As of 2020[update] the population was 10,778 in a total area of 754 km2 (291 sq mi).
Novo Oriente de Minas is part of the statistical microregion of Teófilo Otoni.
It is connected by poor roads to the regional center of Teófilo Otoni to the southwest 62 kilometres (39 mi) away.
The main economic activities are cattle raising (13,000 head in 2006) and farming with modest production of coffee, sugarcane, and bananas.
This geographical article relating to Minas Gerais is a stub.