Naantali is a town in Southwest Finland, and, as a resort town during the summer, an important centre of tourism in the country. The municipality has a population of 19,999
(31 December 2023), and is located 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) west of Turku.
Images, from top, left to right: Naantali’s medieval stone church and SS Ukkopekka, Jöns Budde statue, Särkänsalmi bridge, the guest harbour and Old Town of Naantali, Moomin's haus in Moomin World (Muumimaailma), Naantali Old Town and Archipelago of Naantali.
Naantali Church, one of the oldest monuments in Finland
Kultaranta Castle residence of the President of Finland, in 1920
Steamship S/S Ukkopekka
Municipalities of Finland
The municipalities represent the local level of administration in Finland and act as the fundamental, self-governing administrative units of the country. The entire country is incorporated into municipalities and legally, all municipalities are equal, although certain municipalities are called cities or towns. Municipalities have the right to levy a flat percentual income tax, which is between 16 and 22 percent, and they provide two thirds of public services. Municipalities control many community services, such as schools, health care and the water supply, and local streets. They do not maintain highways, set laws or keep police forces, which are responsibilities of the central government.
The first page of the 1865 municipal ordinance by Emperor Alexander II of Russia.