Åland Islands

The Åland Islands are an autonomous region of Finland, located in the Baltic Sea between Sweden and Finland. Comprising around 6,700 islands, they have their own parliament and official language, Swedish. Known for their stunning natural beauty and maritime heritage, the islands are self-governing, with control over most local matters, while Finland handles defense and foreign affairs. Åland is recognized for its commitment to peace and neutrality, and it has a unique status that allows for free movement between Finland and Sweden. The islands also have a thriving economy based on shipping, tourism, and agriculture.