Aktau County is subordinate to Kizilsu Kyrgyz Autonomous Prefecture of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Aktau County is located in the southwest of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the eastern part of the Pamir Plateau, and the western edge of the Tarim Basin. It is located between 73 ° 26'5 "- 76 ° 43'31" E and 37 ° 41'28 "- 39 ° 29'55" N. The north is adjacent to Wuqia County and Shufu County, the northeast is bounded by the Yuepuhu River and faces Shule County and the 41st regiment of the Third Division of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps across the river, the east is connected with Yingjisha County and Shache County, the south is connected with Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County, and the west and southwest are respectively connected with the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Tajikistan, with a border length of 380 kilometers. It is the westernmost county-level administrative region in China.

The county seat was selected in Aktobashi, the sixth district of the former Yingjisha County, hence its name. But it was officially named Aktau. Akto, which means "white flag" in Uighur, was named after the custom of hanging white flag near the village by ancient residents. Now Aktau is usually interpreted as "white mountain" in Kirgiz language, which is named for its white snow peak.

Aktau County has jurisdiction over 5 towns, 7 townships and 4 farms, with an administrative area of 24046 square kilometers. In 2019, the registered residence population of Aktau County was 230340.

In August 1954, Aktau County was established, which is composed of Yingjisha County, Shufu County, Puli County and Wuqia County in Kashgar Region, and is subordinate to Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture.

In 2019, Aktau County's GDP was 446.18 million yuan, the added value of the primary industry was 721.41 million yuan, the added value of the secondary industry was 1332.85 million yuan, the general public budget revenue was 407.61 million yuan, and the general public budget expenditure was 5850.37 million yuan.