Muktsar District is one of the administrative districts of Punjab with its headquarters at Muktsar City. Muktsar is a historical city of the district as it is intimately connected with Sikh religion. Guru Gobind Singh fought his last battle against Mughals in 1705 AD at Muktsar. Muktsar District covers an area of 2615 sq km, which constitutes around 5.19 percent of the total area of the state.

Location of Muktsar District
Muktsar District is located in the south western zone of Punjab. It lies between 30 degree 69 minutes and 29 degree 87 minutes latitude and 74 degree 21 minutes and 74 degree 86 minutes longitude. It is bounded by Rajasthan and Haryana in the south, Faridkot district in the north, Ferozepur in its west and Bathinda in the east.

Geography of Muktsar District
The Western Himalayas in the North and Thar Desert in the South and Southwest mainly determine the climate conditions of Muktsar District. Nearly 70 percent of rainfall is received during July to September, when South Western monsoons are active in the region. There is wide seasonal temperature variation with mean monthly maximum temperature being as high as 45 degree Celsius in June and mean monthly minimum temperature as low as 2 degree Celsius in January.

Demography of Muktsar District
According to 2001 census, Muktsar District has a total population of 7,77,493. The percentage of rural population in the district is 74.46 percent. Muktsar has population density of 297 persons per sq km compared to 484 persons per sq km of Punjab, which is the lowest in Punjab. There are 891 women for every 1000 men in the district. The Scheduled Castes form 37.75 percent of the total population in this district. The population of Muktsar District has increased at the rate of 18.80 percent from 1991 to 2001 against 20.10 percent for the whole state. Muktsar lags in literacy with literacy percentage being 50.67 percent compared to 69.95 percent for the whole state.

Administration of Muktsar District
Deputy Commissioner is the head of district administration. Administration of Muktsar District consists of three main sub-divisions and these are -

Muktsar Sub Division: Headquarter of this sub division is Muktsar City. Two Sub Tehsil headquarters namely Bariwala and Lakhewali lie in Muktsar Sub Division of Muktsar District.

Malout Sub Division: Headquarter of this subdivision is Malout town. Sub Tehsil Lambi falls in this sub division.

Gidderbaha Sub Division: Headquarter of this sub division is Gidderbaha town. Sub Tehsil Doda falls in this sub division.

Further, administrative set-up of Muktsar District comprises four blocks, namely Muktsar, Malout, Lambi and Kot Bhai at Gidderbaha. There are four cities - Muktsar, Malout, Gidderbaha and Lambi and 234 villages in the district.

Economy of Muktsar District
Economy of Muktsar District is based on agriculture and 80 percent population of the district is engaged in agriculture. Muktsar is situated in the cotton belt of Punjab. Paddy, Wheat, Sugarcane, Oilseeds, Pulses and vegetables are also cultivated in this area. Therefore most of the industrial units have been established based on agriculture crops and allied activities like Rice Milling, Cotton, Mustard Oils, and Wheat Flour, etc. Other main industrial products of the district are manufacturing of agriculture implements, Bricks, Marble product, Soap, Fertilizers, Confectionary, Candles, Fabrication work, etc.

Tourism in Muktsar District
Tourism in Muktsar District mainly includes several holy shrines, temples and mosques. Mukta Minar is one of the main attractions of the city. It is situated near district administrative complex. It has beautiful gardens and is prominent for its glaring steel cover on concrete body. There is also an open air theatre here. Gurudwara Shahidganj Sahib, Sri Darbar Sahib, Gurudwara Tibbi Sahib and Gurudwara Rakabsar Sahib are the other popular pilgrimage sites of Muktsar District.

Muktsar District has a vibrant and colourful culture. Every year huge gathering takes place on the occasion of Maghi Mela celebrated after next day of Lohri in January when to commemorate the velour of 40 Muktas. The whole town wears a festive look at the time of Mela.