Who owns Aland Islands?

Finland
Aland Island is part of the Finland sovereignty by virtue of a decision made by the League of Nations in 1921. It has a population of 26,000 inhabitants, most of whom the world considers to be Swedish. However, the islanders consider themselves Alanders and not Finnish nor Swedish.

Why are Aland Islands Autonomous?

The autonomous status of Åland is also based on a decision of the Council of the League of Nations in 1921 that resolved a dispute between Finland and Sweden over the islands and is intended to guarantee the preservation of the local language, which is Swedish, and the local culture.

How is Aland Islands Autonomous?

As a result, they became part of the semi-autonomous Grand Duchy of Finland (1809-1917). During negotiations, Sweden failed to secure a provision that the islands not be fortified.

Is Aland Islands in the EU?

Although Åland is part of the EU, the province has a special status as regards, for example, the right to conduct a business, the right to own property and authorisation of duty-free sales on boats to and from Åland. …

Why does Finland own Aland?

The League of Nations granted Finland sovereignty over Åland in 1921. Finland was placed under an obligation to guarantee to the population of the islands their Swedish culture, language, local customs and the system of self-government.

Is Finland an island?

With an archipelago of more than 40,000 islands running along much of its coastline, Finland is an island-hopping paradise in the summertime. Whether you want to travel by ferry, rent a kayak, or cycle with the sea by your side, the slower pace of island-life is like a journey back in time.

How many islands are in Finland?

Finland has more bodies of water than any other country in the world, and more islands than most European nations. We boast 76,000 islands with an area of 0.5 ha or more, 56,000 lakes over 1 ha, 647 riv- ers and 314,000 km of coastline. Every Finnish municipality has waters, and most contain islands.

What language do they speak in the Aland islands?

Swedish
Åland Islands/Official languages

Why does Finland own Åland?

What language do they speak in the Aland Islands?

Is English spoken in Aland Islands?

Åland is a monolingual Swedish-speaking area, unlike the rest of Finland which is bilingual. In practice many people speak or understand some Finnish, but not everyone by a long way. However, most people, in fact nearly all of them, speak English.

What is it like to live in Åland?

We meet five people who live in Åland, a picturesque archipelago that belongs to Finland but is Swedish-speaking. Located between Finland and Sweden, Åland celebrates Autonomy Day every year on June 9. Photographic artist Nayab Ikram grew up in Åland and believes that the island setting is important to her creative process.

Where are the Åland Islands located in Finland?

The special status of the Åland Islands The self-governing province of the Åland Islands lies off the southwest coast 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.

What is the Åland archipelago famous for?

The Åland archipelago consists of around 6 500 islands, but only more than 60 are inhabited. Åland has its own taxation system, its own postage stamps, its own flag and Swedish as its only official language. For travellers, the Åland islands offer activities from adventurous island-hopping to boating, fishing, golfing and lots more.

Why does Åland have one representative in the Finnish Parliament?

Åland has one representative in the Finnish Parliament to ensure that Åland’s interests are also taken into account in these areas. Right of domicile is acquired at birth if it is possessed by either parent. Immigrants who have lived in Åland for five years, are Finnish citizens and have an adequate knowledge of Swedish may apply for the status..