It is located in the traditional district of Midt-Telemark and historically part of the Grenland region.

Forest harvesting averaged 36,000 cubic metres (1,300,000 cu ft) annually in the five-year period 2017–2021.

The official blazon is "Per bend sinistre dancetty argent and azure" (Norwegian: Venstre skrådelt av sølv og blått ved trappesnitt).

Above the line, the field has a tincture of argent which means it is commonly colored white, but if it is made out of metal, then silver is used.

The design is meant to represent the Telemark Canal and its locks to raise and lower boats.

The canal was built in the 19th century and it runs through the municipality, connecting the lake Bandak to the North Sea.

The church was constructed of stone joined with lime, while the corners consist of limestone.

The municipal council (Kommunestyre) of Nome is made up of 21 representatives that are elected to four-year terms.

The tables below show the current and historical composition of the council by political party.