[3] The island and its surrounding waters form part of the Malye Kurily zakaznik or Lesser Kurils State Nature Preserve.

[4][5] The southernmost island in the Lesser Kuriles, Tanfiliev lies some 7.8 kilometres (4.8 mi) from Cape Nosappu at the eastern end of the Nemuro Peninsula.

[7] Relatively low-lying, 16 metres (52 ft) at its highest point, the island has a number of short streams and lagoon lakes.

[6][10] Visited by Matsuura Takeshirō and written about in his diaries, in the early Meiji period the island formed part of the village of Goyōmai [ja], later merged into Habomai.

[7] Konbu (kelp) was the most important product, and there was also canning of salmon, trout, crabs, and shrimp.