Piat is one of twenty-eight (28) municipalities (along with one city) that comprise the province of Cagayan in the Cagayan Valley. The town is politically subdivided into eighteen (18) barangays, and is a part of the 2nd Congressional District of Cagayan.
Piat is known throughout the Philippines because of its Lady of Piat (Nuestra Señora de Visitacion). Pilgrims and land tourists from all walks of life pay homage to her shrine in Piat.
Historical landmarks that still exist in Piat include the Spanish era brick watchtower used to guard against intruding marauders, the concrete bridge constructed in 1911 that connects the Poblacion and Maguilling, and the Gabaldon school building built in 1922, among others.