Located in the heart of the Baltic, the Åland archipelago is a land of contrasts. It is at once an idyllic rural community in which nature still dictates the rhythm of life and a vibrant centre of shipping and international commerce. Historically a Swedish possession, the islands were caught up in the wars and revolutions of the 18th and early 19th Centuries, passing into Russian hands and eventually becoming an autonomous region of Finland. Still largely Swedish speaking, Åland’s strong local culture mirrors its political identity: The islands are governed by the Lagting (parliament) and are a demilitarised zone holding…