The Esan people and culture of Esanland are generally homogenous. Esanland (Esan: Otọesan), otherwise known as Esan Nation, is a cultural region located in Edo State, Nigeria. It is composed of five Local Government Areas in Edo State. Esanland lies west of the banks of the Niger River. It is bordered by Kogi State, Delta State, Edo South Senatorial District, and Edo North Senatorial District. Esanland covers about 2,800 square kilometers and is home to over half a million people.

The Esan people are also known for their acrobatic dance known as igbabonelimi (English: clap to the spirits), which is a significant aspect of their cultural heritage.

There are 35 established kingdoms in Esanland, including: Amahor, Ebelle, Egoro, Ewohimi, Ekekhenlen, Ekpoma, Ekpon, Emu, Ewu, Ewato, Ewosa, Idoa, Ifeku, Igueben, Ilushi, Inyelen, Irrua, Ogwa, Ohordua, Okalo, Okhuesan, Onogholo, Opoji, Oria, Orowa, Uromi, Udo, Ugbegun, Ugboha, Ubiaja, Urohi, Ugun, Ujiogba, Ukhun, Uzea.

They are known to cultivate palm trees, Irvingia gabonensis (erhonhiele), Cherry (Otien), bell pepper (akoh) coconut, betel nut, kola nut, black pear, avocado pear, yams, cocoyam, cassava, maize, rice, beans, groundnut, bananas, oranges, plantains, sugar cane, tomato, potato, okra, pineapple, paw paw, and various vegetables.

The people of Esan primarily speak the Esan language. The term Esan has been applied to the Esan people for hundreds of years, and was used before contact with Europeans. It is believed by many historians that the name Esan (originally, E san fia ) owes its origin to Benin (meaning, they have fled or they jumped away ). Ishan is an Anglicized form of Esan, the result of colonial Britain's inability to properly pronounce the name of this ethnic group. It is believed that similar corruption has affected such Esan names as ubhẹkhẹ (now obeche tree), uloko (now iroko tree), Abhulimẹn (now Aburime ), etc. Efforts have however been made to return to status quo ante.