[2] Established on 4 October 1999 (under administrative Law UU 52/1999) from the most easterly part of East Flores Regency, the regency covers the island of Lembata (formerly known as Lomblen), together with three small offshore islands together forming the eastern part of the Solor Archipelago, and has its administrative seat (capital) in Lewoleba.

Ile Ape District comprises the 17 desa of Amakaka, Beutaran, Bungamuda, Dulitukan, Kolipadan, Kolontobo, Lamawara, Laranwuntun, Muruona, Napasabok, Petuntawa, Plilolon, Riangbao, Tagawiti, Tanjung Batu, Waowala and Watodiri.

Lebatukan District comprises the 17 desa of Atakowa, Baopana, Balurebong, Banitobo, Dikesare, Hadakewa, Lamadale, Lamalela, Lamatuka, Lerahinga, Lewoeleng, Lodotodokowa, Merdeka, Seranggorang, Tapobaran, Tapolangu and Waienga.

Omesuri District comprises the 22 desa of Aramengi, Balauring, Dolulolong, Hingalamamengi, Hoelea, Hoelea II, Lebewala, Leubatang, Leudanung, Leuwayang, Mahal, Mahal II, Meluwiting, Meluwiting I, Nilanapo, Normal, Normal I, Peusawah, Roma, Wailolong, Walangsawah and Wowong.

Ile Ape Timur District comprises the 9 desa of Aulesa, Bao Lai Duli, Jontona, Lamaau, Lamagute, Lamatokan, Lamawolo, Todanara and Waimatan.