It is bounded by (from the southeast and clockwise) the districts of Wesermarsch, Ammerland, Leer and Wittmund, and by the North Sea.

The Frisian region was ruled by local chieftains until the 15th century; see East Frisia for details.

After her death Jever became a part of Oldenburg, but East Frisia made a claim for the territory as well.

The dissolution was declared unconstitutional in 1979 because it violated the rights of the former State of Oldenburg, and the District was re-established in its old boundaries in 1980.

In the east the district is bounded by the Jade Bight, a shallow bay of the North Sea.