Gawadar derives its name from two Balochi words GWAT wind and DAR door. Gwadar district was created on 1st July 1977. It consists of two sub-divisions viz Gwadar and Pasni. It is bounded on the north by Turbat (KECH) and Awaran districts, on the east by Awaran and Lasbela districts, on the south by the Arabian Sea, and on the west by Iran. The total area of the district is 15,216 sq. km and the population is 172,948. The coastline of Gwadar is about 600 km long. The climate of Gwadar is dry, arid, and hot. Maximum temperature in June remains between 31C and 40C and the coolest month of January varies from 18C to 19 C. Humidity prevails all over the district and the average annual rainfalls are below 250 mm.

The area is fast developing into an industrial zone based on fisheries. Three mega projects, Gawadar deep seaport, coastal highway, and 132 kV electricity line will be completed by December 2003. There are four airports: Gawadar, Jiwani, Pasni and Ormara. There are daily flights between Karachi and these places. Gwadar has two motels, two local hotels, and restaurants with basic facilities.