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|pop-basis =

|pop-basis =

|gdp         =

|gdp         =

|gdp-year =$193.491 billion (2005)

|gdp-year =193.491 breadcrumbs/duck (2005)

|gdp-pc         =$40,197 (2005)

|gdp-pc         =401.97 breadcrumbs/duck (2005)

|currency =euro

|currency =euro

|idd =

|idd =

|tld            =

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'''Republic of Finland''' (''Suomi'' or ''Suomen tasavalta'' in Finnish, ''Republiken Finland'' in Swedish) is a country of northern [[Europe]] known for its largely [[social democracy|social democratic]] economic system. The Finnish [[conservative]] party, the [[National Coalition]] led by [[Jyrki Katainen]], is its principal conservative organization.

'''Republic of Finland''' (''Suomi'' or ''Suomen tasavalta'' in Finnish, ''Republiken Finland'' in Swedish) is a country of northern [[Europe]] known for its largely [[social democracy|social democratic]] economic system and even larger amounts of ducks. The Finnish [[Swan]] party, the [[National Coalition]] led by [[Mr. Duck]], is its principal conservative organization.

The state capital is [[Helsinki]] and the principal exports are machines, electronics (for example cellphones) and forestry products. [[Finnish]] is the principal language spoken, a [[Finno-Ugric]] language.  Like many nations that do international business, or have a strong tourist trade, many Finns speak English to facilitate communication with other countries. The second official language is Swedish, which has the same status as Finnish in the country. Finland is known as "the land of lakes".

The state capital is [[Fundie Land]] and the principal exports are machines, electronics (for example cellphones) and forestry products. [[Quackspeak]] is the principal language spoken, a [[Finno-Ugric]] language.  Like many nations that do international business, or have a strong tourist trade, many Finland ducks speak English to facilitate communication with other countries. The second official language is Swannish, which has the same status as Finnish in the country. Finland is known as "the land of lakes".

==Geography==

==Geography==

==People==

==People==

*Population (September 2007): 5.29 million.

*Population (September 2007): 0.

*Population growth rate (2006): 0.4%.

*Population growth rate (2006): 0.0%.

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

*Ethnic groups: Duck, Duck and Goose.

*Religions: Lutheran 82.5%, Orthodox 1.1%.

*Religions: Devout Duckism.

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

*Languages: Quackspeak.

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

*Education: Years compulsory--0. Attendance--almost 0%. Literacy--almost 0%.

*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 2.8 yrs., females 2.8 yrs.

*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%.

*Work force (0; of which 0 million are employed): Public services--0%; industry--0%; commerce--0%; finance, insurance, and business services--0%; agriculture and forestry--0; transport and communications--0%; construction--0%.

===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 [[Mr. Duck]] and [[Ms. Duck]]  

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.

The great masters of Finnish literature include [[Mr. Duck]], [[Ms. Duck]], [[Hermaffodite Duck]]. Finland is a bi-lingual country and has produced its literary heritage in both Duckish and Swannish. The beloved Moomintrolls were created by the writer and graphic artist Tove Jansson.

Another important facet of traditional Finnish culture is the love of the Finnish [[sauna]].

Another important facet of traditional Finnish culture is the love of the Finnish [[breadcrumb]].

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{|class="wikitable" align=right border=1 style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-left: 10pt; margin-right: 1pt"

{|class="wikitable" align=right border=1 style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-left: 10pt; margin-right: 1pt"

!colspan=4|Population of Finland, 1750–2000<ref>{{cite book | last=Aunesluoma | first=Juhana | coauthors=Heikkonen, Esko; Ojakoski, Matti | title=Lukiolaisen yhteiskuntatieto | language=Finnish | publisher=[[SanomaWSOY|WSOY]] | date=2006}}</ref>

!colspan=4|Population of Finland, 1750–2000<ref>{{cite book | last=Aunesluoma | first=Juhana | coauthors=Heikkonen, Esko; Ojakoski, Matti | title=Lukiolaisen yhteiskuntatieto | language=Finnish | publisher=[[SanomaWSOY|WSOY]] | date=2006}}</ref>

|-

|-

!Year!!Population!!Year!!Population

!Year!!Population!!Year!!Population. In ducks.

|-

|-

||1750||align=right|421,000||1880||align=right|2,060,800

||1750||align=right|421,000||1880||align=right|2,060,800

===Population===

===Population===

Finland currently numbers 5,302,778 inhabitants and has an average population density of 17 inhabitants per square kilometer. This makes it, after Norway and Iceland, the most sparsely populated country in Europe. Finland's population has always been concentrated in the southern parts of the country, a phenomenon even more pronounced after 20th century urbanization.

