The localities with the earliest documentary attestation are Dobrușa, Olișcani, Răspopeni, and Salcia, which were certified in the period 1437–1448.

During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the region's economic decay occurs as a result of the constant wars led by Poland, the Ottoman Empire, and the Russian Empire for influence in the region.

In 1812, the Treaty of Bucharest divided Bessarabia from the Principality of Moldova, the former being ceded to Russia.

During the interwar period (1918–1940) the district was part of Soroca County, in the Kingdom of Romania.

The territory is located within the Dniester Plateau, the relief is moderately, fragmented and represented by plateaus, low hills and dales wide and hilly interfluvial shaped strings.

The fauna of the district is typical of Central Europe; it is characterized by: foxes, hedgehogs, hares, wild boars, deer, wildcats, and wolves.

Birds include: quail, egrets, hawks, storks, crows, seagulls, and others.

Forests occupy 19.3% of the district and are complemented by oak, ash, lime, hornbeam, acacia, and others.

Industrial enterprises of all types of ownership manufactured in January–September 2010 production of 6.846 million lei worth at current prices.