Originally, Fante refers to tiny states within fifty miles radius of Mankessim.

The states that make up the Fante are Kurantsi, Abura, Anyan, Akumfi, Nsukum, Ejumako and Gomoa.

The Mfantsefo or Fante (Fanti is an older spelling) are an Akan people.

The Fante subgroup is mainly gathered in the south-western coastal region of Ghana, with some also in Ivory Coast.

The Fante main city is Cape Coast, Central region and Mankessim as their traditional headquarters.

They are one of the Akan peoples, along with the "'Asantefo'" or Ashantis, the Akuapem, the Akyem, the Baoule, Guam, and others.

Despite the rapid growth of the Ashanti Empire in historic times, the Fante have always retained their state to this day.

Currently, they number about 2.5 million, the third largest grouping of Akan peoples.

Inheritance and succession to public office among the Fanti are determined mostly by matrilineal descent, as is common among most Akan peoples.