a group of islands at the entrance of the Gulf of Bothnia, between Lat. 59, 50, and 60, 32, N. and Long. 19, 10, and 21, 7, E. It consists of more than 80 inhabited, and more than 200 uninhabited islets, and rocks, most of which rise to a considerable elevation above the level of the sea. The surface is either a thin layer of clay, a rich mould, slate-stone, or sand. The arable soil produces rye and barley sufficient for home consumption, with hops, potatoes, and various culinary vegetables. The pasture grounds are generally very poor, yet they maintain considerable numbers of sheep, goats, and beehives. The fisheries are also productive, and waterfowl abound. The climate, though keen, and often severe, is more temperate than that of Finland. The inhabitants amount to about 14,000; mostly Swedes; 9000 of them being settled in Aland, the largest of the group. These islands were ceded by Sweden to Russia in 1809. Several of the harbours have been fortified, and are the station of a large military force, and a numerous flotilla.