Jowai is the headquarters of the West Jaintia Hills district in the Indian state of Meghalaya. It serves as a primary administrative center for the region and is home to the Pnar people, who are a sub-tribe of the Khasi ethnic group.
The city is situated on a plateau at an altitude of 1365 meters above sea level. It is geographically defined by its location surrounded on three sides by the Myntdu river, which forms the border with Bangladesh to the south. Due to its high elevation, Jowai experiences warm summers and cool to chilly winters.