Editing Regions of Finland (section)

== Åland ==
One region, [[Åland]], has a special status and has a much higher degree of autonomy than the others, with its own [[Parliament of Åland|Parliament]] and local laws, due to its [[history of Åland|unique history]] and the fact that the overwhelming majority of its people are [[Swedish-speaking population of Finland|Finland Swedes]]. The sole language of Åland is [[Swedish language|Swedish]]/[[Finland Swedish]], unlike the rest of the country where [[Finnish language|Finnish]] and [[Swedish language|Swedish]] share official status. It has its own elected [[Government of Åland#List of Premiers of Åland (since 1922)|head of government]] who carries the title of Premier and heads the [[Lantråd]], the regional executive. Most powers that would be exercised by the [[Finnish Government|Government of Finland]] on the mainland are instead exercised by Åland-specific authorities which execute independent policy in most areas. The Åland islanders elect a single representative to the national [[Parliament of Finland|legislature]], while the Government of Finland appoints a [[Provincial Governors of Finland|Governor]] to represent the national government on Åland. Åland is a [[demilitarized zone]] and Åland islanders are exempt from conscription.