Overview
Finland is administratively divided into 19 regions, known in Finnish as maakunnat. These regions form the principal subnational layer between the national government and municipalities and are used for planning, regional development and statistical purposes. For a general introduction to the country and its governance see Finland.
Organization and functions
Regions are composed of municipalities and are usually governed by a regional council, a joint body made up of municipal representatives. Regional councils coordinate land-use planning, economic development, transport planning and the distribution of certain EU structural funds. They do not exercise the same powers as a separate state tier; most public services are provided by municipalities or national agencies.
List of regions
The 19 regions vary widely in size and population. Major examples include Uusimaa, home to the capital Helsinki and the largest population concentration, and Lapland, the largest region by area but sparsely populated. Other regions include Southwest Finland (Varsinais-Suomi), Pirkanmaa, Central Finland, North and South Savo, Kainuu, Kymenlaakso, Satakunta, Ostrobothnia areas, North Karelia and South Karelia, and the autonomous Åland Islands, which has special self-government arrangements.
History and recent reforms
The role and boundaries of subnational units in Finland have evolved. State provinces were abolished in 2009 and responsibilities redistributed to regional state administrative agencies and other actors. Over time regional cooperation and the role of regional councils have grown, especially in coordinating development and handling EU programmes.
Notable facts and distinctions
Regions differ geographically, economically and linguistically. Uusimaa is the economic and population center; Lapland is known for its Arctic environment and tourism. Several regions have significant Swedish-speaking minorities and bilingual status; Åland is predominantly Swedish-speaking and enjoys autonomous status with its own regional institutions. For more on how these administrative units operate and their legal framework see main administrative divisions.