maakunta

European government

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July 20, 2026

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The term "maakunta" refers to a region in Finland. Finland is divided into 19 maakunnat, which serve as the primary administrative units. Each regular maakunta is governed by a council. The country also includes the autonomous region of Åland, which has a special status. Finland is further divided into over 300 local authorities, known as municipalities. The maakunnat system was established in 2010, replacing the previous provincial divisions, and regional state administrative agencies were created to support local authorities in areas like public services, health, and environmental protection. Estonia also uses a similar term, "maakonnad," for its counties.12

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Finland
Local government
…into 19 maakunnat (regions; singular maakunta), including the autonomous region of Åland (Ahvenanmaa). Each regular maakunta is governed by a council. The country was divided into 12 läänit (provinces) until 1997, when that number was reduced to five, plus the autonomous territory of Åland, all of which were subdivided into…
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…into 19 maakunnat (regions; singular maakunta), including the autonomous region of Åland (Ahvenanmaa). Each regular maakunta is governed by a council. The country was divided into 12 läänit (provinces) until 1997, when that number was reduced to five, plus the autonomous territory of Åland, all of which were subdivided into…
Read More