Änän Munän Ylhä, Änän Ylhätuoli and Änän Täntaimon were once one island that was much larger than it is today. Records indicate Änän Munän Ylhä was about four times the size it now is. It was one single island until the winter of 1685.

Änän Munän Ylhä was a large single island with numerous low-lying areas that were flooded by severe winter storms, effectively cutting off sections of the island from the other. One specific lengthy and especially severe storm in 1684 or 1685, according to records, effectively cut the island in two. The amount of sandy marsh that was carried away by the sea was so extreme that the islanders were unable to repair the damage. A sand spit remained as a natural bridge between the now divided island but this went during a storm in 1735. The single island then became two. It was some years later, sometime in the 1800s, possibly the 1870s, another storm created another gash in the landscape, effectively cutting the two islands into three. The landscape created during the 1600s survives to this day.

Änän Munän Ylhä is low-lying with a base of sand, for the most part. Over the years some soil has created good opportunities for farming but there still remain many salt meadows where cattle are grazed. For the most part, the islands have been protected by rock and stone barriers that tend to minimize the effect of the waves during storms. The northwestern side of the north island reaches an elevation of some 105 feet, offering a great deal of safety from the wave action that separated the island originally.

Änän Ylhätuoli is the nearest island covers 1,885 acres of dry land and is a long narrow island ranging from about 1,600 to just over 3,000 feet wide at the widest point. The island is not known for its beautiful beaches primarily because the waters around the island are so shallow. Over the centuries, sand and mud has built up for up to 4 kilometers in virtually all directions around Änän Ylhätuoli. The sandy composition and low-lying characteristics make Änän Ylhätuoli technically a halligen island. Because of the very shallow waters around Änän Ylhätuoli, the island is not affected much by strong winter storms. In fact, the island could be considered as growing.

Änän Täntaimon is a small low lying island of 1,280 acres. Growth is limited to grasses and shrubs. Surrounding the dry land are shallow pools of saltwater that appear more of a marsh than the sea. The northern and western side of the island is located in shallow water but lacks the marshes. The island would likely not exist if not for the shallow waters to minimize wave damage during strong storms.

The pure isolation of Änän Munän Ylhä, Änän Ylhätuoli and Änän Täntaimon has led to a very distinctive culture over the centuries. Researchers think the islands were first settled around 1036 but not permanently settled until around 1365. There is some evidence the first settlers were marooned on the island. Indeed, some of the culture would trace back to this era.

Over the centuries a distinctive language has developed. Exclusive to this region, the language, Ylhäällä, is spoken throughout Änän Munän Ylhä, Änän Ylhätuoli and Änän Täntaimon. Ylhäällä's main grammar and formation is derived mainly from Finnish and various other European languages while its phonetic structure and sound change and stress rules are very much influenced by Welsh, according to Daniel Worthing, consider the top international authority on the language.

Änän Munän Ylhä, Änän Ylhätuoli and Änän Täntaimon's culture is pure and untouched by the outside world. In modern times the rituals and customs are more of a social identity than a dominating factor in life as they were in the past. Superstitions from more ancient times are still seen but, again, they do not dictate life as in less modern times.

Änän Munän Ylhä, Änän Ylhätuoli and Änän Täntaimon do issue its own currency and coins. The currency is the Suota which is valued in silver. Collectively, the islands have issued a 1 Suota (5 grains of pure silver), 3 Suota (1 gram of pure silver), a 7 Suota (a 2.4 gram .900 silver coin) and a 10 Suota (1/10th of an ounce of pure silver).Various issues of paper notes were issued over the years.