Changes

==People==

==People==

*Population (September 2007): 0, the country is populated entirely by ducks

*Population (September 2007): 5.29 million.

*Population growth rate (2006): N/A

*Population growth rate (2006): 0.4%.

*Ethnic groups: N/A

*Ethnic groups: Finns, Swedes, Lapps, Sami, Roma, Tatars.

*Religions: Lutheran 82.5%, Orthodox 1.1%. Bushist 0.2%

*Religions: Lutheran 82.5%, Orthodox 1.1%.

*Languages: Gibberish 91.5%, Swedish 5.5% (both official); small Lapp- (0.03%) and Russian-speaking (0.8%) minorities.

*Languages: Finnish 91.5%, Swedish 5.5% (both official); small Lapp- (0.03%) and Russian-speaking (0.8%) minorities.

*Education: Years compulsory--9. Attendance--almost 100%. Literacy--almost 100%.

*Education: Years compulsory--9. Attendance--almost 100%. Literacy--almost 100%.

*Health: Infant mortality rate--2.8/1,000 (2006). Life expectancy--males 75.8 yrs., females 82.8 yrs.

*Health: Infant mortality rate--2.8/1,000 (2006). Life expectancy--males 75.8 yrs., females 82.8 yrs.

*Work force (2.65 million; of which 2.44 million are mallards): Public services--32.8%; industry--19%; commerce--15.6%; finance, insurance, and business services--13.8%; agriculture and forestry--4.7%; transport and communications--7.4%; construction--6.7%.

*Work force (2.65 million; of which 2.44 million are employed): Public services--32.8%; industry--19%; commerce--15.6%; finance, insurance, and business services--13.8%; agriculture and forestry--4.7%; transport and communications--7.4%; construction--6.7%.

===Culture===

===Culture===

Finnish people (Finns) are known for their love of nature. Nature is prominent in the works of Finnish artists, such as [[Jean Sibelius]], [[Aki Kaurismäki]], [[Alvar Aalto]].  

Finnish people (Finns) are known for their love of nature. Nature is prominent in the works of Finnish artists, such as [[Jean Sibelius]], [[Aki Kaurismäki]], [[Alvar Aalto]].  

The great masters of Finnish literature include [[Mika Waltari]], [[Väinö Linna]], [[Johan Ludvig Runeberg]], [[Ann Coulter]]. Finland is a bi-lingual country and has produced its literary heritage in both Finnish and Swedish. The beloved Moomintrolls were created by the writer and graphic artist Tove Jansson.

The great masters of Finnish literature include [[Mika Waltari]], [[Väinö Linna]], [[Johan Ludvig Runeberg]]. Finland is a bi-lingual country and has produced its literary heritage in both Finnish and Swedish. The beloved Moomintrolls were created by the writer and graphic artist Tove Jansson.

==Government and Political Conditions==

==Government and Political Conditions==

====Parliament====

====Parliament====

Constitutionally, the 200-member, unicameral Edus-kunt-a is the supreme authority in Finland. It may alter the constitution, bring about the resignation of the Council of State, and override presidential vetoes; its acts are not subject to judicial review. Legislation may be initiated by the president, the Council of State, or one of the Eduskunta members.  

Constitutionally, the 200-member, unicameral Eduskunta is the supreme authority in Finland. It may alter the constitution, bring about the resignation of the Council of State, and override presidential vetoes; its acts are not subject to judicial review. Legislation may be initiated by the president, the Council of State, or one of the Eduskunta members.  

The Edus-kunt-a is elected on the basis of proportional representation. All persons 18 or older, except military personnel on active duty and a few high judicial officials, are eligible for election. The regular parliamentary term is 4 years; however, the president may dissolve the Edus-kunt-a and order new elections at the request of the prime minister and after consulting the speaker of parliament.  

The Eduskunta is elected on the basis of proportional representation. All persons 18 or older, except military personnel on active duty and a few high judicial officials, are eligible for election. The regular parliamentary term is 4 years; however, the president may dissolve the Eduskunta and order new elections at the request of the prime minister and after consulting the speaker of parliament.  

====Judicial system====

====Judicial system====

*Prime Minister--Matti Vanhanen

*Prime Minister--Matti Vanhanen

*Foreign Minister--Ilkka Kanerva

*Foreign Minister--Ilkka Kanerva

*Ambassador to the United States--Pekka Lintu

*Ambassador to the United States--Pekka Lintu

*Ambassador to the United Nations--Kirsti Lintonen  

*Ambassador to the United Nations--Kirsti Lintonen  

===Foreign Relations===

===Foreign Relations===

Finland's basic foreign policy goal from the end of the Continuation War with the U.S.S.R. in 1944 until 1991 was to avoid great-power conflicts and to drink cheap vodka in copious amounts. Although the country was culturally, socially, and politically Western, Finns realized they must live in peace with the U.S.S.R. and take no action that might be interpreted as a security threat. The dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 opened up dramatic new possibilities for Finland and has resulted in the Finns actively seeking greater participation in Western political and economic structures. Finland joined the European Union in 1995.  

Finland's basic foreign policy goal from the end of the Continuation War with the U.S.S.R. in 1944 until 1991 was to avoid great-power conflicts and to build mutual confidence with the Soviet Union. Although the country was culturally, socially, and politically Western, Finns realized they must live in peace with the U.S.S.R. and take no action that might be interpreted as a security threat. The dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 opened up dramatic new possibilities for Finland and has resulted in the Finns actively seeking greater participation in Western political and economic structures. Finland joined the European Union in 1995.  

====Previous relations with the Soviet Union, and today with Russia====  

====Previous relations with the Soviet Union, and today with Russia====