification provide seasonal employment to the village poor.
Services Sector
The largest part of the private services sector has been small trade, transport, retail and hospitality. Weekly markets were held in the town and many larger villages so that farmers could market their produce directly. Small guest houses and homestay enterprises have been established, mostly since 1997, and bring some additional income to the families that host the visitors, mainly in village near the eco-tourism sites of the district. Traditionally silken shawls and garments were woven by women of the Sumi community for use within the household, though some is now sold outside of the region bringing in a small additional source of income.
Agriculture and Rural Livelihoods
Almost all the rural population are still dependent upon farming, and for most of the district this is slash-and-burn, or shifting cultivation, on the hill slopes. There is an anomaly, though, along the banks of the Tizu River where around three-fifths of the farming households have switched to terrace cultivation, taking advantage of the nearly level land and more reliable water supply. Crops include rice, maize, millet, oranges, passion fruit and many other fruits, increasingly being grown for sale outside the district. Satoi and Asuto are still under developed villages, with a number of the settlements still lacking a better-than-jeep track; because of this, reducing the accessibility of farm produce.
Tourism
Most of Zunheboto's attraction for visitors lies in the landscape. Its villages are enmeshed within a wilderness of forests and hill streams and uncommon animals that have maintained themselves without the benefit of big, easily accessible tourist resorts. Ghosu Bird Sanctuary: About 10 minutes away from the district headquarters in the vicinity of Ghukiye village Ghosu Bird Sanctuary is maintained under total village control with strict anti-poaching norms and protection to over 20 rare birds species. To get the maximum pleasure of birdwatching the best time is during July to September when neighboring Bird Buffs and foreigners flock to see the Garden Imperial Pigeon, Sacred Emerald Dove, and Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon, and other migratory birds, while a watchtower and a rest house, funded by the state government, give the observers comfortable shelter. Satoi Range: Located to the south-east of the town, the Satoi Range remains one of the last remaining patches of pristine forest within the district. It is part of the Satoi Biodiversity Reserve, which extends toward the borders of Meluri, Phek district and into Kiphire district, and it is the habitat of the fiercely endangered hornbill, plus the state's official bird, Blyth's Tragopan. As the range is somewhat removed from town and access is limited via roads, the range is ideally suited for those interested in undertaking an authentic trek rather than merely a day trip. Tizu Valley and Community Conservation Sites: Sukhai, Ghukhuyi and Kivikhu three villages that work together as the Tizu Valley Biodiversity Conservation and Livelihood Network, constitute a collective effort to protect the forest and river habitat of the Tizu Valley, and offer another growth point for tourists and scientists who want to explore self-oriented management of natural resources in Naga villages. Lumami and Nagaland University: The campus of Nagaland University in Lumami, Akuluto sub-division, now acts as a symbolic league of Nagas, as students from all Nagas tribes study here. Local Streams and Village Life: Rivers and streams flowing with freshwater are found on all sides of Zunheboto town and people, both visitors and local citizens engage in fishing in these streams daily.
Demographics
Population
As per the 2011 census, Zunheboto district had a total population of 140757 comprising of 71217 males and 69540 females. The sex ratio is about 976 females per 1000 males which is higher than the Nagaland state average of 931 females per 1000 males. There are 27,597 (20%) people living in towns and the rest of the people live across villages in the district. Sumi, also known as Sema, is the mother tongue for most of the people of the district and continues to be used as the lingua franca at home and in the villages. The official and administrative language for communication in the government offices, schools and other written documents is in English. It is a convention adopted throughout Nagaland.
Administration
Sub-Divisions
The district is sub-divided into seven sub-divisions namely Pughoboto, Zunheboto, Akuluto, Atoizu Suruhuto, Aghunato and Satakha. For administrative purposes the district is further divided into thirteen smaller sub-districts / circles namely Khuza Pughoboto, Sator, Satakha, Aghunato Aletuk, Akuluto Taka Thuama Tokiye Suruhuto, and Atoizu. Four Rural Development blocks namely Ghathashi Akuluto, Tokiye and Suruhuto, are functioning in the district to develop rural areas through various schemes and implementation of village level welfare programmes.
Villages and Towns
Within the district in total, there are 191 villages, on top of Zunheboto Town as the only statutory town, and Satakha Headquarters as a census town. Population at village level is extremely varied, with the census recording Lazami (under Pughoboto circle) as the most populated (2,936 inhabitants), and Tsutha Hydel Project (under Aghunato circle) as the least populated (with only nine).
| Official Name | Zunheboto |
| Location | Nagaland |
| Area | 1255 sq. km |
| Population | 1,40,757 |
| Language | Sumi(Sema) |
FAQs
Q1. How many villages does Zunheboto district have?
Zunheboto district has 191 villages, along with Zunheboto Town and Satakha as its two recognised towns.
Q2. What is the population of Zunheboto district?
As per the 2011 census, Zunheboto district has a population of 140,757 people.
Q3. What is Zunheboto famous for?
Zunheboto is best known for being the homeland of the Sumi Naga tribe and its Tuluni festival.
Q4. Which sub-divisions make up Zunheboto district?
The district has seven sub-divisions: Pughoboto, Zunheboto, Akuluto, Atoizu, Suruhuto, Aghunato, and Satakha.
Q5. What language do people in Zunheboto mainly speak?
Most residents speak Sumi (Sema), is the main the language of the district's native
Q6. What is the main occupation of people in Zunheboto?
Farming is the main occupation.
Last Updated on October 27, 2026
