Scania was an UNPO member between 1993 and 2011.  

The Scanian people were represented in UNPO by the Scanian Future Foundation, which has long lobbied for greater recognition of Scanian language, culture, and regional identity. The SSF argues that Scania (historically part of Skåneland) lacks legal status as a distinct national or cultural community within the Swedish state, and that the Scanian language (or dialect) is neither officially recognised nor adequately protected by Swedish law. Their advocacy includes human rights work, promotion of regionalism in the European Union, and efforts to preserve regional symbols (such as the Scanian flag) and institutions. SSF has historically criticised centralisation from Stockholm and called for more local autonomy—particularly in cultural and linguistic policy. They promote international awareness of Scanian identity and argue for the right of Scanians to self-identify and preserve their heritage.

Scanian identity is deeply rooted in the historical region of Skåneland, which traditionally includes not only present-day Skåne (Scania) but also Halland, Blekinge, and, historically, the island of Bornholm. Scanians often emphasise their distinct regional heritage, drawing on their linguistic traditions: the Scanian dialect (often seen as a variant of East Danish / Old Danish) persists in local speech and has a symbolic role in identity politics. The Scanian flag, a red field with a yellow Nordic cross, and a griffin head coat of arms are potent symbols of Scanian identity—both promoted by SSF as cultural rather than political emblems. Culturally, Scania reflects a blend of Scandinavian (Swedish and Danish) influences: its traditions include rural folk customs, historic legal traditions (such as the old “Scanian Law”), and a strong sense of place tied to its borderland history. The SSF and associated Scanian organisations work to preserve and revive these traditions, arguing for the region’s right to cultural self-expression and recognition.

Historically, Skåneland (the Scanian provinces) formed part of the Kingdom of Denmark for many centuries, with its own legal and administrative traditions. In 1658, through the Treaty of Roskilde, Denmark ceded Scania, Halland, and Blekinge to Sweden—a shift that marked the start of a long process of assimilation. After the treaty, Swedish authorities gradually imposed Swedish laws, language, and administrative systems, leading to tensions and resistance among the local population.

Over the centuries, many Scanians maintained a distinct regional consciousness, preserved in folklore, local customs, and political activism. The Klågerup riots of 1811, for instance, reflect historical discontent in the region. In the 20th century, the Scanian regionalist movement gained traction: in 1989 the Scanian Future Foundation was established to promote the preservation of regional language, culture, and identity.

Today, Scania is an administrative region in Sweden (Region Skåne), but regionalists argue that formal recognition of Scanian culture and identity remains inadequate. The SSF continues to push for legal protections, cultural self-determination, and greater acknowledgment of the historical uniqueness of Skåneland.