It has the smallest area among local governments in Tokushima prefecture and is also the most densely populated town or village in Shikoku.

Tokushima Prefecture Kitajima has a Humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa) characterized by warm summers and cool winters with light snowfall.

The village of Kitajima was established within Itano District, Tokushima with the creation of the modern municipalities system on October 1, 1889.

Kitajima has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral town council of 13 members.

In terms of national politics, the town is part of Tokushima 2nd district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.