The borough is bordered by the Amstel river in the west, the Weespertrekvaart canal in the south, and the IJ lake in the east and north.

The eastern city expansion beyond the 17th-century Amsterdam canal belt began in the last quarter of the 19th century with the development of the Oosterparkbuurt and Dapperbuurt.

In March 2007, the Transvaalbuurt and parts of the Indische Buurt were marked aandachtswijk (disadvantaged neighborhood) by minister for housing Ella Vogelaar which made national urban renewal funds and programmes available to the area.

[3] In 2007, construction of the Oostpoort shopping centre and residential area on the site of the former Oostergasfabriek began, which has also become home of the Stadsdeelkantoor(borough or 'district' office) and several educational institutions.

Responsibilities delegated to the 2014-2018 district committees include parks and recreation, streets and squares, refuse collection, permits and events, preparation of zoning plans, passports and drivers licenses, and welfare work.

Executive committee chair is Ivar Manuel (D66), the other members are Thijs Reuten (PvdA) and Nevin Özütok (GL).