Act on the Autonomy of Åland

The Act on Åland Autonomy (Självstyrelselagen) is the fundamental law defining the political status of the Åland Islands within Finland. It was adopted by the Parliament of Finland on 6 May 1920 in response to the Åland Question (also known as the Åland Islands dispute). The Act provides for Finnish sovereignty over Åland while guaranteeing the preservation of the Swedish language and local culture, as well as political self-government.

The Act was initially opposed by many Ålanders, who sought incorporation into Sweden. The dispute was later referred to the League of Nations, which, in 1921, ruled that Finland would retain sovereignty over Åland while the islands would be granted extensive autonomy and cultural protections.