In one respect, the northern region differs from the eastern and western areas: the majority of the inhabitants speas Finnish as their mother tongue.

The inhabitants of the archipelago have always and since recorded history, connections hace been maintained with the mainland of Finland, Åland and Sweden. Kustavi takes its name from the Swedish king, Gustaf III, who in 1783 authorised the construction of a church at Kivimaa. The wooden church is a popular local tourist attraction and the lighthouse on Isokari, which dates from 1833.

Kustavi and Iniö are neighbouring municipalities, which thanks to the ferry, Aurora, which plies between Laupunen in Kustavi and Jumo in Iniö, are in daily contact with each other. Kustavi is thus a natural junction for the archipelago ring route.

Taivassalo to the east, with its 1,900 inhabitants, is the biggest community in the region. Further eastward is Askainen, which is best known as the birth place of Finland's Marshal C.G.E. Mannerheim, who was born in Louhisaari Castle in 1867.

Velkua, which is located south of Askainen, is a small island community of 240 inhabitants. Merimasku offers the tourist and island landscape and a rustic culture just 15 minutes drive from the town of Naantali. Further to the south is Rymättylä, a small community known for seine fishing, Baltic herring and early potatoes.

By sea, Rymättylä is only a short trip from Turku, Pargas and Nagu. The communities in the northern part of the archipelago all have beautiful landscape, islands typical of the inner archipelago, many tourist attractions and excellent services.