In a nonvolatile semiconductor storage device having a plurality of NAND
strings, each NAND string includes a memory cell block obtained by
connecting a plurality of nonvolatile memory cells in series, a first
selection gate transistor connected to a data transfer line contact, and
a second selection gate transistor connected to a source line contact.
The upper surface of an isolation insulating film between adjacent data
transfer line contacts is higher than the major surface of a
semiconductor substrate in a device area between the first selection gate
transistor and data transfer line contact. Alternatively, the upper
surface of an isolation insulating film between adjacent source line
contacts is higher than the major surface of the semiconductor substrate
in a device area between the second selection gate transistor and source
line contact.