Nanao occupies the southeastern coast of Noto Peninsula and is bordered by the Sea of Japan on the east and north, and Toyama Prefecture to the south.

Nanao has a humid continental climate (Köppen Cfa) characterised by mild summers and cold winters with heavy snowfall.

On October 1, 2004, Nanao expanded by annexing the neighbouring municipalities of Nakajima, Notojima and Tatsuruhama (all from Kashima District).

Nanao has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city legislature of 18 members.

Manufacturing, especially of bricks and cement, lumber processing, tourism, and agriculture are all major contributors of the local economy.