[2] The Manitoba government set aside the East Reserve, slightly smaller than what is now the RM of Hanover, from the lands left behind for Plautdietsch-speaking Mennonites immigrants from the Russian Empire.

In 1873, these Mennonites signed an agreement with the Canadian government known as the Privilegium, which guaranteed land, freedom of religion, private schools, and military exemption.

[3] The neighbouring city of Steinbach and town of Niverville were originally within Hanover but have since become separate urban municipalities.

[4] Hanover's municipal headquarters were located in Steinbach until a new office building near Mitchell was constructed in 2001.

The largest communities in Hanover are the local urban districts of Mitchell, Grunthal and Blumenort, which have populations of 2,828, 1,782 and 1,778, respectively.