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Definitions

  • Administrative divisions: This entry generally gives the numbers, designatory terms, and first-order administrative divisions as approved by the US Board on Geographic Names (BGN). Changes that have been reported but not yet acted on by BGN are noted.
  • Capital city > Geographic coordinates: This entry gives the name of the seat of government, its geographic coordinates, the time difference relative to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and the time observed in Washington, DC, and, if applicable, information on daylight saving time (DST). Where appropriate, a special note has been added to highlight those countries that have multiple time zones.
  • Capital city > Name: This entry gives the name of the seat of government, its geographic coordinates, the time difference relative to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and the time observed in Washington, DC, and, if applicable, information on daylight saving time (DST). Where appropriate, a special note has been added to highlight those countries that have multiple time zones.
  • Constitution: The dates of adoption, revisions, and major amendments to a nation's constitution
  • Diplomatic representation from the US > Mailing address: This entry includes the chief of mission, embassy address, mailing address, telephone number, FAX number, branch office locations, consulate general locations, and consulate locations.
  • Executive branch > Cabinet: Cabinet includes the official name for any body of high-ranking advisers roughly comparable to a U.S. Cabinet. Also notes the method for selection of members.
  • Executive branch > Chief of state: The name and title of any person or role roughly equivalent to a U.S. Chief of State. This means the titular leader of the country who represents the state at official and ceremonial functions but may not be involved with the day-to-day activities of the government
  • Executive branch > Head of government: Head of government includes the name and title of the top administrative leader who is designated to manage the day-to-day activities of the government. For example, in the UK, the monarch is the chief of state, and the prime minister is the head of government. In the US, the president is both the chief of state and the head of government.
  • Government type: A description of the basic form of government (e.g., republic, constitutional monarchy, federal republic, parliamentary democracy, military dictatorship).
  • Judicial branch: The name(s) of the highest court(s) and a brief description of the selection process for members.
  • Legal system: A brief description of the legal system's historical roots, role in government, and acceptance of International Court of Justice (ICJ) jurisdiction.
  • Legislative branch: This entry contains information on the structure (unicameral, bicameral, tricameral), formal name, number of seats, and term of office. Elections includes the nature of election process or accession to power, date of the last election, and date of the next election. Election results includes the percent of vote and/or number of seats held by each party in the last election.
  • Political parties and leaders: Significant political organizations and their leaders.
  • Political pressure groups and leaders: Organizations with leaders involved in politics, but not standing for legislative election.
  • Suffrage: The age at enfranchisement and whether the right to vote is universal or restricted
  • International organization participation: This entry lists in alphabetical order by abbreviation those international organizations in which the subject country is a member or participates in some other way.
  • Country name > Conventional long form: This entry is derived from Government > Country name, which includes all forms of the country's name approved by the US Board on Geographic Names (Italy is used as an example): conventional long form (Italian Republic), conventional short form (Italy), local long form (Repubblica Italiana), local short form (Italia), former (Kingdom of Italy), as well as the abbreviation. Also see the Terminology note.
  • Civil law system: Description.

    No date was available from the Wikipedia article, so we used the date of retrieval.

  • Executive branch > Elections: Elections includes the nature of election process or accession to power, date of the last election, and date of the next election
  • Leaders > Prime minister: Government > Leaders > Prime minister
  • National symbol(s): A national symbol is a faunal, floral, or other abstract representation - or some distinctive object - that over time has come to be closely identified with a country or entity. Not all countries have national symbols; a few countries have more than one.
  • Flag description: A written flag description produced from actual flags or the best information available at the time the entry was written. The flags of independent states are used by their dependencies unless there is an officially recognized local flag. Some disputed and other areas do not have flags.
  • Red tape > Time required to start a business > Days: Time required to start a business (days). Time required to start a business is the number of calendar days needed to complete the procedures to legally operate a business. If a procedure can be speeded up at additional cost, the fastest procedure, independent of cost, is chosen.
  • Country name > Conventional short form: This entry is derived from Government > Country name, which includes all forms of the country's name approved by the US Board on Geographic Names (Italy is used as an example): conventional long form (Italian Republic), conventional short form (Italy), local long form (Repubblica Italiana), local short form (Italia), former (Kingdom of Italy), as well as the abbreviation. Also see the Terminology note.
  • Constitutional form: Constitutional form of government.
  • Transnational Issues > Disputes > International: This entry includes a wide variety of situations that range from traditional bilateral boundary disputes to unilateral claims of one sort or another. Information regarding disputes over international terrestrial and maritime boundaries has been reviewed by the US Department of State. References to other situations involving borders or frontiers may also be included, such as resource disputes, geopolitical questions, or irredentist issues; however, inclusion does not necessarily constitute official acceptance or recognition by the US Government.
  • Total businesses registered > Number: Total businesses registered. Because of underreporting of firms that have closed or exited, especially in developing countries, the data on total registered firms may be biased upward.
  • National anthem: A generally patriotic musical composition - usually in the form of a song or hymn of praise - that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions, or struggles of a nation or its people. National anthems can be officially recognized as a national song by a country's constitution or by an enacted law, or simply by tradition. Although most anthems contain lyrics, some do not.
  • Legislative branch > Election results: This entry contains information on the structure (unicameral, bicameral, tricameral), formal name, number of seats, and term of office. Elections includes the nature of election process or accession to power, date of the last election, and date of the next election. Election results includes the percent of vote and/or number of seats held by each party in the last election.
  • Legislative branch > Elections: This entry contains information on the structure (unicameral, bicameral, tricameral), formal name, number of seats, and term of office. Elections includes the nature of election process or accession to power, date of the last election, and date of the next election. Election results includes the percent of vote and/or number of seats held by each party in the last election.
  • Democracy and rights > Press freedom index: Compares countries by their degree of government censorship, according to the Press freedom index. This index, created by the non-governmental organization Reporters without borders (RWS), is ellaborated using data from an extensive annual survey sent to professional reporters throughout the world. The survey contains questions about the type and ownership of media present in the country, freedom of speech, violence exerted against reporters, election campaigns, access of political parties to the media, etc.
  • Parliament > Seats held by women > Percentage: Percentage of seats held by women in country's national parliament or legislative houses.
  • Independence: For most countries, this entry gives the date that sovereignty was achieved and from which nation, empire, or trusteeship. For the other countries, the date given may not represent "independence" in the strict sense, but rather some significant nationhood event such as the traditional founding date or the date of unification, federation, confederation, establishment, fundamental change in the form of government, or state succession. Dependent areas include the notation "none" followed by the nature of their dependency status. "
  • Executive branch > Election results: Election results includes the percent of vote for each candidate in the last election (if any)
  • Judicial branch > Subordinate courts: This entry is derived from Government > Judicial branch, which includes three subfields. The highest court(s) subfield includes the name(s) of a country's highest level court(s), the number and titles of the judges, and the types of cases heard by the court, which commonly are based on civil, criminal, administrative, and constitutional law. A number of countries have separate constitutional courts. The judge selection and term of office subfield includes the organizations and associated officials responsible for nominating and appointing judges, and a brief description of the process. The selection process can be indicative of the independence of a country's court system from other branches of its government. Also included in this subfield are judges' tenures, which can range from a few years, to a specified retirement age, to lifelong appointments. The subordinate courts subfield lists the courts lower in the hierarchy of a country's court system. A few countries with federal-style governments, such as Brazil, Canada, and the US, in addition to their federal court, have separate state- or province-level court systems, though generally the two systems interact.
  • Basis of executive legitimacy: Basis of executive legitimacy.

