The population is under 600,000.
The district town is Madikeri (sometimes called Mercara), meaning 'place of the bees'.
Coffee is grown in large areas and the Kodava people live a rich life due to the economic freedom provided by the coffee market. Kodavas consider themselves as warriors and they have many cultural practices such as carrying a ceremonial knife on their wraparound robes. The culture also includes communal gatherings where drink, dance and a special pork dish with the special seasoning of Garcinia are central attractions.
The names of Kodava people is also characteristic and includes a clan name. The clan is central to Kodava culture and families trace their lineage through clans. Marriage within a clan is discouraged.
The Kodava language or Kodava Thak has no written tradition, and has under 200,000 speakers. It is a Dravidian language, related to dialects of Kannada, and is heavily influenced by Malayalam.