157204

Where is Åland, Finland

Åland part of Finland

Åland is an autonomous, demilitarised, Swedish-speaking region of Finland. Åland consists of more than 6,700 islands, but the current population of over 30,000 live on only 60 islands. Over 40 per cent of the inhabitants live in the only town, Mariehamn, which is one of Åland’s 16 municipalities.

There is a large island between Finland and Sweden. This is Åland, also known as Ahvenanmaa (Ahvenanmaa), which is the only autonomous province of Finland. Historically, Finland was ruled by Sweden for hundreds of years. Almost all residents living in Åland speak Swedish as their mother tongue. Åland’s economy mainly relies on shipping and tourism.

Introduction

There is a large island between Finland and Sweden, which is Åland. It has a population of 26,000, accounting for 0.5% of Finland’s population, and almost half of the population lives in the capital, Mariehamn. Its area is 6,784 square kilometers, accounting for 5% of Finland’s territory, of which 77.5% is covered by water.

History

Historically, Finland has been ruled by Sweden for hundreds of years, and almost all the residents living in Åland speak Swedish as their mother tongue. After the Swedish-Russian War of 1808-1809, the victorious Russia began to rule Finland. When Finland became independent in 1917, most residents of Åland demanded unification with Sweden. While staunchly opposed to the proposition, the new Finnish government took a flexible approach, agreeing to some form of self-government for Åland.

This also avoids disputes with Sweden. In 1921, the multinational alliance ruled that Finland has sovereignty over Åland Island, and Åland Island is self-governing. At the same time, the multinational alliance issued a statement requesting the Finnish government to ensure that the Swedish language, culture and customs of the residents of Åland Island remain unchanged, and that Åland Island be a non-military island. region and must not have an army, thereby eliminating the threat to Sweden.

Explore Åland

Politics

Åland has its own parliament, and the government appointed by the parliament has the power to formulate and pass laws in terms of culture and education, health care, industrial development, communication on the island, local management, social security and broadcasting and postal services. Diplomatic, legal, customs and currency issues must be decided by the Finnish government. The autonomy of Åland Island is constantly improving and perfecting.

Åland Island did not have its own flag until 1954 (the pattern is the same as that of Finland and Sweden, but the color is blue with yellow and red cross) and stamps (only available on the It is used on the Internet and is very popular among philatelists).

Economic Folklore

Åland’s economy is mainly dependent on shipping and tourism. In 1999, the per capita income was 100,000 Finnish marks (approximately more than 120,000 yuan). In terms of income tax, residents on the island paid 5% less than residents on the mainland of Finland. After Finland joined the European Union, all aircraft and ships traveling between Finland and Sweden will be exempted from duty, except for aircraft and ships passing through Åland.

As a result, even in the winter when tourism is off-season, there is an endless stream of tourists going to Finland and Sweden but passing through Åland Island because the tax money saved by buying tobacco and alcohol is enough to pay for the boat ticket.

Looking down from the plane, there are countless small islands scattered around the green carpet-like islands. Even on the pocket islands that are only half the size of a basketball court, the smart Oran Islanders actually built holiday villas and The exquisite small pier and the red houses hidden among the green trees reflect the strong folk customs. Walking on this piece of land with lush green grass and colorful flowers makes people feel like they are in paradise.

The island’s official currency is the euro, although most business transactions also accept the Swedish krona. The island’s main economic sources are shipping, fishing and tourism.