Trivia in Åland

National symbols

Flag: Flag with a yellow Scandinavian cross on a blue field, with a red cross in its center. Combines elements of the Swedish flag and Finnish coat of arms.

Emblem: Coat of arms depicting a golden deer (moose) on a red field.

Trivia & facts

• Differs from mainland Finland in having Swedish as the sole official language.
• EU member region but excluded from customs union, enabling duty-free shopping on ferries.
• Has Europe''s smallest professional soccer league team IFK Mariehamn.
• Said to have more sheep than island residents.
• Official ice roads open on the frozen sea during severe winter cold.
• Åland-issued stamps are popular among collectors.
• Approximately 30% of electricity supplied by wind power.
• Car license plates have dedicated design with white letters on blue field marked 'ÅL.'
• All postal codes begin with 'AX-'.
• World''s first female airship captain is from Åland.