Ilam attracts many researchers and scientists for the study of medicinal and aromatic plants, orchids, rare birds and the red panda.

The King of Gorkha gave the ruler of Ilam full autonomy to rule and the right of Kipat.

Ilam is today one of the developing places in Nepal, even though the Western parts are still struggling with the basic facilities (road networks, drinking water, health, etc.).

The migration rate is very low, compared to other districts, due to the adoption of farming by individual families.

The main source of income in this district is commercial agriculture, especially cash crops like tea, cardamom, ginger, potato, broom grass (Thysanolaena latifolia) production on a large scale and dairy and dairy related products like milk (Olan), cheese, Chhurpi (Traditional hard cheese) and lollipops (local sweets).

For a decade, there has been growing number of technical and vocational programs at secondary and university levels.

The first autonomous campus of Nepal, it is well known for its programs such as Agricultural Science, Education, Humanities and Commerce.

[4] Ethnicity/caste of Ilam district (2021)[5] Ethnicity/caste: 20.79% were Rai, 16.10% Limbu, 13.90% Chhetri, 12.72% Bahun, 7.06% Tamang, 5.21% Magar, 3.76% Newar, 3.50% Kami and 3.04% Gurung.

Other languages were Limbu (13.71%), Bantawa (7.53%), Rai (4.81%), Tamang (4.58%), Magar Dhut (3.56%), Chamling (1.25%), Newari and Gurung (1.00%).