The province is within the Cantabrian Mountains and around 30 kilometres from the Asturian capital city of Oviedo. The municipality is a small one, encompassing some 40 towns and villages. Much of the municipality is protected landscape. There are numerous species of flora, including oak trees, chestnut trees, holly, birch trees and groves of alder. Local wildlife includes bears, wolves, foxes, otters, squirrels, wild boars, eagles, vultures and trout. The economy is based on cattle ranching, tourism and farming.