The Desna River, a major left tributary of the Dnieper, crosses the northern part of the district.

[9] On 12 July 1929, governorates and uyezds were abolished, and Roslavlsky District with the administrative center in Roslavl was established.

[10] On 12 July 1929, Stodolishchensky District with the administrative center in the selo of Stodolishche was established on the areas which previously belonged to Roslavlsky and Yelninsky Uyezds of Smolensk Governorate.

[10] On 12 July 1929, Yekimovichsky District with the administrative center in the selo of Yekimovichi was established as well on the areas which previously belonged to Roslavlsky and Yelninsky Uyezds of Smolensk Governorate, as well as Mosalsky Uyezd of Kaluga Governorate.

In 1932, the raion was abolished and split between Dorogobuzhsky, Spas-Demensky, Yekimovichsky, and Yalninsky Districts.

[10] There are enterprises producing parts for trucks, electrical equipment, and ceramics, as well as food, all of them in Roslavl.

[11] The main agricultural specializations of the district are cattle breeding with meat and milk production, as well as growing of crops and potatoes, and fish farming.

[11] A railway connecting Smolensk and Bryansk crosses the district from north to south.

The Russian route A130, formerly A101, connecting Moscow with the border of Belarus and continuing to Babruysk, crosses the district from northeast to southwest and passes through Roslavl.

Another road, R120 (formerly A141), which connects Smolensk with Bryansk and Oryol, crosses the district from the northwest to southeast, also passing through Roslavl.