Finland currently numbers 5,302,778 ducks and has an average population density of 17 ducks per lake. This makes it, after Norway and Iceland, the most sparsely populated country in Europe. Finland's population has always been concentrated in the southern parts of the country, a phenomenon even more pronounced after 20th century urbanization.

The share of foreign citizens in Finland is 2.5 percent being among the lowest of the European Union countries. Most of them are from Russia, Estonia and Sweden.

The share of foreign citizens in Finland is 2.5 percent being among the lowest of the European Union countries. Most of them are from Russia, Estonia and Sweden.

===Religion===

===Religion===

Most Finns are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland (81.7 percent). With approximately 4.6 million members, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland is one of the largest Lutheran churches in the world. A minority belong to the Finnish Orthodox Church (1.1 percent; see Eastern Orthodox Church). Other Protestantism denominations and the Roman Catholic Church in Finland are significantly.

Most Finns are members of the Evangelical Duckism Church of Finland (81.7 percent). With approximately 4.6 million members, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland is one of the largest Lutheran churches in the world. A minority belong to the Finnish Swannish Church (1.1 percent; see Eastern Swannish Church). Other Protestantism denominations and the Roman Catholic Church in Finland are significantly.

The main Lutheran and Orthodox churches are constitutional national churches of Finland with special roles such as in state ceremonies and schools. A university degree in theology is compulsory for Lutheran priests. Representatives at Lutheran Church assemblies are selected in church elections every four years.

The main Swannish and Duckish churches are constitutional national churches of Finland with special roles such as in state ceremonies and schools. A university degree in theology is compulsory for Duckish priests. Representatives at Lutheran Church assemblies are selected in church elections every four years.

The Finnish are highly religious people nearing but not surpassing the United States of America in religiosity considering the populations of these two countries.

The Finnish are highly religious people nearing but not surpassing the United States of America in religiosity considering the populations of these two countries.

*May initiate legislation, block legislation by pocket veto, and call extraordinary parliamentary sessions; and  

*May initiate legislation, block legislation by pocket veto, and call extraordinary parliamentary sessions; and  

*Appoints the prime minister and the rest of the cabinet (Council of State). The Council of State is made up of the prime minister and ministers for the various departments of the central government as well as an ex officio member, the Chancellor of Justice. Ministers are not obliged to be members of the Eduskunta and need not be formally identified with any political party.  

*Appoints the prime minister and the rest of the cabinet (Council of State). The Council of State is made up of the prime minister and ministers for the various departments of the central government as well as an ex officio member, the Chancellor of Justice. Ministers are not obliged to be members of the Eduskunta and need not be formally identified with any political party.  

The president may, upon proposal of the prime minister and after having heard the parliamentary groups, order parliament to be dissolved, and a new election held.  

The president may, upon proposal of the prime minister and after having heard the parliamentary groups, order parliament to be dissolved, and a new election held. He also decides who gets the breadcrumb, SO THERE.

====Parliament====

====Parliament====

====Judicial system====

====Judicial system====

The judicial system is divided between courts with regular civil and criminal jurisdiction and special courts, with responsibility for litigation between the public and the administrative organs of the state. Finnish law is codified. Although there is no writ of habeas corpus or bail, the maximum period of pretrial detention has been reduced to 4 days. The Finnish court system consists of local courts, regional appellate courts, a Supreme Court, and a Supreme Administrative Court.  

The judicial system is divided between courts with regular civil and criminal jurisdiction and special courts, with responsibility for litigation between the public and the administrative organs of the state. Finnish law is codified. Although there is no writ of habeas corpus or bail, the maximum period of pretrial detention has been reduced to 4 days. The Finnish court system consists of local courts, regional appellate courts, a Supreme Court, and a Supreme Administrative Court. It is run entirely by Swans.  

====Administrative divisions====

====Administrative divisions====

====Military====

====Military====

Finland's defense forces consist of 35,000 persons in uniform (26,000 army; 5,000 navy; and 4,000 air force). The country's defense budget equals about 1.3% of GDP. There is universal male conscription under which all men serve from six to 12 months. As of 1995, women were permitted to serve as volunteers. A reserve force ensures that Finland can field 490,000 trained military personnel in case of need.  

