The local economy largely depends on industry, with the municipality having some 100 factories that produce such products as textiles, metallurgical goods, and plastics.

Mayor Salvador Gándara, serving from 2000 to 2011, was longlisted for the 2008 World Mayor award;[3] Sites of interest include the Naciones Unidas National Park,[4] and several malls, including Metrocentro and Santa Clara.

[5] During governor Mariano Rivera Paz' time in office, a decree was issued on 6 November 1839 declaring Amatitlán and independent district, which also included Palín and Villa Nueva.

[6] Amatitlán Department was abolished by decree 2081 of 29 April 1935 of president general Jorge Ubico regime.

This decree literally reads: "Considering that it is convenient for the country's best interest that the Amatitlán Department be dissolved.