The  District comprises of eight Syiemships viz., Nongstoin, Nongkhlaw, Maharam, Myriaw, rambrai, Mawiang, Langrin Nobosophoh, together with the three Sirdarships of Jyrngam, Riangsih and Nonglang. The Headquarters of each of the Syiemships and Sirdarships are as indicated below:

The people of the District have their distinct dialects of about 23 in number. Majority of these dialectical groups, understand Khasi, which is common or link language of the people. The Khasi are predominant inhabitants of West Khasi Hills District. However, the populace may be classified as follows.

 1)  Ki Nongphlang, are those living in the central up land also called as Khatsawphra, Mawiang, Maram etc (2) Ki War are those living in the southern slopes towards the border with Bangladesh. (3) Ki Mailang are those in the Langrin Syiemship (South-west) (4) Ki Rimen are those living in the Northern side. (5) Ki Muliang are those in Langpih area and Jyrngam Sirdarship.  (6) Ki Nongtrai are those living in areas between the Nongphlang and Lyngngams (7) Ki Lyngngam are those living in the western part  and in close proximity with east and south Garo Hills. (8) Ki Garo have a sizeable number in Langrin Syiemship, Nongstoin Syiemship, Maharam Syiemship, Mawiang Syiemship, Jyrngam Sirdarship and Nonglang Sirdarship There are a small number of Hajongs in the Maharam, Langrin and Mawiang Syiemships, as well as about 20 families of the Banai Community in Nongjri village of Ranikor Block, Nongstoin Syiemship.