The rural municipality of Põlva is located in the south of Estonia and is the center of the county of the same name. Põlva covers an area of 705.9 km² and is home to 13,339 inhabitants. The municipality is a member of the European Charter - Villages of Europe. The center of the municipality is the town of Põlva.

Põlva lies on the lower reaches of the Orajõgi River, a primeval valley in the Baltic region.

The most important economic sector in the region is the food sector with a large company in the dairy industry.

Culturally, Põlva has a lot to offer. Põlva is home for the Intsikurmu Music Festival Grounds, which regularly hosts concerts and summer activities, situated in a small forested area on the west side of the town.