The County of Peterborough is located in central-eastern Ontario, approximately 125 kms. north-east of the Greater Toronto Area. The southern half of the County is predominantly agricultural with several small urban communities. The northern part of the County consists of lakes, rivers and diverse landscape and is predominantly used for seasonal recreational use (Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park) with fewer urban settlements. Lang Pioneer Village Museum, and the Kawarthas are major tourist attractions in the County. 

The County of Peterborough (County), having a permanent population of approximately 54,000 persons distributed over an area of 4,000 square kilometres, is comprised of eight (8) Townships.

Within the Peterborough census division but independent of county administration are two First Nations reserves:

Curve Lake First Nation 35
Hiawatha First Nation