    No date was available from the Wikipedia article, so we used the date of retrieval.

  • Country name > Local short form: This entry is derived from Government > Country name, which includes all forms of the country's name approved by the US Board on Geographic Names (Italy is used as an example): conventional long form (Italian Republic), conventional short form (Italy), local long form (Repubblica Italiana), local short form (Italia), former (Kingdom of Italy), as well as the abbreviation. Also see the Terminology note.
  • Democracy and rights > Freedom of the press: Compares countries by freedom of the press. The lower the score, the more free the press of that country is. The scores are taken from the Freedom of the Press Index, elaborated by Freedom House, self-defined as "an independent watchdog organization dedicated to the expansion of freedom around the world". The data used in the index come from an annual survey of media independence in 197 countries and territories, assessing the degree of print, broadcast, and internet freedom in each of them.
  • Proportion of seats held by women in national parliament: Women in parliaments are the percentage of parliamentary seats in a single or lower chamber occupied by women.
  • Diplomatic representation from the US > Embassy: This entry includes the chief of mission, embassy address, mailing address, telephone number, FAX number, branch office locations, consulate general locations, and consulate locations.
  • Red tape > Start-up procedures to register a business > Number: Start-up procedures to register a business (number). Start-up procedures are those required to start a business, including interactions to obtain necessary permits and licenses and to complete all inscriptions, verifications, and notifications to start operations. Data are for businesses with specific characteristics of ownership, size, and type of production.
  • Democracy and rights > Nationalist vote: Percentage of votes at the most recent national election that went to parties with a nationalist ideology.
  • Democracy > Civil and political liberties: Civil and political liberties
    Units: Index Ranging from 7 (High Levels of Liberties) to 1 (Low
    Units: This is the average of two indicators - civil liberties and political liberties.
  • General government final > Consumption expenditure > Current US$: General government final consumption expenditure (formerly general government consumption) includes all government current expenditures for purchases of goods and services (including compensation of employees). It also includes most expenditures on national defense and security, but excludes government military expenditures that are part of government capital formation. Data are in current U.S. dollars.
  • National holiday: The primary national day of celebration - often independence day.
  • Capital > Geographic coordinates: This entry is derived from Government > Capital, which gives the name of the seat of government, its geographic coordinates, the time difference relative to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and the time observed in Washington, DC, and, if applicable, information on daylight saving time (DST). Where appropriate, a special note has been added to highlight those countries that have multiple time zones.
  • Democracy > First female parliamentarian: Year first woman elected or appointed to parliament.
  • Time required to start a business > Days: Time required to start a business is the number of calendar days needed to complete the procedures to legally operate a business. If a procedure can be speeded up at additional cost, the fastest procedure, independent of cost, is chosen.
  • Judicial branch > Judge selection and term of office: This entry is derived from Government > Judicial branch, which includes three subfields. The highest court(s) subfield includes the name(s) of a country's highest level court(s), the number and titles of the judges, and the types of cases heard by the court, which commonly are based on civil, criminal, administrative, and constitutional law. A number of countries have separate constitutional courts. The judge selection and term of office subfield includes the organizations and associated officials responsible for nominating and appointing judges, and a brief description of the process. The selection process can be indicative of the independence of a country's court system from other branches of its government. Also included in this subfield are judges' tenures, which can range from a few years, to a specified retirement age, to lifelong appointments. The subordinate courts subfield lists the courts lower in the hierarchy of a country's court system. A few countries with federal-style governments, such as Brazil, Canada, and the US, in addition to their federal court, have separate state- or province-level court systems, though generally the two systems interact.
  • Democracy and rights > Democracy Index: DI 2012.
  • Red tape > Burden of customs procedure, WEF > 1=extremely inefficient to 7=extremely efficient: Burden of customs procedure, WEF (1=extremely inefficient to 7=extremely efficient). Burden of Customs Procedure measures business executives' perceptions of their country's efficiency of customs procedures. The rating ranges from 1 to 7, with a higher score indicating greater efficiency. Data are from the World Economic Forum's Executive Opinion Survey, conducted for 30 years in collaboration with 150 partner institutes. The 2009 round included more than 13,000 respondents from 133 countries. Sampling follows a dual stratification based on company size and the sector of activity. Data are collected online or through in-person interviews. Responses are aggregated using sector-weighted averaging. The data for the latest year are combined with the data for the previous year to create a two-year moving average. Respondents evaluated the efficiency of customs procedures in their country. The lowest score (1) rates the customs procedure as extremely inefficient, and the highest score (7) as extremely efficient.
  • Red tape > Time required to register property > Days: Time required to register property (days). Time required to register property is the number of calendar days needed for businesses to secure rights to property.
  • Politics: Country politics.
  • International law organization participation: This entry includes information on a country's acceptance of jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and of the International Criminal Court (ICCt); 55 countries have accepted ICJ jurisdiction with reservations and 11 have accepted ICJ jurisdiction without reservations; 114 countries have accepted ICCt jurisdiction. Appendix B: International Organizations and Groups explains the differing mandates of the ICJ and ICCt.
  • Parliament > Seats held by men: Number of seats held by men in country's naitonal parliament or legislative houses.
  • Country name > Local long form: This entry is derived from Government > Country name, which includes all forms of the country's name approved by the US Board on Geographic Names (Italy is used as an example): conventional long form (Italian Republic), conventional short form (Italy), local long form (Repubblica Italiana), local short form (Italia), former (Kingdom of Italy), as well as the abbreviation. Also see the Terminology note.
  • Red tape > Time to resolve insolvency > Years: Time to resolve insolvency (years). Time to resolve insolvency is the number of years from the filing for insolvency in court until the resolution of distressed assets.
  • Red tape > Start-up procedures to register a business > Number per million: Start-up procedures to register a business (number). Start-up procedures are those required to start a business, including interactions to obtain necessary permits and licenses and to complete all inscriptions, verifications, and notifications to start operations. Data are for businesses with specific characteristics of ownership, size, and type of production. Figures expressed per million population for the same year.
  • Diplomatic representation in the US > Chief of mission: This entry includes the chief of mission, chancery, telephone, FAX, consulate general locations, and consulate locations.
  • Diplomatic representation from the US > Telephone: This entry includes the chief of mission, embassy address, mailing address, telephone number, FAX number, branch office locations, consulate general locations, and consulate locations.
  • Diplomatic representation in the US > Chancery: This entry includes the chief of mission, chancery, telephone, FAX, consulate general locations, and consulate locations.
  • Diplomatic representation from the US > Chief of mission: This entry includes the chief of mission, embassy address, mailing address, telephone number, FAX number, branch office locations, consulate general locations, and consulate locations.
  • Parliament > Seats held by women: Number of seats held by women in country's parliament or legislative houses.
  • Foreign relations > Date of recognition of Israel: Date on which Israel was officially recognized as a state. Note that some countries had a “de facto” recognition in place long before the legal recognition.
  • Democracy > Democratic institutions rating: Democratic institutions
    Units: Scale ranging from -10 (autocratic) to +10 (democratic)
  • UN membership date: Date of United Nations Membership
  • Democracy and rights > Democracy Index per million people: DI 2012. Figures expressed per million people for the same year.
  • Total businesses registered > Number per 1000: Total businesses registered. Because of underreporting of firms that have closed or exited, especially in developing countries, the data on total registered firms may be biased upward. Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Red tape > Procedures to build a warehouse > Number: Procedures to build a warehouse (number). Number of procedures to build a warehouse is the number of interactions of a company's employees or managers with external parties, including government agency staff, public inspectors, notaries, land registry and cadastre staff, and technical experts apart from architects and engineers.
  • Capital city: The location of the seat of government.
  • Capital > Name: This entry is derived from Government > Capital, which gives the name of the seat of government, its geographic coordinates, the time difference relative to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and the time observed in Washington, DC, and, if applicable, information on daylight saving time (DST). Where appropriate, a special note has been added to highlight those countries that have multiple time zones.
  • General government final > Consumption expenditure > Current US$ > Per capita: General government final consumption expenditure (formerly general government consumption) includes all government current expenditures for purchases of goods and services (including compensation of employees). It also includes most expenditures on national defense and security, but excludes government military expenditures that are part of government capital formation. Data are in current U.S. dollars. Per capita figures expressed per 1 population.
  • Spending > Expense > Current LCU: Expense is cash payments for operating activities of the government in providing goods and services. It includes compensation of employees (such as wages and salaries), interest and subsidies, grants, social benefits, and other expenses such as rent and dividends."
  • Red tape > Time required to get electricity > Days: Time required to get electricity (days). Time required to get electricity is the number of days to obtain a permanent electricity connection. The measure captures the median duration that the electricity utility and experts indicate is necessary in practice, rather than required by law, to complete a procedure.
  • Democracy > Parliamentary elections > Registered voter turnout: The proportion of registered voters who actually voted.
  • Legislature (parliament) > People per member: Number of people each member of the legislature represents on average. The number of members of the legislature is the sum of the members of all chambers of parliament, if applicable.
  • Democracy and rights > Year women first voted at national level: Year women first voted at national level.
  • Capital > Time difference: This entry is derived from Government > Capital, which gives the name of the seat of government, its geographic coordinates, the time difference relative to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and the time observed in Washington, DC, and, if applicable, information on daylight saving time (DST). Where appropriate, a special note has been added to highlight those countries that have multiple time zones.
  • Leaders > Prime minister > Profile: Government > Leaders > Prime minister > Profile
  • International relations: Country international relations.
  • Red tape > Time required to get electricity > Days per million: Time required to get electricity (days). Time required to get electricity is the number of days to obtain a permanent electricity connection. The measure captures the median duration that the electricity utility and experts indicate is necessary in practice, rather than required by law, to complete a procedure. Figures expressed per million population for the same year.
  • Legislature (parliament) > Lower house members: Members of the lower house of the legislature or of the only chamber in a unicameral system.
  • Red tape > Time required to enforce a contract > Days: Time required to enforce a contract (days). Time required to enforce a contract is the number of calendar days from the filing of the lawsuit in court until the final determination and, in appropriate cases, payment.
  • Democracy > Female parliamentarians: Seats in parliament held by women (as % of total). Data are as of 8 March 2002. Where there are lower and upper houses, data refer to the weighted average of women's shares of seats in both houses.
  • Red tape > Procedures to register property > Number: Procedures to register property (number). Number of procedures to register property is the number of procedures required for a businesses to secure rights to property.
  • Role of head of state: Head of state.

