The Aland islands have an ancient history stretching back to around 4200 BC when the first inhabitants arrived. In 900 AD the population was already quite dense and trade was common with foreign countries as far away as Arabia for example. Vikings resided in the islands and the first Christian signs occur during this time. In the 14th century, the islands belong to Finland and Kastelholm Castle is first mentioned in old writings.
Aland, like the rest of Finland, was an autonomous region during the Middle Ages. The highest authority was the council (Landstinget). It met in Saltvik, one of the most important market communities. In the 1200s, Aland and Finland were incorporated into the Swedish Empire. From 1634, Aland was part of the “Turku and Pori county and Aland chiefdomâ€.
When Finland declared independence from Russia in 1917, the Aland islanders feared for their Swedish language and culture and mobilized for a reunion with Sweden. In the Middle Ages, the Aland archipelago was a province of Sweden.
Ecclesiastically the islands belonged to the diocese of Abo (Turku) in Finland, and so the province was lost to Russia in 1809. The issue was finally settled by the League of Nations in 1921. The islands were to be a part of Finland, but they were to enjoy autonomy.
The Flag of Aland shows the Swedish flag in the background to which a red cross has been added. The red color on the flag of Aland symbolizes Finland. The flag has been the official flag of Aland since 1954.
Having been a Swedish province in the Middle Ages, Aland is now an autonomous Finnish province combining the two countries even in its flag. When the Aland Islands received more autonomy in 1991, the Aland flag became a civil ensign in a new flag law.
Aland, like the rest of Finland, was an autonomous region during the Middle Ages. The highest authority was the council (Landstinget). It met in Saltvik, one of the most important market communities. In the 1200s, Aland and Finland were incorporated into the Swedish Empire. From 1634, Aland was part of the “Turku and Pori county and Aland chiefdomâ€.
When Finland declared independence from Russia in 1917, the Aland islanders feared for their Swedish language and culture and mobilized for a reunion with Sweden. In the Middle Ages, the Aland archipelago was a province of Sweden.
Ecclesiastically the islands belonged to the diocese of Abo (Turku) in Finland, and so the province was lost to Russia in 1809. The issue was finally settled by the League of Nations in 1921. The islands were to be a part of Finland, but they were to enjoy autonomy.
The Flag of Aland shows the Swedish flag in the background to which a red cross has been added. The red color on the flag of Aland symbolizes Finland. The flag has been the official flag of Aland since 1954.
Having been a Swedish province in the Middle Ages, Aland is now an autonomous Finnish province combining the two countries even in its flag. When the Aland Islands received more autonomy in 1991, the Aland flag became a civil ensign in a new flag law.
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