Country Information
| Sovereign State | No (Part of Finland) |
| Country Codes | AX, ALA, 248 |
| Official Name | Åland Islands |
| Continent | Europe |
| Capital | Mariehamn |
| Government Type | Autonomous region under Finnish sovereignty |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Calling Code | +358 18 |
| Member Of | N/A (part of Finland, indirectly part of the EU) |
| Population | Approx. 30,000 (as of 2023) |
| Total Area | 1,580 square kilometers |
| Highest Point | Orrdalsklint (129 meters or 423 feet) |
| Lowest Point | Baltic Sea (0 meters or 0 feet) |
| GDP Per Capita | Similar to Finland’s, approx. €48,000 (as of 2023) |
| Life Expectancy | Similar to Finland’s, approx. 81 years (as of 2023) |
| Internet TLD | .ax |
Åland Islands National Anthem
Ålänningens sång (Song of the Ålander)
We sail along the salty waves
With longing in our breasts
The rocky isles, the green skerries
Where the strand of the homeland glistens.
There is my hut, there is my home,
There is my faith, my hope.
Åland, Åland, Åland, my Åland!
Flags of Neighboring Countries
History of the Åland Flag
The flag of the Åland Islands, recognized for its distinct Nordic cross, symbolizes the region’s unique cultural and political status. The history of the Åland flag is a narrative of identity, autonomy, and connection to both Finland and Sweden.
The flag features a red Nordic cross on a blue background with a yellow cross inside the red. This design is a combination of the Swedish flag (blue and yellow) and the Finnish flag (blue and white), representing Åland’s historical and cultural ties to both nations.
The current flag was officially adopted on April 3, 1954, following a period of political movement for increased autonomy within Finland. The adoption of the flag was a significant step in affirming Åland’s distinct identity. The choice of the Nordic cross design, a common motif among Scandinavian countries, signifies Åland’s connection to the Nordic region.
Over the years, the Åland flag has become a powerful symbol of the islands’ unique status. It represents not only the region’s autonomy within Finland but also its historical and cultural bonds with Sweden. The flag’s colors and design are a source of pride for the Åland people and are prominently displayed to express their distinct identity within the Nordic region. The Åland flag is a testament to the region’s unique position in Northern Europe, straddling the boundary between Finnish and Swedish influences.