<p>Peat comprises primarily of organic matter, encompassing either partially or fully decomposed organic materials that accumulate over time. Typically found in regions characterized by specific environmental factors such as low-lying landscapes, waterlogged conditions, tropical climates, and high rainfall, peatlands exhibit spatial variations in properties worldwide. These variations result in distinct compositions with features like fibrous texture, varying degrees of decomposition, high water content, low shear strength, significant compressibility, elevated void ratio, and dynamic characteristics that vary significantly from conventional inorganic soils. Despite extensive research on peat deposits globally, our comprehension of peat in India, particularly in the northeastern (NE) region, remains limited. In this context, present study aims to comprehensively review existing literature on peat, covering geophysical characteristics, physiochemical properties, strength and settlement behavior, along with dynamic parameters. Additionally, the research explores global classification systems for peat deposits and provides correlations from recent findings and existing literature, emphasizing geophysical, physical, microstructural, mineralogical, chemical, static, dynamic properties along with appropriate mitigation strategies. These insights enhance understanding of peat in NE India and offer a global overview. In summary, peat's unique geotechnical properties and regional variations significantly impact ecosystem dynamics, with implications for construction and infrastructure development. In NE India, comprehensive knowledge of peat's diverse traits is crucial for sustainable utilization, as the region navigates unique challenges and opportunities during rapid development of myriad infrastructural projects in coming decades.</p>