Overview of Åland

Profile

The Åland Islands are located almost midway between Finland and Sweden, historically and culturally belonging to the Swedish-speaking sphere. When the 1921 League of Nations ruling designated them as Finnish territory, language and cultural protection, autonomy, and demilitarized neutral status were recognized by international treaty. The islands currently have their own parliament and government, exercising broad powers over legislation, finance, and education. The islands feature granite skerries and coniferous forests, calm inlets, with midnight sun in summer and frozen seas in winter, displaying seasonal variations. The capital Mariehamn is a small port town with about 13,000 residents, with shipping, finance, and IT as main industries, and tourism and agriculture also important. While belonging to the EU, it holds a special status outside the customs union, known as a stopover for duty-free shopping and ferry cruises.

Official name: Autonomous Region of Åland, Finland
Common name: Åland
Numeric code: 248
Alpha-3 code: ALA
Alpha-2 code: AX
Population: Just over 30,000 (2023)
Population density: Approximately 19 people/km²
Primary languages: Swedish
Major religions: Lutheran (Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland)
National anthem: Ålänningens sång (Song of the Ålanders)
Calling code: +358 18
Internet TLD: .ax

History

Island region transferred from Swedish to Russian Imperial rule, then incorporated into Finland, gaining broad autonomy in 1921.

In 1809, when Sweden was defeated by Russia and the Grand Duchy of Finland was established, Åland also came under Russian control. The 1856 Paris Treaty stipulated demilitarization, but tensions rose when Russia began fortification during World War I. Alongside Finland''s independence in 1917, islanders launched a movement for return to Sweden, with both countries requesting League of Nations arbitration. In 1921, mediation by Inazo Nitobe and others simultaneously determined Finnish belonging and granted autonomy. Subsequent 1991 autonomy law reforms expanded powers, and special status in customs and other areas has been maintained after EU accession. Demilitarized neutrality continues to this day, regarded as a symbol of peace.

Geography & climate

Archipelago seascape with low hills carved by glaciers from granite bedrock, inlets, coniferous forests, and farmland spread in mosaic pattern.

Humid continental climate (relatively mild due to ocean influence)

Area: Europe / 1580 km²
Capital: Mariehamn
Largest city: Mariehamn
Coastal status: Yes

Natural resources

Fishery resources (herring, salmon), Wind power potential, Granite, Forests (conifers), Freshwater groundwater, Tourism resources, Apple orchards, Clean sea salt, Renewable energy (biomass), Seaweed

Politics

Government: Autonomous parliament and cabinet system within Finland (demilitarized neutral region)

Economy

Currency: Euro (EUR)

GDP (nominal):

GDP (PPP):

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Swedish

Time zone: EET, EEST (Summer Time)

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Swedish-speaking Finns, Finns, Estonians, Russians, Other Nordics

Life expectancy

Approximately 82 years

Literacy rate

Nearly 100%

National sports

Sailing, Football, Floorball, Ice Hockey, Orienteering