The Aalands Trivia Quiz

Answer: Swedish

The islands are slightly closer to Sweden than to Finland, though easily accessible from either by ferry. The islanders themselves wanted to belong to Sweden, but there was a delicate balance between the primarily Scandinavian countries as the Aalands are strategically located.

The League of Nations settled the question in 1921, declaring Finland as possessor, but the islands were required to remain demilitarised and autonomous. Part of the reasoning was to retain their cultural and scenic individuality.

Answer: 65

Approximately 65 islands are inhabited at the start of the 21st century, and the population stands at about 28,000 people. The smallest of the islands or skerries are merely large rock formations and insufficient to support life.

Answer: Gulfs of Finland and Bothnia and the Baltic Sea

The Gulf of Bothnia lies to the north of the islands, the Baltic Sea to the south and the Gulf of Finland to the east. The islands are considered an archipelago.

Answer: True

The islands have had their own flag since 1954, and in 1984 issued their own postage stamps. The flag follows traditional Scandinavian style and is a yellow bordered red cross on a blue field. Finland's flag is a blue cross on a white field, and Sweden's a yellow cross on a blue field. The Aaland's coat of arms is a yellow stag on a blue field, and their motto is "Islands of Peace".

Answer: True

The name Aaland translates to 'land of water', and the country is permitted no military presence. They have their own parliament (Lagting) and a representative in the Finnish parliament. Other than that they are subject to Finnish law.

The Aalands also belong to the Nordic Council. Although their official language is Swedish by law, the islands enjoy a benevolent relationship with Finland that has improved over the years.

Answer: 90%

'Fasta Aaland' is much larger than any of the other islands and is only 24 miles from the Swedish coast. Mariehamn is also the largest city in the islands, and as of 2011 had a population of about 10,000 people.

Answer: Markka or krona

The Finnish markka was used and the Swedish krona almost as much. In 2006, the islands minted a commemorative Euro5 for the 150-year anniversary of peace and demilitarisation. A pine tree, typical of the flora, is shown on the obverse, and the stern and rudder of a boat with a dove on the tiller are on the reverse.

Answer: 4200 BC

Many nationalities populated or visited the islands from ancient times onward. The scenery is lovely, the air, water and soil relatively clean compared to more industrialised countries, and the climate is mild.

There are signs of Vikings occupying some areas. Many nations wanted control of the islands over the centuries as a strategic location between northern European areas of conquest. The islands were ruled by Finns, Danes, Russians and Swedes among others. During the Crimean War, France and Britain attacked Russian fortifications there and were victorious; the peace treaty lead to demilitarisation.

Answer: Stone cliffs

Rugged cliffs grace the coasts of some islands, and the climate and beauty of the islands is a strong magnet to tourists and vacationers. There is boating, fishing, and flora unique to the islands, as they have been isolated for a very long time. Nature trails have been created so the untouched areas of the islands can be enjoyed by all without compromising the rare species found here such as wild orchids.

As with all Scandinavian countries, water crafting, and marine activities are prominent. The islanders have long been used to visitors from around the world and are very friendly.

There are no prominent rivers in the Aalands.

Answer: Textiles, ceramics, jewelry and wooden items

There is an abundance of trees in the islands: pine, oak, elm, linden, maple and ash. Ship and boat carvings are popular, of course. Midsummer night, the summer solstice, or St Hans Eve, is celebrated as it is in the other Scandinavian countries with bonfires and effigies of witches cast on the flames to ensure a good harvest. Both hunting and fishing are available.

Theatre and music, rock festivals and jazz, there is an endless variety of enjoyable things to do. The food is mainly from the sea, and fresh. Restaurants tend to specialise in locally available foods, and conservation is widely practiced.