The province was named after Colonel Eduardo Abaroa, Bolivia's hero of the War of the Pacific.

One of the highest peaks of the province is Jatun Wila Qullu at 5,214 m (17,106 ft).

82% of the population have no access to electricity, 94% have no sanitary facilities.

68.9% of the population are employed in agriculture, 0.5% in mining, 6.9% in industry, 23.7% in general services (2001).

The province comprises two municipalities which are further subdivided into cantons.