[3][2] Ambanja is located on the northern berth of the Sambirano River and is crossed by the Route Nationale 6 (Antsiranana - Mahajanga and Antananarivo).

The town belongs to the district of Ambanja, which is a part of Diana Region.

It is served by the local Ampampamena Airport and small, local, maritime harbour at Ankify that is the gate to the islands of Nosy Be and Nosy Komba In addition to primary schooling the town offers secondary education at both junior and senior levels.

[5][6] The town is seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Ambanja (Cathedral of St. Joseph).

The majority 60% of the population are farmers, while an additional 2% receives their livelihood from raising livestock.