Mirjana originally comes from Sanski Most in Bosnia and Herzegovina. After many years of economic and political uncertainty following the war in the 1990s, she and her husband made the decision to try a new life abroad, with a focus on greater security for the family.

Beforehand, acquaintances of the couple had already moved to Närpes in Finland. The opportunity to obtain work and a residence permit through employment made the country interesting for Mirjana and her husband as well. After many applications without response, they chose to travel to Finland to meet employers in person.

– We travelled to a job fair in Turku with our son, who was two years old at the time, but there we mostly encountered staffing agencies that couldn't give clear answers.

Instead, Mirjana began going through job advertisements region by region in alphabetical order. Ahvenanmaa – Åland in Finnish – was at the top, and many advertisements were in Swedish.

– We thought Swedish would be easier to learn than Finnish and sent a few applications. 

The sense of security was immediate

At the beginning of May 2011, the family arrived in Mariehamn from Turku. The sense of security was immediate.

– We walked through town and cycled around. Åland showed us its beautiful nature during spring, and it's so easy to fall in love with it. I told my husband that I wished we could live here. He felt the same way.

The people they met also made a strong impression. The family received help with both housing and work, something they still feel great gratitude for to this day.

The smallness and the opportunities

What Mirjana appreciates most about life in Åland is the security – both economic and social – combined with all the opportunities.

– Åland is small, but here you'll find almost everything you need. Everyone knows everyone, and if something is missing, there's a willingness to solve it – the mentality is that "it'll work out".

The closeness to nature, clean air and the sea are a natural part of everyday life. At the same time, it's easy to travel further afield if you long for the city.

A paradise for families with children

The sense of security also comes up when Mirjana describes Åland to friends and family outside the islands.

– I usually say that Åland is a paradise for families with children and for those who want to live at a slower pace, without having to worry about the future.

Staying has never been a difficult decision.
– Our home is here. Our children are growing up and getting their education, and I hope that they and their future families will also choose Åland as their home.

Advice for those who want to move

Her advice to anyone considering moving to Åland is straightforward and honest.

– Don't wait if you feel it's right, but pack your patience. Learning the language, how society works and finding new relationships takes time!

She emphasises that there will be both ups and downs, but that it's worth it.

– Don't have expectations that are too high, but hold on to your dream. You'll thank yourself – perhaps later when you're walking by the sea at sunset or when you unexpectedly get to see the northern lights.

And one final, very practical tip:
– If someone invites you to a sauna – say yes. That's where you learn to breathe and take it easy.

Everyday life in Åland

Today the family lives in their own house with a garden, where friends often gather.

– We can grill a whole lamb, invite people we care about and enjoy it together.