It is bounded on the east by Osh Region, on the south, west and north by Tajikistan, and on the northeast by Uzbekistan.

[3][4] This was partly in response to the activities of the Islamic Movement for Uzbekistan (IMU), with bases in Tajikistan.

[6] This happened soon after 60 mosques and religious schools were closed by raids in the Osh Region.

[1] In 2009 24.2% of the population lived in the region's cities and urban-type settlements, and 75.8% in the rural areas.

[9] Chon-Qora and Qalacha (not to be confused with Qal'acha), immediately north of Soʻx, are two Uzbek villages within a very small enclave that lies on the river Sokh.

][13] Jani-Ayil (also Dzhangail, Jangy-ayyl or Khalmion) (40°12′09″N 71°39′58″E / 40.20250°N 71.66611°E / 40.20250; 71.66611) is a small exclave of Uzbekistan, about 60 kilometres east of Batken and within 1 km of the Uzbek main border.

[9] Lolazor (also Western Qalacha or Qayraghoch) near Kyrgyz town of Kayragach (40°04′05″N 69°32′41″E / 40.06806°N 69.54472°E / 40.06806; 69.54472) is a very small exclave of Tajikistan, located in the northwest corner of the region near the railway station of Stantsiya Kayragach, about 130 kilometres west of Batken.

[9] The southern mountains offer excellent, but very difficult climbing with many sheer rock faces.

In August 2000, the Batken region received international attention after a group of climbers, including acclaimed climber Tommy Caldwell, was taken hostage by a group of rebel Uzbeks associated with the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan whilst on an expedition in the Kara-Suu Valley.

[15] In recent years, the government has shown interest in developing the region[16] and many foreigners have managed to visit with the help of local authorities.