South Tapanuli Regency

At the 2010 Census, the regency was divided into twelve districts (kecamatan). Subsequently, three additional districts (Tano Tombangan Angkola, Angkola Muara Tais, and Angkola Sangkunur) have been created by the division of existing districts. The districts are tabulated below with their areas and their populations at the 2010 Census and 2020 Census, together with the official estimates as of mid-2024. The table also includes the locations of the district administrative centres, the number of administrative villages in each district (totaling 211 rural desa and 37 urban kelurahan), and its postcode. Notes: (a) the 2010 population of the new Tano Tombangan Angkola District is included in the figure for Sayur Matinggi District, from which it was split off. (b) the 2010 population of the new Angkola Muara Tais District is included in the figure for Batang Angkola District, from which it was split off. (c) the 2010 population of the new Angkola Sangkunur District is included in the figure for the Angkola Barat District, from which it was split off. == Geography ==

Location To the north, the district is bordered by the Central Tapanuli Regency and North Tapanuli Regency. The regency borders the Padang Lawas Regency in the east, and to the north, the west, and the south it borders the Mandailing Natal Regency. In the middle of the South Tananuli Regency is Padang Sidempuan City, which is surrounded by this Regency but separately administered. ==Sights==

, Saipar Dolok Hole, South Tapanuli Regency Sights include a waterfall in Damparan Hauntas, in Saipar Dolok Hole District. ==Archaeology==

The Padang Lawas archaeological site is partly located in the regency. The site covers approximately 1,500 km2 in this regency and in the Padang Lawas and North Padang Lawas regencies. ==Wildlife ==

The critically endangered Tapanuli orangutan lives in the region. It was described as a distinct species in 2017 and represents the first extant species of great ape to be described since the bonobo in 1929. Scientists have identified a new species of great ape, Pongo tapanuliensis or Tapanuli orangutan, but fear its survival is already in doubt as its habitat is under threat. ==References==