One among the 80 provinces of the Republic of the Philippines, Abra is part of the Cordillera Administrative Region that composes the provinces of Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province and the city of Baguio. While there is a number of Chinese (mainly residing in the capital town of Bangued), the great bulk of the population are the Ilokanos and the Tingguians. The Tingguians come from different tribes: Adasen, Ammutan, Balatok, Banaw, Belwang, Binungan, Gubang, Inlaud, Mabaka, Maeng, Masadiit. Each tribe has its own distinct dialect and rich culture.

The Province of Abra has a total land area of 4,198.2 square kilometers. There are 27 towns (municipalities) subdivided into 304 barangays with a total population of 230,953. Abrenians speak Ilokano, Tingguian, Tagalog and English. Under the Tingguian category are the dialects: Adasen, Ammutan, Balatok, Banaw, Belwang, Binungan, Gubang, Inlaud, Mabaka, Maeng and Madadiit. Also referred to as Itnegs, the Tingguians are Abra's people before the arrival of the Ilokano settlers.

Towns are divided into barangays. And the barangays are further subdivided into sitios. Provinces, cities and municipalities (or towns) are classified according to income class (levels). For example, a 1st class town has an average annual income of Philippine Peso 55 million or more. A third class town has an average annual income of Philippine Peso 35 million or more but less than 45 million. The lowest (6th class) town has an average annual income of Philippine Peso of below 15 million.