Its name (meaning "rear-corner") is geographically appropriate because the area lies in the easternmost part of the province of Gelderland and therefore in the east of the Netherlands, protruding into Germany.

The number of inhabitants whose sole language is Achterhooks has greatly declined since World War II.

Partly due to immigration from outside the region and the effects of national policy, the Dutch language is having a significant impact on the dialect.

Various activities such as cycling (such as the 80-year-war route, Arfgoodroute), hiking, horseback riding, nordic walking, carriage rides, canoeing, and Hot air ballooning, as well as stays at recreation lakes such as Stroombroek, Slingeplas, and Hilgelo, are popular among tourists.

The majority of tourists visiting the Achterhoek region are from other European countries, including Germany, Belgium, Denmark, and Ireland.