It is named after the famous Kanem Empire, which was centred in this vicinity.

Mao is the regional capital; other major settlements include Am Doback, Kekedina, Nokou, Ntiona, Rig Rig, Wadjigui and Ziguey.

The principal ethnolinguistic groups are Baggara Arabs (4.97%), Dazaga Toubou (48.25%), Fula and Kanembu (40.54%).

There are a variety of local crops such as rice also grown in the region.

As a part of decentralization in February 2003, the country is administratively split into regions, departments, municipalities and rural communities.