Mahe is the smallest district in India, covering an area of just 9 sq. km. Geographically, it is located within the state of Kerala, but administratively it is part of the Union Territory of Pondicherry. Locally, Mahe is known as Mayyazhi in the Malayalam language.

According to the 2001 census, Mahe has a population of about 36,000, with a high population density of 4091 persons per sq. km. Males make up 47% of the population, while females account for 53%. The district boasts an average literacy rate of 85% and is represented by two members in the Pondicherry Legislative Assembly, from the Mahe and Palloor constituencies.