    No date was available from the Wikipedia article, so we used the date of retrieval.

  • General government final > Consumption expenditure > Current US$ per capita: General government final consumption expenditure (formerly general government consumption) includes all government current expenditures for purchases of goods and services (including compensation of employees). It also includes most expenditures on national defense and security, but excludes government military expenditures that are part of government capital formation. Data are in current U.S. dollars. Figures expressed per capita for the same year.
  • Democracy and rights > Nationalist party (percent of vote): This list shows the percentage of votes obtained by nationalist parties across Europe at the latest  elections held in their respective countries. Note that the percentages show the votes from all the parties combined, and only for general elections (some parties may obtain a quite higher percentage in regional elections). Nationalist parties usually hold right-wing populist views, and among their common demands are a higher control of immigration, extended social/labor rights for country nationals, and a restriction of islamic customs -such as the veil or the construction of mosques-, though their ideologies and goals vary from country to country. Some parties have as their main goal the seggregation of a region from its parent country (with examples in Scotland, Catalonia and Northern Ireland). Most of nationalist parties with elected members in the European Parliament belong to the Europe of Freedom and Democracy group.
  • Start-up procedures to register a business > Number: Start-up procedures are those required to start a business, including interactions to obtain necessary permits and licenses and to complete all inscriptions, verifications, and notifications to start operations. Data are for businesses with specific characteristics of ownership, size, and type of production.
  • Red tape > Burden of customs procedure, WEF > 1=extremely inefficient to 7=extremely efficient per million: Burden of customs procedure, WEF (1=extremely inefficient to 7=extremely efficient). Burden of Customs Procedure measures business executives' perceptions of their country's efficiency of customs procedures. The rating ranges from 1 to 7, with a higher score indicating greater efficiency. Data are from the World Economic Forum's Executive Opinion Survey, conducted for 30 years in collaboration with 150 partner institutes. The 2009 round included more than 13,000 respondents from 133 countries. Sampling follows a dual stratification based on company size and the sector of activity. Data are collected online or through in-person interviews. Responses are aggregated using sector-weighted averaging. The data for the latest year are combined with the data for the previous year to create a two-year moving average. Respondents evaluated the efficiency of customs procedures in their country. The lowest score (1) rates the customs procedure as extremely inefficient, and the highest score (7) as extremely efficient. Figures expressed per million population for the same year.
  • Strength of legal rights index > 0=weak to 10=strong: Strength of legal rights index measures the degree to which collateral and bankruptcy laws protect the rights of borrowers and lenders and thus facilitate lending. The index ranges from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating that these laws are better designed to expand access to credit."
  • Spending > Subsidies and other transfers > Current LCU: Subsidies, grants, and other social benefits include all unrequited, nonrepayable transfers on current account to private and public enterprises; grants to foreign governments, international organisations, and other government units; and social security, social assistance benefits, and employer social benefits in cash and in kind."
  • Spending > Compensation of employees > Current LCU: Compensation of employees consists of all payments in cash, as well as in kind (such as food and housing), to employees in return for services rendered, and government contributions to social insurance schemes such as social security and pensions that provide benefits to employees."
  • General government final > Consumption expenditure > Current US$ > Per $ GDP: General government final consumption expenditure (formerly general government consumption) includes all government current expenditures for purchases of goods and services (including compensation of employees). It also includes most expenditures on national defense and security, but excludes government military expenditures that are part of government capital formation. Data are in current U.S. dollars. Per $ GDP figures expressed per 1 $ gross domestic product.
  • Parliament > Seats held by women per million people: Number of seats held by women in country's parliament or legislative houses. Figures expressed per million people for the same year.
  • Democracy > Female suffrage: Year in which women received the right to vote. Data refer to the year in which right to vote or stand for election on a universal and equal basis was recognized. Where two years are shown, the first refers to the first partial recognition of the right to vote.
  • Red tape > Time required to build a warehouse > Days: Time required to build a warehouse (days). Time required to build a warehouse is the number of calendar days needed to complete the required procedures for building a warehouse. If a procedure can be speeded up at additional cost, the fastest procedure, independent of cost, is chosen.
  • Leaders > Prime minister > Summary: Government > Leaders > Prime minister > Summary
  • Red tape > Procedures to enforce a contract > Number per million: Procedures to enforce a contract (number). Number of procedures to enforce a contract are the number of independent actions, mandated by law or courts, that demand interaction between the parties of a contract or between them and the judge or court officer. Figures expressed per million population for the same year.
  • Red tape > Time required to start a business > Days per million: Time required to start a business (days). Time required to start a business is the number of calendar days needed to complete the procedures to legally operate a business. If a procedure can be speeded up at additional cost, the fastest procedure, independent of cost, is chosen. Figures expressed per million population for the same year.
  • Red tape > Time required to register property > Days per million: Time required to register property (days). Time required to register property is the number of calendar days needed for businesses to secure rights to property. Figures expressed per million population for the same year.
  • Red tape > Time required to build a warehouse > Days per million: Time required to build a warehouse (days). Time required to build a warehouse is the number of calendar days needed to complete the required procedures for building a warehouse. If a procedure can be speeded up at additional cost, the fastest procedure, independent of cost, is chosen. Figures expressed per million population for the same year.
  • Red tape > Procedures to build a warehouse > Number per million: Procedures to build a warehouse (number). Number of procedures to build a warehouse is the number of interactions of a company's employees or managers with external parties, including government agency staff, public inspectors, notaries, land registry and cadastre staff, and technical experts apart from architects and engineers. Figures expressed per million population for the same year.
  • Capital > Daylight saving time: This entry is derived from Government > Capital, which gives the name of the seat of government, its geographic coordinates, the time difference relative to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and the time observed in Washington, DC, and, if applicable, information on daylight saving time (DST). Where appropriate, a special note has been added to highlight those countries that have multiple time zones.
  • Total businesses registered > Number > Per capita: Total businesses registered. Because of underreporting of firms that have closed or exited, especially in developing countries, the data on total registered firms may be biased upward. Per capita figures expressed per 1,000 population.
