In addition to the municipalities, there are other self-governing entities in Finland, including Åland, the Sámi Homeland, religious communities and higher education institutions. Their self-government varies in terms of both status and execution.
The autonomous status of the province of Åland is based on the autonomy granted to it under international treaties. Åland has its own political and administrative bodies responsible for decision-making.
In other respects, the laws passed by Finnish Parliament also apply in Åland. The task of the single member of Finnish Parliament elected from Åland is to ensure that the status of the region is considered in national decision-making.
The regional parliament exercises legislative power within the framework permitted under the autonomy. In other respects, the laws passed by Finnish Parliament also apply in Åland. The task of the single member of Finnish Parliament elected from Åland is to ensure that the status of the region is considered in national decision-making.
The Sámi people are the only indigenous people of Finland, and they have linguistic and cultural self-government in the Sámi Homeland. This is laid down in the Constitution of Finland.
The Sámi Parliament is responsible for matters that concern the Sámi language and culture as well as the status of the Sámi as an indigenous people. The Sami people choose the members of the Sámi Parliament in an election. The Sámi Parliament may submit initiatives and proposals, issue statements and decide on the allocation of funds intended for joint use of the Sámi people.
The autonomous status of Åland is based on both Finnish legislation and international agreements. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland and the Finnish Orthodox Church have a special status under public law. Both have the right to levy taxes and they keep population records. They also have a number of cultural historical tasks, such as the conducting of marriage ceremonies. Evangelical Lutheran parishes have an obligation to maintain public cemeteries and provide burial plots for the deceased.
Higher education institutions (universities and universities of applied sciences) are administratively and legally independent. This guarantees them an independent status in academic issues and in the provision of teaching. Even though the state provides the higher education institutions with basic funding, they can also raise funds independently. However, the higher education institutions do not charge tuition fees for Finnish students.