Nature

Åland is a group of islands with an extensive archipelago situated between Finland and Sweden. The region consists of thousands of islands and rocky islets of which more than 6 500 are named and 65 inhabited. The population totalled 25 202 persons in the beginning of 1996. Åland covers an land area of 1 527 km², but including water area the territory amounts to 6 784 km².

The nature on the Åland Islands is unique and relatively unspoiled. The landscape as well as the extensive archipelago are open and varied. The cultural landscape bears the distinct influence of the population on the islands.

Economy

The geographic situation places special demands on both internal and external communications. The distance to the Finnish and Swedish mainlands, which are also the nearest markets, are 150 km but constitutes an actual transportation distance is approx. 500 km in both directions. These geographic conditions also contribute to accentuating the large regional differences within Åland, with the main economic activities being heavily concentrated to Mariehamn.

Åland is a small region with an open economy and thus highly dependent on trade in goods and services with surrounding areas. Its geographic location between two economic centres, southern Finland and the Stockholm area provides certain advantages but it also makes the province vulnerable.

Shipping, agriculture and fishing have long been Åland's basic industries although tourism has been expanding since the 1960's. The tourist branch is, however, very seasonal.

Shipping is the hub of the Åland economy and it is easy to see its connections with the land-related industries.

The variety of educational courses offered at secondary level is relatively comprehensive and flexible. There are few opportunities, however, to pursue further studies at university level, and that is way students who aim at taking a university degree leave the islands for a period of time.

Future Challenges

The level of self-sufficiency within the Åland Islands is low and the local market very limited. Aside from being dependent on nearby areas, the commercial structure of Åland is very onesided and vulnerable because of its dependence on shipping. The migration resulting from recession mostly occur amongst the young and well-educated. Furthermore, the agriculture and fishing industries are facing new challenges among other things as a result of the EU membership. These trends are all of great importance and have a great effect on the society and the present-day political situation on Åland.

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