MARIEHAMN

Finnish Maarianhamina, port city and capital of Ahvenanmaan autonomous lni (province), southwestern Finland. It is situated on the island of land in the Baltic Sea, west of Helsinki. Founded in 1861, it is the chief port and the only city of the province. Its Swedish-speaking inhabitants depend on fishing and shipping for their livelihood. A renowned local fleet, once numbering 30 ships involved mainly in the grain trade with Australia, greatly diminished after World War II. The two baysSvibyviken and Slemmernhave remained active ports, serving steamers to Turku (Swedish bo) and Stockholm. The city has become a resort area that abounds with gardens, parks, and beaches. Pop. (1992 est.) mun., 10,278.