Balasore is one of the coastal Districts of Odisha. It lies on the northern most part of the state. It was a part of the ancient Kalinga which later became a territory of Toshal or Utkal, till the death of Mukunda Dev. Balasore as a separate District was created in October 1828. originally it was in Bengal presidency.
This district consists of two subdivisions namely Balasore and Nilagiri. There are 12 Tahasils for 12 Blocks of the district. There are 15 ICDS Projects working in both Rural and Urban Area. Balasore is the main town of the district and is also its centre of economic growth. The primary occupation of people in the district is cultivation. Being an agrarian economy, agriculture is the main stay of the people of Balasore District. It collectively provides conducive infrastructure for the growth of agriculture in the region. Rice, Pulses, oil seeds like groundnut, mustard, castor and linseed are grown in the District of Balasore. Coconut tree is also the main source of livelihoods of the Women in this district. The coir, Coco product made by the WSHG members have high demand in out side the state. Balasore one of the Finest Coir Cluster in the State. The Betel Leaf, Betele Nut and the Jute are the economical sources of the Rural Women. Many Small Cottage idustries are running on these products.

Education has played an important role here, both before and after Independence. At present many primary and secondary schools imparting education both in English medium and Odia medium. Many degree colleges, law colleges, colleges of education, engineering schools, song and music colleges, art and craft colleges, industrial training institutes, management colleges and computer institutes, AIIMS, Medical Colleges, Universities are found at different places in the district.
Fakir Mohan Senapati famously known as Vyasa Kabi, Laxmi Narayana Sahu, Radhanath Ray , Bagha Jatin are the prominent personalities born in Balasore District. Many fairs and festivals celebrated here throughout the year. Main festivals are Durga Puja, Siva Ratri, Raja Parva, Makar Sankranti, Kali Puja, Ganesh Chaturthi, Car festival and Dola Purnima. Balasore District is famous for the most attarctive and enjoyable game, Akhada, played during Durga Puja and during Moharrum by Muslims.

There are beautiful sea beaches and many temples attract local and national tourists. Chandipur, Talasari sea beach, Chawmukh sea beach, Kashaphal sea beach are the famous sea beaches of the District. Temples like Panchalingeswar, Khirochora Gopinath, Langaleswar, Laxmannath, Chandaneswar, Maninageswar are the point of attractions.