Kathua district in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, is situated at 32 deg 17' to 32 deg 55’ North Latitude and 75 deg 70' to 76 deg 16’ East longitude. The district is surrounded by Punjab in the South-East, Himachal Pradesh in North-East, district Doda and Udhampur in North and North-West, Jammu in the West and Pakistan in the South-West. It has an area of 2,651 sq km. The district can be conveniently divided into three distinct Agro-climatic regions. The area falling south of Pathankot-Jammu-Srinagar National Highway consists of deep alluvial soils. The area is mostly irrigated and quite productive. This area touches Pakistan and Punjab border and it is also popularly called Border Area. The second zone falling north of the National Highway extends up to foothills of Himalayas and falling mostly in Shivalik ranges is called Kandi area. It is characterized by shallow soils full of boulders with negligible natural water resources. The area faces acute shortage of water and the productivity of the land is very marginal. Part of Kathua, Barnoti, Hiranagar, Ghagwal, Basohli and Billawar block falls in this category. The third area falls beyond Shivalik ranges and extends upto to Peer Panchal ranges. This area is mountainous in nature with little potential for agriculture.

Kathua District is broadly comprises three distinct zones viz. Border, Kandi and Hilly. Billawar, Bani, Basohli and Lohai–Malhar Blocks of the district comes under hilly area, The culture of this area is Pahari which resembles the culture of Himachal Pradesh. The other part of the district has Dogra culture.

Dogri is the main language spoken by the people of the district. Though the dogri spoken in some parts of the district has the influence of Punjabi tone also but the rural areas specially the hilly areas are free from Punjabi. Their main language is Dogri and Pahari. The language is the rural and hilly areas has maintained its native purity, accent and sweetness. However a very small section of the population residing in Lohai-Malhar and Bani Blocks also speaks Kashmiri. Gojri is also spoken by the Gujjar community settled here and there. However, Dogri is main language spoken in the district.

Kathua is culturally an integrated part of Jammu region and all religious fairs like Lohri, Shivratri, Id-ul-Fitr, Holi, Ramnavmi, Baisakhi, Basant Panchami, Martyr’s day of Guru Arjun Dev, Raksha Bandhan, Janam Ashtami, Mahanavami, Dussehra, Diwali, id-ul-zuha, Guru Govind Singh’s birthday etc. Above all, the Independence Day and Republic Day are celebrated with great enthusiasm. Holy Navratras also provide special occasion for worship and pilgrimage to holy places culminating into small to big fairs. Ram Lilas are organized in every town and village of the district. The most famous Ram Lila is performed in Basohli.

Though there is no detailed and fully documented history of Kathua district. It is believed that one Jodh Singh, a famous Rajput of Andotra clan migrated from Hastinapur to Kathua nearly 2000 years ago and settled here. The three Hamlets of Taraf Tajwal, Taraf Manjali and Taraf Bhajwal were established by his three sons Viz. Teju, Kindal and Bhaju. Their descendent are now called as Tajwalia, Bhajwalia and Khanwalia Rajputs of Andotra sub-caste. The conglomeration of these three hamlets was loosely called "Kathai" in earlier times which with the passage of time came to be called as Kathua.

Greek historians, who provide an insight into the ancient history of Jammu Hills prominently record the existence of two powerful empires of Abhisara (Present day Poonch) and KATHAIOI at the time of invasion of India by Alexander, Strabo describes KATHAIOI as a mighty republic of that era located in the foot hills along river Ravi. The topography of KATHAIOI corresponds with the present day Kathua. Starbo describes the people of the republic as epitome of bravery and courage and records that they gave a tough fight to invading army of Alexander.

Hindi, English and Urdu are the main medium of education.