Municipalities of Åland


The municipalities of Åland are the sixteen local government units that administer the Åland Islands. Despite being a part of Finland, Åland has a high degree of self-government under the Act on the Autonomy of Åland, with its municipalities managing a wide range of local public services. Swedish is the sole official language in both regional and municipal administration. All public services, including education, are conducted exclusively in Swedish.
The size of Åland’s municipalities varies significantly. Mariehamn, the largest, has a population of 11,898, accounting for over 40% of Åland’s total population, while Sottunga is the smallest in both Åland and in all of Finland with just 103 residents.

Municipal Elections

Each municipality is governed by an elected municipal council, which serves a four-year term. To vote in these elections you must, be at least 18 years old, have the right of domicile, and have been a resident of Åland for the previous year.

Municipal Responsibilities

Municipalities in Åland maintain a wide range of responsibilities, many of which have been regionalised elsewhere in Finland. These include, but not limited to: public buildings and facilities, public transport, economic development, environmental protection, waste management, land use, local infrastructure, and primary, secondary, and adult education.

Inter-Municipal Cooperation

Municipalities cooperate in several areas through municipal associations and jointly owned corporations.

Associations

Ålands kommunförbund - Association of Åland MunicipalitiesMiljöservice - Waste managementDe Gamlas Hem - Old people's homeÅlands omsorgsförbund - Åland Care AssociationSödra Ålands högstadiedistrikt - South Åland high schoolNorra Ålands högstadiedistrikt - North Åland high school

Corporations

Mariehamns Centralantenn Ab - TV and broadband companyMariehamns Telefon Ab - Telecom companyÅlands vatten Ab - Produces drinking waterÅlands Problemavfall Ab - Handles hazardous wasteSvinryggens deponi Ab - LandfillFastighets Ab Marstad - Real estate company

Sub-regions

The 16 municipalities are informally grouped into three sub-regions: