The province was established by the revolutionary council of Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn, after its Announcement No.

Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket, and Roi Et.

The seal of the province shows two mythical lions, called singh, facing the chedi Prathat Anon, in the temple Wat Maha That in the city of Yasothon.

As of 26 November 2019 there are:[8] one Yasothon Provincial Administration Organisation (ongkan borihan suan changwat) and 24 municipal (thesaban) areas in the province.

The non-municipal areas are administered by 63 Subdistrict Administrative Organisations - SAO (ongkan borihan suan tambon).