  • Spending > Interest payments > Current LCU: Interest payments include interest payments on government debt--including long-term bonds, long-term loans, and other debt instruments--to domestic and foreign residents."
  • Foreign relations > Diplomatic representation in the US > Ambassador: Name of ambassador to the USA.
  • Democracy and rights > Votes for nationalist parties: Absolute number of votes at the most recent national election that went to parties with a nationalist ideology.
  • Transnational Issues > Refugees and internally displaced persons > Stateless persons: This entry is derived from Government > Transnational Issues > Refugees and internally displaced persons, which includes those persons residing in a country as refugees or internally displaced persons (IDPs). Each country's refugee entry includes only countries of origin that are the source of refugee populations of 5,000 or more. The definition of a refugee according to a United Nations Convention is "a person who is outside his/her country of nationality or habitual residence; has a well-founded fear of persecution because of his/her race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion; and is unable or unwilling to avail himself/herself of the protection of that country, or to return there, for fear of persecution." The UN established the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in 1950 to handle refugee matters worldwide. The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has a different operational definition for a Palestinian refugee: "a person whose normal place of residence was Palestine during the period 1 June 1946 to 15 May 1948 and who lost both home and means of livelihood as a result of the 1948 conflict." However, UNHCR also assists some 400,000 Palestinian refugees not covered under the UNRWA definition. The term "internally displaced person" is not specifically covered in the UN Convention; it is used to describe people who have fled their homes for reasons similar to refugees, but who remain within their own national territory and are subject to the laws of that state.
  • Transnational Issues > Refugees and internally displaced persons > Stateless persons per thousand people: This entry is derived from Government > Transnational Issues > Refugees and internally displaced persons, which includes those persons residing in a country as refugees or internally displaced persons (IDPs). Each country's refugee entry includes only countries of origin that are the source of refugee populations of 5,000 or more. The definition of a refugee according to a United Nations Convention is "a person who is outside his/her country of nationality or habitual residence; has a well-founded fear of persecution because of his/her race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion; and is unable or unwilling to avail himself/herself of the protection of that country, or to return there, for fear of persecution." The UN established the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in 1950 to handle refugee matters worldwide. The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has a different operational definition for a Palestinian refugee: "a person whose normal place of residence was Palestine during the period 1 June 1946 to 15 May 1948 and who lost both home and means of livelihood as a result of the 1948 conflict." However, UNHCR also assists some 400,000 Palestinian refugees not covered under the UNRWA definition. The term "internally displaced person" is not specifically covered in the UN Convention; it is used to describe people who have fled their homes for reasons similar to refugees, but who remain within their own national territory and are subject to the laws of that state. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • General government final > Consumption expenditure > Constant 2000 US$ > Per capita: General government final consumption expenditure (formerly general government consumption) includes all government current expenditures for purchases of goods and services (including compensation of employees). It also includes most expenditures on national defense and security, but excludes government military expenditures that are part of government capital formation. Data are in constant 2000 U.S. dollars. Per capita figures expressed per 1 population.
  • Time required to build a warehouse > Days: Time required to build a warehouse is the number of calendar days needed to complete the required procedures for building a warehouse. If a procedure can be speeded up at additional cost, the fastest procedure, independent of cost, is chosen.
  • Failed States Index: FSI 2013.
  • Democracy > Parliamentary elections > Voting age population: International IDEA has chosen to use not only the reported registration rate to calculate turnout percentages, but also the voting age population (VAP) which includes all citizens above the legal voting age
  • Democracy > Female candidacy: Year in which women received the right to stand for election. Data refer to the year in which right to vote or stand for election on a universal and equal basis was recognized. Where two years are shown, the first refers to the first partial recognition of the right to stand for election.
  • Trademarks > Nonresidents per 1000: Trademark applications filed are applications for registration of a trademark with a national or regional trademark office. Trademarks are distinctive signs that identify goods or services as those produced or provided by a specific person or enterprise. Trademarks protect owners of the mark by ensuring exclusive right to use it to identify goods or services or to authorize its use in return for payment. Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Trademarks > Nonresidents > Per capita: Trademark applications filed are applications for registration of a trademark with a national or regional trademark office. Trademarks are distinctive signs that identify goods or services as those produced or provided by a specific person or enterprise. Trademarks protect owners of the mark by ensuring exclusive right to use it to identify goods or services or to authorize its use in return for payment. Per capita figures expressed per 1,000 population.
  • Democracy > Parliamentary elections > Voter registration: The number of registered voters. The figure represents the number of names on the voters' register at the time that the registration process closes, as reported by the electoral management body.
  • Democracy > Parliamentary elections > Total vote: The total number of votes cast in the relevant election. Total vote includes valid and invalid votes, as well as blank votes in cases where these are separated from invalid votes. More information on valid, invalid and blank votes can be found at aceproject.org
  • Start-up procedures to register a business > Number > Per capita: Start-up procedures are those required to start a business, including interactions to obtain necessary permits and licenses and to complete all inscriptions, verifications, and notifications to start operations. Data are for businesses with specific characteristics of ownership, size, and type of production. Per capita figures expressed per 1 million population.
  • Time required to enforce a contract > Days: Time required to enforce a contract is the number of calendar days from the filing of the lawsuit in court until the final determination and, in appropriate cases, payment.
  • Procedures to register property > Number: Number of procedures to register property is the number of procedures required for a businesses to secure rights to property.
  • Procedures to build a warehouse > Number: Number of procedures to build a warehouse is the number of interactions of a company's employees or managers with external parties, including government agency staff, public inspectors, notaries, land registry and cadastre staff, and technical experts apart from architects and engineers.
  • Council of EU > 2005 > Country votes: January 1, 2005
  • Legislature (parliament) > Total members of parliament: Number of members of the legislature (sum of members of all chambers of parliament where applicable).
  • Red tape > Procedures to enforce a contract > Number: Procedures to enforce a contract (number). Number of procedures to enforce a contract are the number of independent actions, mandated by law or courts, that demand interaction between the parties of a contract or between them and the judge or court officer.
