The region is very diverse in natural geography; it mainly comprises the wooded mountainous terrain attractive to tourists (the Upper Savinja Valley and part of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps), the fertile Lower Savinja Valley with good conditions for growing hops, the Kozje Hills, and the Velenje Basin with lignite deposits, used for electricity production.

The region has good natural conditions for agriculture.

In agricultural area utilised and livestock, the region was also in second place.

In 2012, tourist arrivals and overnight stays in the region represented 11.1% of all tourist arrivals in Slovenia and 15.0% of all overnight stays.

The Savinja Statistical Region includes 9 cities and towns, the largest of which is Celje.