Member Profile

Aland

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LOCATION AND COMMUNICATION LINKS

The Aland islands lie between Sweden and Finland, in the northern Baltic Sea, with excellent communication links. There are daily car ferries and cruise ships connecting Stockholm and Aland, which take about two and a half hours, and during the summer there are additional sailings from Grisslehanm to Eckero, a two-hour journey. From Finland there are daily ferries from Turku and Naantali (about six hours). By air, the flight from Arlanda Airport, north of Stockholm, takes approximately twenty minutes, from Helsinki thirty minutes and from Turku about fifteen

GEOGRAPHY

Aland is an archipelago consisting of some 6,700 islands and skerries, with a total land area of 1,481 square kilometres. They stretch for about 50 kilometres or 30 miles from north to south and the same from east to west. The highest point is Orddalsklint, which rises 128 metres above sea level, and geologically the red granite is a striking feature. The capital, Mariehamn, is located on the largest island of Fasta and where most of the inhabitants, approximately 80%, live.

There is a good communication system between islands, either by ferry or helicopter services or over one of the connecting bridges or causeways between islands. There is a contrast of scenery, from the outer rather barren archipelago, to the thickly wooded rural districts. Most of Aland is covered by coniferous woodlands, bogs and rocky fjords. The relatively good climate has endowed Aland with a rich vegetation and diverse flora, which is a mecca for botanists.

POPULATION AND MAJOR CENTRES

The islands have a total population of 27,153 and about 11,000 live in the capital, Mariehamn. The town is on an isthmus, with harbour facilities on both sides. The thousands of linden trees lining the streets gave Mariehamn its nickname the ‘town of lindens’, but it was officially named after the Empress of Russia, Maria Alexandrova, when it was founded in 1861.

HISTORY

Some 10,000 Viking graves are dotted around the islands. In more recent times, the outbreak of the Russian Revolution in 1917 caused anxiety among Alanders regarding their future. The islanders asked for a reunion with their mother country, Sweden, but Finland was not willing to relinquish Aland. In 1921 the situation was settled by the League of Nations, the decision reached was that Aland should belong to Finland and obtain autonomy. In the agreement, Finland and Sweden undertook to "secure and guarantee the population of the Aland Islands, the preservation of their Swedish language, culture and local traditions". Aiand is demilitarised, the islands must not be fortified, and Alanders are exempt from military service.

GOVERNMENT

The autonomy has developed over the years, and the general concept is that Alanders are entitled to pass laws concerning their own internal affairs. Aland is governed by the Lagtinget (Parliament) and Landskapssstyrelsen (Government). Five political parties are represented in the Lagtinget at present. To have the right to vote or stand for election in Aland, it is necessary to possess Aland regional citizenship, which is also a requirement for buying a property, or starting a business. This is a statutory protection to keep land, and the right of decision making in the hands of the Alanders. Anyone who moves to Aland, may apply for regional citizenship after five years residence.

Aland has its own representative in the Parliament of Finland. Aland decided to join the European Union by the treaty of Accession of Finland, but got some important concessions. One is to maintain the restrictions connected to the citizenship as they were January 1st, 1993, and another one is that Aland is considered as a third territory concerning indirect taxes and excise duties.

That gives Aland the right to keep the tax free sales in traveling between Aland and the other member states, which elsewhere will disappear in 1999. It also gives the right to have VAT rates other than what is decided in the EC directives.

LANGUAGE AND CULTURE

Swedish is the official language. Alanders love music and singing, and there is a rich and diverse culture embracing choral and music festivals, art festivals and Nordic film festivals, literature days, jazz festivals and the midsummer celebrations. Aland has always been closely associated with the sea and shipping. There is a fine maritime museum as well as the art gallery and the Aland Museum, one of the best in Europe, illustrates the history and cultural heritage of the islands. Aland has contemporary artists, designers, writers and musical talents, all inspired by the beautiful scenery and environment of the Aland Islands.

ECONOMY

Agriculture and fishing are the traditional basic industries of Aland. Shipping and tourism have taken over as the dominant industries, but there is still a wide distribution of smaller industries such as the weaving of rugs, glasswork, pottery and handicrafts, together with food processing of fish and agricultural products. Percentage of G.N.P. is: Shipping 43%, Tourism 20%, Agriculture 10% and Fishing only 5%.

SPORT AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES

Aland have been represented at the Island Games since its inception in 1985 in the Isle of Man and are one of the founder members of the Association. Aland had the honour of hosting the Fourth Games in 1991, and on this occasion won the Year of Sport Cup for the best overall team performance.

Competitive sport, leisure and recreational activities, play an important part in island life. The most popular sports are football, volleyball, indoor bandy, athletics, swimming, cycling, fishing, gymnastics, shooting, ten-pin bowling, golf, tennis, sailing and in the winter ice hockey and skiing.

The excellent indoor and outdoor facilities encourage a high percentage of the population to participate. The numerous harbours and marinas attract many visiting yachtsmen.

Dick Ekstrom

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