It borders Quảng Nam to the north, Gia Lai to the south, Quảng Ngãi to the east, Sekong, Attapeu of Laos and Ratanakiri of Cambodia in the west.

The capital city is Kon Tum, located on the Đăk Bla River.

The Sa Thầy River, a tributary of the Sê San, also runs through the province.

[4] The province is primarily located in the Sê San river basin, though parts are also in the headwaters of the Vu Gia, Trà Khúc and Sekong Rivers.

Ethnic groups in Kon Tum province include the Viet, Bahnar, Brau, Giẻ Triêng, Jarai, Rơ Măm, and Xo Dang.