About Aland

The Åland Islands make up a far‑reaching archipelago in the Baltic Sea and hold a distinctive place as an autonomous, demilitarised and entirely Swedish‑speaking region of Finland. Despite their modest size, the islands maintain a clear cultural identity and a strong sense of self‑governance.

Fasta Åland, the main island, is home to most of the population (90%, to be precise), while thousands of smaller islands and skerries spread out around it. To the west, the archipelago stretches towards Sweden, 38 kilometres away; to the east, it gradually merges with Finland’s wider island landscape. The scenery shifts noticeably from one area to the next: smooth, sea‑shaped rock in the outer reaches, dense coniferous woodland further inland, pockets of deciduous forest and, on the main island, broad stretches of fertile farmland. Around 40 nature reserves help protect this varied environment.

Åland’s autonomous status gives the region the authority to legislate on its internal affairs and manage its own finances. Its parliament, Lagtinget, serves as the legislative body and appoints the regional government, known as Landskapsregeringen.

To view a full list of Åland stamp products, click here