Geologically, the regency is at the western end of the Cimandiri Fault, which splits the northern plateau from the southern hilly areas.

[5][6][7] Its southern region is less populated and contains a high level of biodiversity and significant geological heritage, acknowledged in 2015 by UNESCO with the declaration of Ciletuh-Palabuhanratu Geopark located in the southwestern coast of the regency.

The first written record found in this area was the Sanghyang Tapak inscription in Cibadak District, 20 km west of Sukabumi.

Written in Kawi script, the stone tells about the prohibition of fishing activity in the nearby river by the authorities of the Sunda Kingdom.

[13][14][15] During this era, Dipati Ukur, the local ruler of present-day Bandung revolted against Mataram after the failed Siege of Batavia.

The revolt triggered migration of people from Sumedang Larang to move and settle the area around Palabuhanratu and Jampang to protect themselves from the approaching Mataram troops.

[20][21][22] The Sultanate itself was officially ceded Priangan region west of Citarum to the VOC on October 20, 1677, by an unequal treaty between Amangkurat II and Maetsuycker, as a compensation for Dutch assistance to quell the Trunajaya rebellion.

[14][20][28][29] The inland and coastal areas of Sukabumi were first explored by Europeans at the end of the 17th century, when VOC planned to open plantations throughout Priangan.

[30][31] The first Dutch expedition was led in 1687 by Pieter Scipio van Oostende into the remnant of Pakuan and ended on Wijnkoopsbaai (present-day Palabuhanratu).

In the 1709 expedition Van Riebeeck passed through Mount Gede and visited southern Sukabumi to check on the progress of coffee cultivation in that area.

[38] In 1723, The coffee plantation areas in Sukabumi were grown, along with the enlargement of Tjiandjoer Regency during the administration of Hendrick Zwaardecroon.

The origin of the name came from the combination of two Sanskrit words, Soeka (happiness, likely) and Boemi (earth, land).

Notes: (a) Of the 47 district capitals, 5 are classed as urban kelurahan (Surade, Palabuhanratu, Cibadak, Cicurug and Jampang Kulon) while the other 42 are rated as rural desa.