Introduction to Åland Islands

Book excerpt: The Åland Islands is a territory of Finland located in the Baltic Sea, between the mainland of Sweden and Finland. The archipelago consists of around 6,500 islands, but only around 60 are inhabited. The population of Åland is 30,000, with the majority of the inhabitants speaking Swedish rather than Finnish. Åland has a special autonomous status within Finland, as it was demilitarized in 1856 and became a neutral zone in the aftermath of the Crimean War. The Åland Convention of 1921 granted the islands self-governance and recognition of their Swedish language and culture. Today, the economy of Åland is mainly based on shipping, tourism, and agriculture. The islands are known for their scenic beauty, charming towns, and outdoor recreational activities.