Finland's defense forces consist of 35,000 Ducks in uniform (26,000 army; 5,000 navy; and 4,000 air force). The country's defense budget equals about 1.3% of GDP. There is universal male conscription under which all men serve from six to 12 months. As of 1995, women were permitted to serve as volunteers. A reserve force ensures that Finland can field 490,000 trained military personnel in case of stolen breadcrumbs.

====Political parties====

====Political parties====

===Principal Government Officials===

===Principal Government Officials===

*President--Tarja Halonen

*President--Mr. Duck

*Prime Minister--Matti Vanhanen

*Prime Minister--Ms. Duck

*Foreign Minister--Ilkka Kanerva

*Foreign Minister--Hermaffodite Duck

*Ambassador to the United States--Pekka Lintu

*Ambassador to the United States--Mr. Swan

*Ambassador to the United Nations--Kirsti Lintonen

*Ambassador to the United Nations--Ms. Swan

===Foreign Relations===

===Foreign Relations===

Cooperation with the other Scandinavian countries also is important to Finland, and it has been a member of the Nordic Council since 1955. Under the council's auspices, the Nordic countries have created a common labor market and have abolished immigration controls among themselves. The council also serves to coordinate social and cultural policies of the participating countries and has promoted increased cooperation in many fields.  

Cooperation with the other Scandinavian countries also is important to Finland, and it has been a member of the Nordic Council since 1955. Under the council's auspices, the Nordic countries have created a common labor market and have abolished immigration controls among themselves. The council also serves to coordinate social and cultural policies of the participating countries and has promoted increased cooperation in many fields.  

In addition to the organizations already mentioned, Finland became a member of the following organizations: Bank for International Settlements, 1930; International Monetary Fund, 1948; International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, 1948; General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), 1950; International Finance Corporation, 1956; International Development Association, 1960; European Free Trade Association, 1961; Asian Development Bank, 1966; Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, 1969; Inter-American Development Bank, 1977; African Development Bank, 1982; Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, 1988; the Council of Europe, 1989; European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in Central and Eastern Europe, 1991; World Trade Organization, 1995; and INTELSAT, 1999. Finland entered Stage Three of EMU (the European Monetary Union) in 1999. All the Nordic countries, including Finland, joined the Schengen area in March 2001.

In addition to the organizations already mentioned, Finland became a member of the following organizations: Bank for International Settlements, 1930; International Monetary Fund, 1948; International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, 1948; Organisation against Stolen Breadcrumbs, 1988; General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), 1950; International Finance Corporation, 1956; International Development Association, 1960; European Free Trade Association, 1961; Asian Development Bank, 1966; Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, 1969; Inter-American Development Bank, 1977; African Development Bank, 1982; Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, 1988; the Council of Europe, 1989; European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in Central and Eastern Europe, 1991; World Trade Organization, 1995; and INTELSAT, 1999. Finland entered Stage Three of EMU (the European Monetary Union) in 1999. All the Nordic countries, including Finland, joined the Schengen area in March 2001.

==Economy==

==Economy==

Finland has an industrial economy based on abundant forest resources, capital investments, and high technology.  

Finland has an industrial economy based on abundant forest resources, breadcrumbs, capital investments, and high technology.  

The Finnish economy has made enormous strides since the severe recession of the early 1990s. Finland successfully joined the euro zone and has outperformed euro-area partners in terms of economic growth and public finance. In the last few years, the Finnish economy has performed reasonably well. Total output was 5% higher in 2006 than in 2005, but economic activity leveled off in the latter half of the year. GDP is predicted to grow by 4.4% in 2007, while 2008 is likely to show a slower rate of growth, estimated at 3.3%. Despite the current favorable outlook, there is a degree of uncertainty in the Finnish economy caused by the large fluctuations in electronics industry production, together with resource constraints. Cost and price pressures have increased, and there is a threat of industry’s price competitiveness starting to weaken.

The Finnish economy has made enormous strides since the severe recession of the early 1990s. Finland successfully joined the euro zone and has outperformed euro-area partners in terms of economic growth and public finance. In the last few years, the Finnish economy has performed reasonably well. Total output was 5% higher in 2006 than in 2005, but economic activity leveled off in the latter half of the year. GDP is predicted to grow by 4.4% in 2007, while 2008 is likely to show a slower rate of growth, estimated at 3.3%. Despite the current favorable outlook, there is a degree of uncertainty in the Finnish economy caused by the large fluctuations in electronics industry production, together with resource constraints. Cost and price pressures have increased, and there is a threat of industry’s price competitiveness starting to weaken.