It is divided into the districts of Burera, Gicumbi, Gakenke, Musanze, and Rulindo.

The capital city of Northern Province is Musanze.

The province's official languages are English, French and Kinyarwanda.

The governor, appointed by presidential decree, is currently Hon.

The preceding governors of Northern province were Gatabazi Jean Marie Vianney, Claude Musabyimana, Bosenibamwe Aimée, Boniface Rucagu,[3] formerly governor of Ruhengeri Province.