Pargas, Archipelago municipality in Southwest Finland
Pargas is a municipality in Southwest Finland that spreads across an enormous archipelago containing around 50,000 islands scattered throughout the Baltic Sea region. The terrain consists of rocky islands of varying sizes connected by waterways, forming a complex and interconnected landscape shaped by glacial activity.
Pargas was formed in 2009 when five separate municipalities merged together, creating a much larger administrative area. The region later changed its official name from Väståboland to Pargas following a public vote in 2011, marking a shift in how the area identifies itself.
Swedish and Finnish languages blend into the daily life of Pargas, with each language carrying its own historical roots in the region. You'll notice this bilingual character in street signs, shop names, and conversations throughout the archipelago communities.
The largest limestone quarry in the Nordic region has shaped the local economy and landscape for centuries, remaining a major employer in the area. To navigate this island-filled territory, ferries are the primary way to travel between communities, with an established network connecting the main inhabited areas.
Pargas is approximately 80 percent water, making it an extraordinary case among Finnish municipalities. This extreme proportion of water coverage means the entire municipality is surrounded by sea and can only be accessed through its extensive network of ferry routes.
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