It is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the south and by the provinces of Cádiz to the west, Seville to the northwest, Córdoba to the north, and Granada to the east.

The population density surpasses both the Andalusia and Spanish averages, reaching 222.53 inhabitants per km2.

Besides the capital, the main cities are Marbella, Mijas, Fuengirola, Vélez-Málaga, Torremolinos, Estepona, and Benalmádena, all in the coastal zone.

To the north, a continental Mediterranean climate exists with cold, dry winters and warm summers.

The main industry and claim to fame are tourist resorts, particularly those on the beaches along the Costa del Sol.