The governorate is divided into municipal divisions with a total estimated population as of January 2024 of 410,229.

It contains the disputed territory of the Halaib Triangle, including the Siyal Islands, and contains the Red Sea Hills, a mountain chain making up the Itbay region of Eastern Egypt and Sudan.

The Red Sea Governate has seen large percentage increases in population in recent decades.

In addition to the numerous hotels and tourist establishments in the centers are located in Al-Bahr al-Ahmar 2 official nature reserves are to be developed for tourism or.

The Wadi al-Gamal National Park (Valley of the camels) at Hamata near the town of Marsa Alam and the Gebel Elba National Park in disputed Halaib Triangle north of the town of Halaib.