Ambohitralanana has a riverine harbour. Primary and junior level secondary education are available in town. The majority 80% of the population are farmers, while an additional 0.6% receives their livelihood from raising livestock. The most important crops are rice and vanilla, while other important agricultural products are cloves and cassava. Industry and services provide employment for 1% and 0.4% of the population, respectively. Additionally fishing employs 18% of the population.