The city is situated south of Alaotra, the greatest lake in Madagascar.

The oral history states the town was founded by Randriambololona and children.

The recorded history of the town begins with Radama I of Madagascar.

The city is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Ambatondrazaka (Cathedral of the Holy Trinity).

The Route nationale 44 links the city with Moramanga (at 158 km)[1] in the south and Imerimandroso - Amboavory.