At the beginning of the 18th century, the first Agnis, coming from the Ashanti kingdom from Ghana, crossed the Ivorian frontier with another group of Akans.

The rest of the people is spread out over the regions of N'zi-Comoé, Zanzan, the Kingdom of Sanwi as well as a minority in Ghana.

Today there is usually a local headman, who is directed by a council of elders and who represents his constituency in regional politics.

Like other Akan peoples, the Anyi have a highly stratified society that includes a hierarchical political administration with titled officials who proudly display their rank and power.

The Anyi are a matrilineal people, and women have relatively high social status in both the political and economic arenas.

To marry a suitor must provide three things: Adultery is frowned upon; at one time people would be banished from villages due to it and even put to death.

In the traditional belief Akan religion living one's life so that one will be remembered and respected as an ancestor is a primary motivation.

When a person passes away an elaborate ceremony follows, involving ritual washing, dressing the deceased in fine garments and gold jewelry to be laid in state for up to three days, and a mourning period that allows the family and community to show their respect for the departed in order to guarantee a welcome into the spirit world.