The regency includes the western portion of Flores island and several small islands mainly lying to the west of it, including the two largest islands, Komodo and Rinca as well as others such as Seraya Besar, Seraya Kecil, Bidadari and Longgos. The total area of West Manggarai Regency is, with a land area of and a sea area of. The population as at the 2015 Census was 251,689 inhabitants, but the latest official estimate is 256,491.
Administration
West Manggarai Regency is divided into twelve districts, tabulated below with their areas and their 2010 and 2015 Census populations.
Name
Area in sq.km
Population Census 2010
Population Census 2015
Komodo
763.29
41,258
48,812
Boleng
456.51
16,567
18,834
Sanonggoang
555.18
25,113
14,441
Mbeliling
-
-
13,058
Lembor
395.51
49,732
32,753
Lembor Selatan
-
-
23,538
Welak
299.48
19,100
21,533
Kuwus
208.44
40,365
24,788
Ndoso
-
-
19,579
Macang Pacar
269.05
29,568
34,353
Notes: The area and 2010 Census population quoted for Sanonggoang district includes the figures for the new Mbeliling district, cut out of it between 2010 and 2015. Similarly, the area and 2010 Census population quoted for Lembor district includes the figures for the new Lembor Selatan district, cut out of it in the same period; and the area and 2010 Census population quoted for Kuwus district includes the figures for the new Ndoso district, cut out of it in the same period. Two further districts have subsequently been created - Kuwus Barat and Pacar.
Development issues
Rural development The West Manggarai Regency, along with other nearby regencies on Flores, has a long and hot dry season. Programs of tree-planting have been initiated in recent years which are helping improve the local environment. These activities include efforts to promote continued attention to the cultivation of sugar palms. Education Education facilities in the region are limited, especially in the outlying areas. Some non-government organisations help, for example, with the provision of books for children to isolated villages. Tourism Various local community groups in different parts of the regency work to promote the local tourist industry through, for example, the development of local dance troupes and foods from local areas. In Liang Ndara village, which has been designated as a tourist site, there are programs to teach English in the local community to support the tourist industry, Mount Mbeliling, one of the highest peaks in the regency is a well-known destination for climbers and tourists to the regency. The area around Mt Mbeliling, which is rich in bird life, attracts bird-watching groups
