Long before Derbyshire existed, there was evidence suggesting that people settled into the area some 200,000 years ago. It originally started with 600 divisions including High Peak and Wirksworth, and its actual founding is recorded to be as early as the mid to late 10th century. It once had a detached port in Leicestershire, around Measham and Donisthorpe.

Despite its rural feel and appearance, Derbyshire has a lot of places for tourists to visit. Few of these are the Peak District scenery located in the north part of the country, known for being the first national park in the United Kingdom in 1951. It contains places like the Mam Tor and Kinder Scout, hills that offer great view of the surrounding countryside. There are also water reservoirs built here during the 20th century, named Howden, Ladybower and Derwent. Lastly, there are French-style 17th-18th Century gardens at Renishaw Hall, the Bluebell Arboretum and Chatsworth House.

Its political system made up of a three-tier government, composed of a county council based in Matlock, and eight district councils. Said councils are responsible for the country's infrastructure, environmental health, roads, as well as organizing local markets and fairs. Over the years, its government grew smaller as a result of reorganization. Suburbs that once belonged to Derbyshire were lost to South Yorkshire in the 1960's.

Derbyshire's economy is mainly fueled by rural farms in the west and coal-mining in the northeast. It is also rich in mineral resources. Iron, lead, coal and limestone have been excavated over the years. Nowadays, Derbyshire has famous companies like Rolls-Royce for aerospace, Toyota for vehicles and Nestle Waters UK for food and beverage.

While its education system is comprehensive, there are no selective schools in Derbyshire. Independent schools include, Elms School, Trent College and Repton School.

Its population of 700,000 (circa 2001) contain a diverse mix of whites, Asians, blacks, Christians, Muslims and even Hindu.

Lastly, sports are also present in Derbyshire. In football, Derbyshire even has its own teams: Derby County F.C. and Chesterfield F.C. It also has a Cricket team, called Derbyshire County Cricket Club. However, the most unique of sports featured is the local "Muggle Quidditch" scene, a sport featured in the Harry Potter novels. It has its own club, where it recruits young boys from the age of 16 to take part in the event. For fans of the books, this is the only place in the world where one can take part in the actual sporting event.