Profile of Zunheboto

Zunheboto is a town and a town area committee in the state of Nagaland. It is bordered by the Mokokchung district on the east, by the Kohima district towards the south and on the western side by the Wokha district. The district headquarters of Zunheboto are located in Zunheboto town.

Origin

Zunheboto derived its name from two set of words ‘Zunhebo’ and ‘To’ in Sumi dialect. The word ‘Zunhebo’ is the name of a flowering shrub with white leaves which bear sponge like ears containing sweet juice and ‘To’ means top of a hill.

Geography

The Zunheboto district is situated in the heart of Nagaland and covers an area of 1255 sq kms. Zunheboto has hills spreading across most of its parts. The height of the hills varies from 1000 to 2500 meters. The average altitude of the district is 1874.22 meters above sea level.

There are three main important rivers in Zunheboto. They are Tizu River, Doyang River and Tsutha River. The Tizu River originates in the Tuensang district and flows down towards south crossing at the center of Zunheboto district. It then joins the Chindwin River. The Doyang River originates in Japhu and passed through the western part of this district. It then meanders through the hills and valleys to finally join the Dhansiri River in Assam. The Tsutha River originates in the north eastern part of the Zunheboto district and it drains the eastern part of the district and joins the Tizu River below the Niholse village. There is a mini hydroelectricity project located in this region.

Climate

Zunheboto enjoys a monsoon climate throughout the year. The winters are cold and summers are moderately warm here. December and January forms the coldest months and the temperatures during this time goes down to 10°C. The highest temperature in Zunheboto recorded is 22°C. Zunheboto experiences an average rainfall of about 200 cms. The rainfall occurs for around nine months in a year; with the heaviest occurring in July and August.

Demography

According to the 2011 census, the Zunheboto district has a population of 141, 014. The literacy rate is 86.26% and the sex ratio is 981 females for every 1000 males.  Zunheboto is a home to the Sumi Nagas. The Sumi Nagas are considered to be the martial tribe among the Nagas. It is also the home to the Semas. They are famous for the colorful war dances and folk songs. Headhunting was practiced in this district in earlier times until the advent of Christianity by the missionaries. The main festivals celebrated here include the Tulunih and Ahunah. Around 99% of the people of the district are Christians.

Economy

Agriculture is the main occupation of the people. The main form of cultivation practiced is Jhum cultivation. The main crops cultivated here are paddy, maize, millet, taro or kuchlu, French bean, potato, pumpkin, cucumber, chilly and several varieties of gourd.

Education

There are a number of Government and private schools in Zunheboto. There is one Polytechnic college here. There is a single Government college in Zunheboto.
Love Dale school, St Paul's school, Olympic school and Zunheboto college, among others, are some of the important institutes of repute here.