  • Red tape > Procedures to register property > Number per million: Procedures to register property (number). Number of procedures to register property is the number of procedures required for a businesses to secure rights to property. Figures expressed per million population for the same year.
  • Time to prepare and pay taxes > Hours: Time to prepare and pay taxes is the time, in hours per year, it takes to prepare, file, and pay (or withhold) three major types of taxes: the corporate income tax, the value added or sales tax, and labor taxes, including payroll taxes and social security contributions.
  • General government final > Consumption expenditure > Constant 2000 US$: General government final consumption expenditure (formerly general government consumption) includes all government current expenditures for purchases of goods and services (including compensation of employees). It also includes most expenditures on national defense and security, but excludes government military expenditures that are part of government capital formation. Data are in constant 2000 U.S. dollars.
  • Procedures to register property > Number > Per capita: Number of procedures to register property is the number of procedures required for a businesses to secure rights to property. Per capita figures expressed per 1 million population.
  • Procedures to enforce a contract > Number > Per capita: Number of procedures to enforce a contract are the number of independent actions, mandated by law or courts, that demand interaction between the parties of a contract or between them and the judge or court officer. Per capita figures expressed per 1 million population.
  • Spending > Goods and services expense > Current LCU: Goods and services include all government payments in exchange for goods and services used for the production of market and nonmarket goods and services. Own-account capital formation is excluded.
  • Council of EU > 2007 > Country votes: January 1, 2007
  • Council of EU > 2005 > Country leader: January 1, 2005
  • Council of EU > 2007 > Country leader: January 1, 2007
  • Democracy > Parliamentary elections > Invalid votes: The number of invalid votes, as reported by each country.
  • Diplomatic representation in the US > FAX: This entry includes the chief of mission, chancery, telephone, FAX, consulate general locations, and consulate locations.
  • General government final > Consumption expenditure > Constant LCU: General government final consumption expenditure (formerly general government consumption) includes all government current expenditures for purchases of goods and services (including compensation of employees). It also includes most expenditures on national defense and security, but excludes government military expenditures that are part of government capital formation. Data are in constant local currency.
  • General government final > Consumption expenditure > Constant 2000 US$ per capita: General government final consumption expenditure (formerly general government consumption) includes all government current expenditures for purchases of goods and services (including compensation of employees). It also includes most expenditures on national defense and security, but excludes government military expenditures that are part of government capital formation. Data are in constant 2000 U.S. dollars. Figures expressed per capita for the same year.
  • Time to resolve insolvency > Years: Time to resolve insolvency is the number of years from the filing for insolvency in court until the resolution of distressed assets.
  • Trademarks > Residents > Per capita: Trademark applications filed are applications for registration of a trademark with a national or regional trademark office. Trademarks are distinctive signs that identify goods or services as those produced or provided by a specific person or enterprise. Trademarks protect owners of the mark by ensuring exclusive right to use it to identify goods or services or to authorize its use in return for payment. Per capita figures expressed per 1,000 population.
  • Procedures to enforce a contract > Number per million: Number of procedures to enforce a contract are the number of independent actions, mandated by law or courts, that demand interaction between the parties of a contract or between them and the judge or court officer. Figures expressed per million population for the same year.
  • Spending > Other expense > Current LCU: Other expense is spending on dividends, rent, and other miscellaneous expenses, including provision for consumption of fixed capital."
  • General government final > Consumption expenditure > Annual % growth: Annual percentage growth of general government final consumption expenditure based on constant local currency. Aggregates are based on constant 2000 U.S. dollars. General government final consumption expenditure (general government consumption) includes all government current expenditures for purchases of goods and services (including compensation of employees). It also includes most expenditures on national defense and security, but excludes government military expenditures that are part of government capital formation.
  • Time required to register property > Days: Time required to register property is the number of calendar days needed for businesses to secure rights to property.
  • Trademarks > Nonresidents: Trademark applications filed are applications for registration of a trademark with a national or regional trademark office. Trademarks are distinctive signs that identify goods or services as those produced or provided by a specific person or enterprise. Trademarks protect owners of the mark by ensuring exclusive right to use it to identify goods or services or to authorize its use in return for payment.
  • Proportion of seats held by women in national parliaments > %: Proportion of seats held by women in national parliaments (%). Women in parliaments are the percentage of parliamentary seats in a single or lower chamber held by women.
  • Spending > Subsidies and other transfers > % of expense: Subsidies, grants, and other social benefits include all unrequited, nonrepayable transfers on current account to private and public enterprises; grants to foreign governments, international organisations, and other government units; and social security, social assistance benefits, and employer social benefits in cash and in kind."
  • Spending > Interest payments > % of revenue: Interest payments include interest payments on government debt--including long-term bonds, long-term loans, and other debt instruments--to domestic and foreign residents."
  • Diplomatic representation in the US > Consulate(s) general: This entry includes the chief of mission, chancery, telephone, FAX, consulate general locations, and consulate locations.
  • Council of EU > 2005 > European party of leader: January 1, 2005
  • Council of EU > 2007 > European party of leader: January 1, 2007
  • Foreign relations > Date of establishment of relations with China: The date on which each country established diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.
  • Start-up procedures to register a business > Number per million: Start-up procedures are those required to start a business, including interactions to obtain necessary permits and licenses and to complete all inscriptions, verifications, and notifications to start operations. Data are for businesses with specific characteristics of ownership, size, and type of production. Figures expressed per million population for the same year.
  • Procedures to enforce a contract > Number: Number of procedures to enforce a contract are the number of independent actions, mandated by law or courts, that demand interaction between the parties of a contract or between them and the judge or court officer.
  • Foreign relations > Date of recognition of Kosovo: Date on which Kosovo was officially recognized as a state.
  • Procedures to build a warehouse > Number > Per capita: Number of procedures to build a warehouse is the number of interactions of a company's employees or managers with external parties, including government agency staff, public inspectors, notaries, land registry and cadastre staff, and technical experts apart from architects and engineers. Per capita figures expressed per 1 million population.
  • Legislature (parliament) > Term of office for lower house members: Members of the lower (or sole) house.

