Lemland

Evidence of early human activity in Åland dates back to around 4000 BC, with the region serving as a meeting point for various cultures.^[4] During the Viking era (8th to 11th century CE), it was a central hub for trade and navigation.^[5] The Lemland Church, a significant historical landmark, was built in stages, with its oldest parts dating from the 13th century.^[6] The original church built in the 13th century had paintings in the ceilings and wooden sculptures dated to the 14th century. It is dedicated to Bridget of Sweden.^[7] During the Finnish War in 1808, the Swedish king Gustav IV Adolf had his headquarters in the Lemland parsonage.^[8] As per Håkan Skogsjö, the ancestry of the permanently residing population of Lemland and owners of farmsteads could be traced back to the 18th century.^[9][10]

Lemland is a municipality located in the autonomous region of Åland, southeast of Mariehamn, the capital of Åland.^[11] The municipality spans an area of approximately 965.3 km² (372.7 sq mi) of which 852.23 km² (329.05 sq mi) is covered by water.^[1][12] It consists of several smaller skerries and islets. The Lemström Canal, carved in 1882, separates Jomala in the Åland’s main island from the Lemland peninsula.^[13][14] It is connected to Lumparland and Mariehamn by bridges.^[15]

The municipality has a population of 2,140 (31 December 2025)^[2][18] Males and females constituted almost equal proportion of the population, with 523 individuals under the age of 17.^[19] The entire population is classified as rural. Swedish language is spoken by majority (91%) of the population.^[19] About 81% of the population were Finnish citizens.^[19]