It is named for the island of Öland, where it is thought to have originated, and is distributed there, in Småland and in northern Skåne.

[4]: 487  It is an endangered breed, with few more than a hundred living birds.

[1]: 112 [2] The Öland is similar in appearance to the Skåne, although slightly greyer.

[5] The Ölandsgås was traditionally reared principally for meat;[7] geese lay some 20 to 30 eggs per year.

[6] The birds are markedly territorial; ganders may be used to guard farm property.