    No date was available from the Wikipedia article, so we used the date of retrieval.

  • Council of EU > 2006 > Country votes: January 1, 2006
  • Diplomatic representation from the US > FAX: This entry includes the chief of mission, embassy address, mailing address, telephone number, FAX number, branch office locations, consulate general locations, and consulate locations.
  • General government final > Consumption expenditure > Current LCU: General government final consumption expenditure (formerly general government consumption) includes all government current expenditures for purchases of goods and services (including compensation of employees). It also includes most expenditures on national defense and security, but excludes government military expenditures that are part of government capital formation. Data are in current local currency.
  • Democracy and rights > Last election: Last election.

    No date was available from the Wikipedia article, so we used the date of retrieval.

  • Diplomatic representation in the US > Telephone: This entry includes the chief of mission, chancery, telephone, FAX, consulate general locations, and consulate locations.
  • Parliament > Seats held by men per million people: Number of seats held by men in country's naitonal parliament or legislative houses. Figures expressed per million people for the same year.
  • Capital city > Time difference: This entry gives the name of the seat of government, its geographic coordinates, the time difference relative to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and the time observed in Washington, DC, and, if applicable, information on daylight saving time (DST). Where appropriate, a special note has been added to highlight those countries that have multiple time zones.
  • Democracy and rights > Next election: Next election.

    No date was available from the Wikipedia article, so we used the date of retrieval.

  • Spending > Goods and services expense > % of expense: Goods and services include all government payments in exchange for goods and services used for the production of market and nonmarket goods and services. Own-account capital formation is excluded.
  • Foreign relations > Recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia: Statements on the status of Abkhazia and South Ossetia issued by countries who do not recognize their sovereignty.
  • Democracy > Parliamentary elections > Voting age population per 1000: International IDEA has chosen to use not only the reported registration rate to calculate turnout percentages, but also the voting age population (VAP) which includes all citizens above the legal voting age. Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Spending > Compensation of employees > % of expense: Compensation of employees consists of all payments in cash, as well as in kind (such as food and housing), to employees in return for services rendered, and government contributions to social insurance schemes such as social security and pensions that provide benefits to employees."
  • Spending > Interest payments > % of expense: Interest payments include interest payments on government debt--including long-term bonds, long-term loans, and other debt instruments--to domestic and foreign residents."
  • Spending > Other expense > % of expense: Other expense is spending on dividends, rent, and other miscellaneous expenses, including provision for consumption of fixed capital."
  • Trademarks > Residents per million: Trademark applications filed are applications for registration of a trademark with a national or regional trademark office. Trademarks are distinctive signs that identify goods or services as those produced or provided by a specific person or enterprise. Trademarks protect owners of the mark by ensuring exclusive right to use it to identify goods or services or to authorize its use in return for payment. Figures expressed per million population for the same year.
  • Procedures to register property > Number per million: Number of procedures to register property is the number of procedures required for a businesses to secure rights to property. Figures expressed per million population for the same year.
  • Ruling party: In power now.

    No date was available from the Wikipedia article, so we used the date of retrieval.

  • Procedures to build a warehouse > Number per million: Number of procedures to build a warehouse is the number of interactions of a company's employees or managers with external parties, including government agency staff, public inspectors, notaries, land registry and cadastre staff, and technical experts apart from architects and engineers. Figures expressed per million population for the same year.
  • Spending > Expense > % of GDP: Expense is cash payments for operating activities of the government in providing goods and services. It includes compensation of employees (such as wages and salaries), interest and subsidies, grants, social benefits, and other expenses such as rent and dividends."
  • Red tape > Time required to enforce a contract > Days per million: Time required to enforce a contract (days). Time required to enforce a contract is the number of calendar days from the filing of the lawsuit in court until the final determination and, in appropriate cases, payment. Figures expressed per million population for the same year.
  • European Union > Council of the European Union votes: Number of votes each member state of the European Union has in the Council of the European Union.
  • Trademarks > Residents: Trademark applications filed are applications for registration of a trademark with a national or regional trademark office. Trademarks are distinctive signs that identify goods or services as those produced or provided by a specific person or enterprise. Trademarks protect owners of the mark by ensuring exclusive right to use it to identify goods or services or to authorize its use in return for payment.
STAT Estonia Sweden HISTORY
Administrative divisions 15 counties (maakonnad, singular - maakond); Harjumaa (Tallinn), Hiiumaa (Kardla), Ida-Virumaa (Johvi), Jarvamaa (Paide), Jogevamaa (Jogeva), Laanemaa (Haapsalu), Laane-Virumaa (Rakvere), Parnumaa (Parnu), Polvamaa (Polva), Raplamaa (Rapla), Saaremaa (Kuressaare), Tartumaa (Tartu), Valgamaa (Valga), Viljandimaa (Viljandi), Vorumaa (Voru) 21 counties (lan, singular and plural); Blekinge, Dalarna, Gavleborg, Gotland, Halland, Jamtland, Jonkoping, Kalmar, Kronoberg, Norrbotten, Orebro, Ostergotland, Skane, Sodermanland, Stockholm, Uppsala, Varmland, Vasterbotten, Vasternorrland, Vastmanland, Vastra Gotaland
Capital city > Geographic coordinates 59 59 20 N, 18 03 E
Capital city > Name Tallinn Stockholm
Constitution several previous; latest adopted 28 June 1992; amended several times, last in 2012 1 January 1975
Diplomatic representation from the US > Mailing address use embassy street address American Embassy Stockholm, US Department of State, 5750 Stockholm Place, Washington, DC 20521-5750
Executive branch > Cabinet Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
Executive branch > Chief of state President Toomas Hendrik ILVES (since 9 October 2006) King CARL XVI GUSTAF (since 19 September 1973); Heir Apparent Princess VICTORIA Ingrid Alice Desiree, daughter of the monarch (born 14 July 1977)
Executive branch > Head of government Prime Minister Andrus ANSIP (since 12 April 2005) Prime Minister Fredrik REINFELDT (since 5 October 2006); Deputy Prime Minister Jan BJORKLUND (since 5 October 2010)
Government type parliamentary republic constitutional monarchy
Judicial branch Supreme Court (chairman appointed for life by Parliament) Supreme Court or Hogsta Domstolen; Supreme Administrative Court note: the Supreme Court is the highest court of general jurisdiction and the Supreme Administrative Court is the highest administrative court
Legal system civil law system civil law system influenced by Roman-Germanic law and customary law
Legislative branch unicameral Parliament or Riigikogu unicameral Parliament or Riksdag
Political parties and leaders Center Party of Estonia (Keskerakond) [Edgar SAVISAAR]<br />Estonian Greens (Rohelised) [Aleksander LAANE]<br />Estonian Conservative People's Party (Konservatiivne Rahvaerakond) or EKRE [Margo MILJAND]<br />Estonian Reform Party (Reformierakond) [Andrus ANSIP]<br />Social Democratic Party or SDE [Sven MIKSER]<br />Union of Pro Patria and Res Publica (Isamaa je Res Publica Liit) or IRL [Urmas REINSALU] Center Party (Centerpartiet) or C [Annie LOOF]<br />Christian Democrats (Kristdemokraterna) or KD [Goran HAGGLUND]<br />Green Party (Miljopartiet de Grona); [spokespersons Asa ROMSON and Gustav FRIDOLIN]<br />Left Party (Vansterpartiet) (formerly Communist Party) or V [Jonas SJOSTEDT]<br />Liberal People's Party (Folkpartiet) or FP [Jan BJORKLUND]<br />Moderate Party (Moderaterna) [Fredrik REINFELDT]<br />Social Democratic Party (Socialdemokraterna) or SAP [Stefan LOFVEN]<br />Sweden Democrats (Sverigedemokraterna) or SD [Jimmie AKESSON]
Political pressure groups and leaders Nochnoy Dozor/Night Watch anti-fascist movement (leader Alexander KOROBOV) Children's Rights in Society<br />Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees or TCO<br />Swedish Trade Union Confederation (Landsorganisationen) or LO [Wanja LUNDBY-WEDIN]<br /><br /><strong>other:</strong> environmental groups; media
Suffrage 18 years of age; universal for all Estonian citizens 18 years of age; universal
International organization participation Australia Group, BA, BIS, CBSS, CD, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EMU, ESA (cooperating state), EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CD, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EITI (implementing country), ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-9, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MONUSCO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PFP, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMISS, UNMOGIP, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Country name > Conventional long form Republic of Estonia Kingdom of Sweden
Civil law system Largely influenced by German civil law. Scandinavian-German civil law. Like all Scandinavian legal systems, it is distinguished by its traditional character and for the fact that it did not adopt elements of Roman law. It is indeed worth mentioning that it assimilated very few elements of foreign laws whatsoever. It is also interesting that the Napoleonic Code had no influence in codification of law in Scandinavia. The historical basis of the law of Sweden, just as for all Nordic countries, is Old German law. Codification of the law started in Sweden during the 18th century, preceding the codifications of most other European countries. However, neither Sweden, nor any other Nordic state created a civil code of the kind of the Code Civil or the BGB.
Executive branch > Elections president elected by Parliament for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); if a candidate does not secure two-thirds of the votes after three rounds of balloting in the Parliament, then an electoral assembly (made up of Parliament plus members of local councils) elects the president, choosing between the two candidates with the largest number of votes; election last held on 29 August 2011 (next to be held in the fall of 2016); prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually becomes the prime minister
Leaders > Prime minister Andrus Ansip Fredrik Reinfeldt
National symbol(s) barn swallow, cornflower three crowns; lion
Flag description three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), black, and white; various interpretations are linked to the flag colors; blue represents faith, loyalty, and devotion, while also reminiscent of the sky, sea, and lakes of the country; black symbolizes the soil of the country and the dark past and suffering endured by the Estonian people; white refers to the striving towards enlightenment and virtue, and is the color of birch bark and snow, as well as summer nights illuminated by the midnight sun blue with a golden yellow cross extending to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag); the colors reflect those of the Swedish coat of arms - three gold crowns on a blue field
Red tape > Time required to start a business > Days 6.5
Ranked 154th.
16
Ranked 91st. 2 times more than Estonia

