maakuntaalueisiin

Maakuntaalueisiin refers to the regions or provinces of Finland. These administrative divisions are the primary sub-national entities within the country. Finland is divided into 19 maakuntaa, each with its own regional council, known as a maakuntaliitto. These councils are responsible for regional planning, development, and promoting regional interests. The maakuntaalueet have evolved over time, with their current structure established in 2010. They are not the same as municipalities (kunta), which are smaller local government units. The maakuntaalueet serve as important coordinating bodies for a variety of public services and economic development initiatives. Their boundaries often reflect historical, geographical, and cultural commonalities. The regional councils play a role in areas such as land use planning, public transport coordination, and securing funding for regional projects.