Tabaco is one of three cities (along with fifteen (15) municipalities) that comprise the province of Albay in the Bicol Region. The city is politically subdivided into fourty-seven (47) barangays, and is a part of the 1st Congressional District of Albay.
Mayon Volcano, the most active volcano in the Philippines, lies south of the city.
Tabaco is one of the eight towns and cities that share jurisdiction on the volcano, dividing the peak like slices of a pie when viewed from above.
The city lies 25 kilometres (16 mi) from the provincial capital in Legazpi City, and 552 kilometres (343 mi) from the national capital in Manila.