Country name > Conventional short form Estonia Sweden
Constitutional form Republic Constitutional monarchy
Transnational Issues > Disputes > International Russia and Estonia in May 2005 signed a technical border agreement, but Russia in June 2005 recalled its signature after the Estonian parliament added to its domestic ratification act a historical preamble referencing the Soviet occupation and Estonia's pre-war borders under the 1920 Treaty of Tartu; Russia contends that the preamble allows Estonia to make territorial claims on Russia in the future, while Estonian officials deny that the preamble has any legal impact on the treaty text; Russia demands better treatment of the Russian-speaking population in Estonia; as a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Estonia implements strict Schengen border rules with Russia none
Total businesses registered > Number 86,816
Ranked 48th.
295,197
Ranked 32nd. 3 times more than Estonia

National anthem <strong>name: </strong>"Mu isamaa, mu onn ja room" (My Native Land, My Pride and Joy)<br /><strong>lyrics/music:</strong> Johann Voldemar JANNSEN/Fredrik PACIUS <strong>name: </strong>"Du Gamla, Du Fria" (Thou Ancient, Thou Free)<br /><strong>lyrics/music:</strong> Richard DYBECK/traditional
FAX 372 46
Legislative branch > Election results percent of vote by party - Estonian Reform Party 28.6%, Center Party of Estonia 23.3%, IRL 20.5%, SDE 17.1%, Estonian Greens 3.8%, Estonian People's Union 2.1%, other 4.6%; seats by party - Estonian Reform Party 33, Center Party 21, IRL 23, SDE 19, unaffiliated 5 percent of vote by party - SAP 30.7%, Moderate Party 30.1%, Green Party 7.3%, FP 7.1%, C 6.6%, SD 5.7%, KD 5.6%, V 5.6%, others 1.3%; seats by party - SAP 112, Moderate Party 107, Green Party 25, FP 24, C 23, SD 20, KD 19, V 19
Legislative branch > Elections last held on 6 March 2011 (next to be held in March 2015) last held on 19 September 2010 (next to be held in September 2014)
Democracy and rights > Press freedom index 9.26
Ranked 26th. About the same as Sweden
9.23
Ranked 27th.
Parliament > Seats held by women > Percentage 20.79%
Ranked 78th.
44.7%
Ranked 4th. 2 times more than Estonia

Independence 20 August 1991 (declared); 6 September 1991 (recognized by the Soviet Union) 6 June 1523 (Gustav VASA elected king)
Executive branch > Election results Toomas Hendrik ILVES reelected president; parliamentary vote - Toomas Hendrik ILVES 73, Indrek TARAND 25 Fredrik REINFELDT elected prime minister with 175 out of 349 votes
Judicial branch > Subordinate courts circuit (appellate) courts; administrative, county, city, and specialized courts first instance and appellate general and administrative courts; specialized courts that handle cases such as land and environment, immigration, labor, markets, and patents
Basis of executive legitimacy Ministry is subject to parliamentary confidence Ministry is subject to parliamentary confidence
Country name > Local short form Eesti Sverige
Democracy and rights > Freedom of the press 18
Ranked 173th. 80% more than Sweden
10
Ranked 192nd.
Proportion of seats held by women in national parliament 18.8%
Ranked 63th.
47.3%
Ranked 2nd. 3 times more than Estonia

Diplomatic representation from the US > Embassy Kentmanni 20, 15099 Tallinn Dag Hammarskjolds Vag 31, SE-11589 Stockholm
Red tape > Start-up procedures to register a business > Number 5
Ranked 141st. 67% more than Sweden
3
Ranked 171st.

Democracy and rights > Nationalist vote 20.1%
Ranked 3rd. 4 times more than Sweden
5.7%
Ranked 2nd.
Democracy > Civil and political liberties 5.5
Ranked 30th.
6
Ranked 5th. 9% more than Estonia
General government final > Consumption expenditure > Current US$ 2.39 billion$
Ranked 73th.
97.37 billion$
Ranked 11th. 41 times more than Estonia

National holiday Independence Day, 24 February (1918); note - 24 February 1918 was the date Estonia declared its independence from Soviet Russia; 20 August 1991 was the date it declared its independence from the Soviet Union Swedish Flag Day, 6 June (1916); National Day, 6 June (1983)
Capital > Geographic coordinates 59 26 N, 24 43 E 59 20 N, 18 03 E
Democracy > First female parliamentarian 1919 (elected) 1921 (elected)
Time required to start a business > Days 35 days
Ranked 89th. 2 times more than Sweden
16 days
Ranked 142nd.

