Santa Ana 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 sixteen (16) barangays, and is a part of the 1st Congressional District of Cagayan.
Santa Ana is home to the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Free Port, which hosts casinos and other gaming facilities. In Casambalangan is Port Irene, which is being developed as an international port of call by the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority. Another port can be found in San Vicente at the northeastern tip of the mainland.
The town includes under its jurisdiction Palaui Island, a haven for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts, with a wide expanse of white sand beach sprawling along its coast.
In addition, scenic spots and historical landmarks present in this town include the Cape Engaño Lighthouse at Punta Verde point, white beaches like Anguib Beach and Mapurao Beach, and the Gotan mangroove forest and waterfalls, among others.
The country’s sailfish capital, Santa Ana is famous worldwide for its abundant marine life and is the Game Fishing hub of the Philippines. It has hosted national and international decathlons, where athletes run through the rugged terrain of Punta Verde to Cape Engaño, then dip in the crystal clear water of the Philippine Sea.