 The regency was created in 2002 under Statute UU 4/2002 from the northern part of Aceh Tenggara (Southeast Aceh Regency).Its capital is Blangkejeren.The regency covers an area of 5,719.58 square kilometres and according to the 2010 census had a population of 79,560; the latest official estimate (as at 1 July 2019) is 92,834.