Basic inform ation on Finland 10 BASIC INFORMATION ON FINLAND Finland and the Finns Finland is a democratic republic. Chosen in elections by universal and equal suffrage, parliament exercises legislative authority. The government holds the executive power and independent courts hold the judicial power. Equality before the law, regardless of gender, ethnicity and religion, is important to the Finnish people. Finland offers free education of high quality. Due to a high educational level and municipal child care, women have a strong position in working life. Most working-age women are employed outside the home. Leisure Free library services are available to all Finns. The public broadcasting and radio company receives tax funding and most citizens (85 percent) have data communications at home (Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority 2013). There are plenty of activities available and municipalities provide a range of public sport and exercise facilities for residents. Cultural services are provided by art institutions and hobby groups. Everyone has the freedom of association in Finland and different associations are very popular. There are tens of thousands of sports clubs, choirs, art groups, voluntary education organizations, and hobby groups. Finnish people also have freedom of religion, according to which everyone has the right to belong to a religious community or not to follow any religion. About 76 percent of Finns are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. About 1 percent belong to the Orthodox Church of Finland. Industry The most important industries in Finland are the metal and mechanical engineering industry (approximately 23 percent of all industry value added), the wood and paper industry (approximately 12 percent) and the electronics and electrical appliance industry (approximately 10 percent). The share of services is growing rapidly: Currently, they make up about a third of the gross national product. (Statistics Finland, industry statistics 2011). Over 65 years 19 % 0–14 years 16 % 15–64 years 65 % Age structure of the Finnish population in 2012 Statistics Finland 2013 Higher education 28 % Standard of education of Finns aged 15 or over in 2011 Statistics Finland 2013 Basic education only 32 % Further (post-16) education only 40 %
Hanhikivi Guide 2015
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