The prefecture has an area of 45,895 square kilometres (17,720 sq mi) and its seat is located in Gonghe County.

"[3] The land of Hainan prefecture was originally inhabited by the Qiang and Rong people.

[5] The prefecture is subdivided into 5 county-level divisions (5 counties): Hainan is rather mountainous, with the Gonghe basin in the middle of the area.

2.19% is cultivated for agriculture, 4.14% is forest, 6.69% is covered by water and rivers, 0.53% by residential area and industry and the remaining 7.7% consists of barren areas such as glaciers, swamps and desert.

[3] Hainan's economy is specialized in animal husbandry, hydropower and tourism.