The name Amulong is believed to have originated from the fruit tree "Goniothalamus amuyon," known locally in Ilocano as "amuyon" or "amuyong." According to Fr. Jose Bugarin Dictionary: The word "amulung" may also refer to a type of vine with fig-like leaves that is traditionally used to reduce swelling or inflammation.

Amulong was formerly administered as part of the Municipality of Iguig. It was formally established by the Spanish colonial government on May 10, 1734, and served as a stopover settlement along the Cagayan River, which was a major transportation route during the Spanish period. The river played an important role in the town's early development, facilitating trade, travel, and communication among settlements in the Cagayan Valley.

Amulong is situated in the central part of Cagayan Province, along the banks of the Cagayan River, the longest river in the Philippines. It is located 26.51 kilometers (16.47 miles) from Tuguegarao City and 511.66 kilometers (317.93 miles) from Manila. The municipality consists of both lowland agricultural areas and riverine communities, which contribute to its agricultural economy.

Amulung is politically subdivided into 47 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks, while some include sitios.

Amulong experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year. The average annual temperature is about 28°C (83°F). The warmest months generally occur between April and June, while the wettest period typically occurs from October to December. The municipality receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 1,818 millimeters (71.6 inches).

According to the 2024 census, Amulong has a population of 50,903 people, with a population density of approximately 210 inhabitants per square kilometer (540 per square mile). The population has steadily increased over the decades due to natural population growth and migration within the Cagayan Valley region.

Poverty incidence of Amulung

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority^{[11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18]}

Amulung is part of the third legislative district of the province of Cagayan. It is governed by a mayor, who serves as the local chief executive, and a municipal council (Sangguing Bayan), which serves as the legislative body in accordance with the local government code. The mayor, vice mayor, and councilors are elected directly by the people through an election held every three years.

The Schools Division of Cagayan governs the town's public education system [2].^[20] The division office is a field office of the DepEd in the Cagayan Valley region [3].^[21] There are two school district offices that govern the public and private elementary and high schools throughout the municipality. These are Amulung East District, and Amulung West District [4].^[22]

• Amulung National High School
• Amulung National High School - Baculud Ext.
• Bayabat National High School
• Bayabat National High School - La Suerte Ext.
• Cordova National High School
• Dadda National High School
• Lyceum de Amulung
• Our Lady of Victories Academy
• Pacac Grande National High School