Municipalities of Åland
The municipalities of Åland (Swedish: Ålands kommuner) 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref>
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.<ref name=":0" />
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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Inter-Municipal Cooperation
Municipalities cooperate in several areas through municipal associations and jointly owned corporations.
Associations
- Ålands kommunförbund - Association of Åland Municipalities<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Miljöservice (Mise) - Waste management
- De Gamlas Hem - Old people's home
- Ålands omsorgsförbund - Åland Care Association
- Södra Ålands högstadiedistrikt - South Åland high school
- Norra Ålands högstadiedistrikt - North Åland high school
Corporations
- Mariehamns Centralantenn Ab - TV and broadband company
- Mariehamns Telefon Ab - Telecom company
- Ålands vatten Ab - Produces drinking water
- Ålands Problemavfall Ab - Handles hazardous waste
- Svinryggens deponi Ab - Landfill
- Fastighets Ab Marstad - Real estate company
Sub-regions
The 16 municipalities are informally grouped into three sub-regions:
- Mariehamn - The capital and only city in Åland.
- The Countryside - Rural municipalities on the main island (Fasta Åland)
- The Archipelago - Municipalities that make up the other islands.
Municipalities
- Population data as of: {{#time: F j, Y | Template:Data Finland municipality/population count }}
- Area data as of: {{#time: F j, Y | Template:Data Finland municipality/total area }}
See also
References
External links
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