During the Roman era, the territory was part of the much larger province of Gallaecia, dependent administratively on Astorga and the gold, iron and silver trade route.

[4] The district is composed of two distinct regions described in terms of its geographic differences: the northern areas, with the higher altitudes constitute the Terra Fria Transmontana (Cold lands), and the Alto Trás-os-Montes, where the landscape is dominated gentler slopes of the plateau; and the southern areas, the Terra Quente Trasmontana (Hot Lands), where the climate is milder, marked by the valleys of the Douro River and its tributaries.

Its area allows a wide diversity of landscapes, and the district is known for its climatic differences (nine months of winter and three of heat), its rugged geomorphology, an aging population and urban to rural migration of its residents over time.

It is in the Douro valley that the lowlands of the district are primarily located, although almost all are 400 metres above sea level, with the exception of the municipality of Mirandela and its rivers.

[5] Although Bragança has a Civil Governor, nominated by the Ministry of Home Affairs (Portuguese: Ministro da Administração Interna), his/her role is limited to issues of public security, and local governance.

[6] Local gastronomy, which includes Mirandês beef, embutidos, lamb, sheep and poultry, cascas com casulos, trout, bread, cheese and honey, as well as a range of sweets and pastries, are rich representations of this zone.

Mirandese, a local variant, is commonly observed in the regions of the District, particularly around Miranda do Douro, and has resulted in its official recognition by the Portuguese Parliament.