The District is bounded on the north by Bagalkot District, on the east by Koppal District, on the southeast by Bellary District, on the southwest by Haveri District, on the west by Dharwad District, and on the northwest by Belgaum District. Gadag District was formed in 1997, when it was split from Dharwad District.

Gadag-Betageri twin city is located in the Northern Region of Karnataka State. The city Municipal council (CMC) of Gadag-Betageri was constituted in 1873, it is one of the Grade-I CMC in Karnataka state, located at city centre of Gadag-Betageri.It has a population of 1,54,849 as per 2001 census. The CMC has 35 Wards and equal number of Councilors. The Gadag-Betageri CMC stretches to an area of 54.55 Sqkms. It has important railway junction connection solapur to the north, Bellary to the East & Hubli to the west. It is at a distance of 480 km from Bangalore.

Gadag immediately brings to mind the name of Naranappa, popularly known as Kumara Vyaasa, the author of karnataka BharataKathamanjari. It is the classic Mahabharata in kannada,he composed his work sitting before Lord Veera Narayana. The Temple of Veera Narayana and Trikuteshwara are places of religious and historic importance.Jumma Majid it consists hindu muslim trust.

The blind singer Ganayogi Panchakshari Gawayi belonged to Gadag. His music school is famous, very shortly going to get an entry in Guinness book. The two main jain Temples are dedicated to Parsvanatha Thirthnkara and Mahaveeera belongs to Gadag district. Tontadarya Matha of Veerashaiva sect of Hindus is doing a lot of educational and Literary activities in and around Gadag.and also St.Johns Church.

Gadag contribution in the field of music&sports is immense Pt.Bhim sen Joshi,hails from this place only. It is matter of great pride. A nearby village Kanaginahal has made its name throughout India by establishing cooperative sector. Today all over India is celebrating his century .