Situated on the north side of Timor island, it originally stretched to the south coast, but in December 2012 its southern half was detached to form the new Malaka Regency.

Established on 20 December 1958,[3] Belu Regency has its seat (capital) in the large town of Atambua, which lies inland from the coastal port of Atapupu (in Kakuluk Mesak District).

The economy of Belu Regency is primarily based on agriculture, with the cultivation of crops such as maize, rice, and various fruits being central to local livelihoods.

Belu Regency is home to a diverse population with a mix of ethnic groups, including those speaking the Belunese dialect of the Tetum language and other Austronesian-speaking peoples.

Efforts are being made to develop infrastructure and services to enhance the tourism experience while preserving the regency's cultural and environmental assets.