The second community to settle in the area is the Meru People, who immigrated there from the Usambara Mountains in Tanga Region, they are the majority of residents in the district.

Meru District has a total size of 1,268.2 square kilometers, with forest reserves covering around 13% (163.7 km2).

[8] The major climate in Meru District is tropical savanna, with distinct rainy and dry seasons.

The distribution of these rains is completely improper for agricultural and livestock rearing activities in the District.

However, soil erosion occurs in agro-pastoral areas, particularly in King'ori Ward of eastern Meru District.

[9] The district has bimodal rainfall, with short rains (Vuli) falling from November to January and long rains (Masika) falling from March to June, resulting in two agricultural seasons with annual rainfall ranging between 500 and 1200 mm and average temperatures of about 25 °C (January–February) and 22 °C (March–August).

[citation needed] The district features 11 perennial rivers and 143 springs, some of which serve as irrigation, residential, and cattle water sources.

Deep and shallow wells are the district's primary source of drinking water.

The primary source of energy for cooking is wood, which accounts for 90% of the total, with gas stoves accounting for the remaining 0.5%.The most common source of lightning is kerosene, which is used by 90% of all private households, followed by electricity (biogas, fuel wood,) at 5%.

Trade centers such as Usa River fuel wood, including charcoal, is the primary source of energy for cooking in 90% of households, followed by kerosene at 5%.

To name a few, important industries situated there include Jumbo Textile Ltd, Tanzania Poultry Farm Ltd, Hughes Motors Ltd, and Maji Tech.

[16] Meru District is home to tourist attractions such as the Arusha National Park, the Momella Lakes, Lake Duluti, Kalanga Forest Reserve in Nkoanenkoli, NAIC Forest Reserve in Nshapu, Sakila Hill in Sakila, Shumbumbu Hills Caves in Akheri Ward, Mringaringa in Poli Ward, and Usa River Springs Forest Reserve.

Meru District Council is home to five higher learning institutions: Makumira University College, Patadi Teacher's College, The University of Arusha, The Institute of Community Development, Tengeru, National Artificial Insemination Centre (NAIC) and Nelson Mandela University, and The Institute of Livestock Development, Tengeru.