Geography of Åland

[4] The coast of Åland is deeply indented by bays and fjords, which form excellent sheltered harbours for vessels of draught not exceeding 19 ft.

Ninety per cent of the population live on Fasta Åland (the Main Island), also the site of the capital town of Mariehamn.

Fasta Åland is the largest island in the archipelago, although its exact size is in some dispute owing to its irregular shape and coastline.

Pines and firs, birch, aspen, elm, ash, and lime grow, and oaks occur in small woods all over Åland.

The islets of Lågskär and Signilskär were the traditional home to colonies of eider-duck, whose down was collected from the nests after the young had left, for export.