Democracy > Gender Parity Index in primary level enrolment 0.971
Ranked 104th.
1
Ranked 24th. 3% more than Estonia

Judicial branch > Judge selection and term of office the chief justice is proposed by the president and appointed by the Riigikogu; other justices proposed by the chief justice and appointed by the Riigikogu; justices appointed for life Supreme Court and Supreme Administrative Court justices nominated by the Board of Judges, a 9-member nominating body consisting of high-level judges, prosecutors, and members of Parliament; justices appointed by the Government; following a probationary period, justices' appointments are permanent
Democracy and rights > Democracy Index 7.61
Ranked 27th.
9.73
Ranked 2nd. 28% more than Estonia
Red tape > Burden of customs procedure, WEF > 1=extremely inefficient to 7=extremely efficient 5.2
Ranked 13th.
5.5
Ranked 7th. 6% more than Estonia

Red tape > Time required to register property > Days 17.5
Ranked 138th.
28
Ranked 110th. 60% more than Estonia

Politics PM Andrus Ansip heads a centre-right coalition which was re-elected in 2011 Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt from the centre-right Alliance for Sweden heads a coalition government
International law organization participation accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Parliament > Seats held by men 80
Ranked 121st.
193
Ranked 51st. 2 times more than Estonia

Country name > Local long form Eesti Vabariik Konungariket Sverige
Red tape > Time to resolve insolvency > Years 3
Ranked 65th. 50% more than Sweden
2
Ranked 102nd.

Red tape > Start-up procedures to register a business > Number per million 3.73
Ranked 48th. 12 times more than Sweden
0.315
Ranked 131st.

Diplomatic representation in the US > Chief of mission Ambassador Marina KALJURAND (since 6 September 2011) Ambassador Bjorn O. LYRVALL
Diplomatic representation from the US > Telephone [372] 668-8100 [46] (08) 783 53 00
Diplomatic representation in the US > Chancery None The House of Sweden, 2900 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
Diplomatic representation from the US > Chief of mission Ambassador Jeffrey D. LEVINE (since 24 July 2012) Ambassador Mark BRZEZINSKI
Parliament > Seats held by women 21
Ranked 107th.
156
Ranked 7th. 7 times more than Estonia

Foreign relations > Date of recognition of Israel None
None
Democracy > Democratic institutions rating 6
Ranked 71st.
10
Ranked 8th. 67% more than Estonia
UN membership date 17 Sep. 1991 19 Nov. 1946
Democracy and rights > Democracy Index per million people 5.68
Ranked 3rd. 6 times more than Sweden
1.02
Ranked 12th.
Total businesses registered > Number per 1000 64.14
Ranked 21st. 95% more than Sweden
32.95
Ranked 36th.

Red tape > Procedures to build a warehouse > Number 13
Ranked 108th. 86% more than Sweden
7
Ranked 182nd.

Capital city Tallinn Stockholm
Capital > Name Tallinn Stockholm
General government final > Consumption expenditure > Current US$ > Per capita 1,775.79$ per capita
Ranked 29th.
10,790.5$ per capita
Ranked 5th. 6 times more than Estonia

Spending > Expense > Current LCU 78.09 billion
Ranked 54th.
1.02 trillion
Ranked 19th. 13 times more than Estonia

Red tape > Time required to get electricity > Days 111
Ranked 69th. 2 times more than Sweden
52
Ranked 153th.

Democracy > Parliamentary elections > Registered voter turnout 57.4%
Ranked 122nd.
80.1%
Ranked 43th. 40% more than Estonia
Legislature (parliament) > People per member 13,271
Ranked 101st.
26,654
Ranked 85th. Twice as much as Estonia
Democracy and rights > Year women first voted at national level 1917 1921
Capital > Time difference UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time) UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Leaders > Prime minister > Profile <p>The centre-right coalition led by Andrus Ansip increased its parliamentary majority in elections held in March 2011. </p><p>Mr Ansip thus bettered his own record of being Estonia&#039;s first sitting prime minister to be re-elected since the country quit the Soviet Union in 1991.</p> <p>He became prime minister in April 2005 and in March 2007 his centre-right Reform Party won parliamentary polls, but with too small a margin to govern alone.</p> <p>It went on to form a coalition with the conservative Pro Patria-Res Publica (IRL) and the Social Democrats.</p> <p>The re-election of the coalition in March 2011 was seen as voters rewarding the government for piloting the country through the economic crisis caused by the credit crunch of 2008, and into recovery.</p> <p>It was also Estonia&#039;s first election since joining the single European currency in January 2011. Mr Ansip had originally aimed for eurozone membership in January 2007 but high inflation led the government to put back the target entry date.</p> <p>Taking office for his third term, Mr Ansip said that improving the quality of people&#039;s lives was a top priority.</p> <p>But by late 2012, his party&#039;s opinion poll ratings fell to a record low as a result of popular anger at the quashing of a money-laundering and party funding case and the subsequent resignation of the justice minister, Kristen Michal. </p> <p>In the run-up to the March 2007 poll Mr Ansip backed legislation that paved the way for the removal of a controversial Red Army memorial in Tallinn. The law, and the subsequent relocation of the statue, sparked fury in Moscow.</p> <p>Andrus Ansip was 48 when he became premier. He entered national politics in 2004 following six years as mayor of Tartu, Estonia&#039;s second city.</p> <p>He is married and has three daughters. </p> <p>The Alliance for Sweden, a centre-right coalition headed by Moderate Party leader Fredrik Reinfeldt, came to power at elections in September 2006, ending 10 years of rule by the Social Democrat Party.</p> <p>Governing with a slim seven-seat majority in its first term, Mr Reinfeldt&#039;s government cut income taxes, trimmed benefits and sold off state assets.</p> <p>Buoyed by Sweden&#039;s rapid economic recovery from the 2008 , Mr Reinfeldt looked assured to win a second term ahead of elections in 2010 and become the first centre-right PM to be re-elected since World War II.</p> <p>However, his Alliance for Sweden fell short of an overall majority by two seats, and Mr Reinfeldt formed a minority coalition government. The anti-immigration Swedish Democrats became Sweden&#039;s first far right party to win seats in parliament.</p> <p>The opposition centre-left Social Democrats, who governed Sweden for much of the period since World War II, suffered a painful slump in support.</p> <p>After becoming party leader of the right-wing Moderate Party in 2003, Mr Reinfeldt moved it towards the political centre, toning down its criticism of Sweden&#039;s welfare state and adopting a consensual approach. He supports Sweden&#039;s entry into Nato, provided there is cross-party support.</p> <p>Born in 1965, Fredrik Reinfeldt joined his party&#039;s youth wing in 1991. </p>
International relations Estonia joined Nato and the EU in 2004. It has a troop contingent in Afghanistan Sweden joined the EU in 1995. Though a famously neutral country, a security doctrine has allowed for the deployment of Swedish forces overseas
Red tape > Time required to get electricity > Days per million 82.87
Ranked 39th. 15 times more than Sweden
5.46
Ranked 125th.

Legislature (parliament) > Lower house members 101
Ranked 83th.
349
Ranked 32nd. 3 times more than Estonia
Red tape > Time required to enforce a contract > Days 425
Ranked 141st. 35% more than Sweden
314
Ranked 172nd.

Democracy > Female parliamentarians 17.8%
Ranked 42nd.
42.7%
Ranked 1st. 2 times more than Estonia
Red tape > Procedures to register property > Number 3
Ranked 170th. 3 times more than Sweden
1
Ranked 181st.

Role of head of state Ceremonial Ceremonial
General government final > Consumption expenditure > Current US$ per capita 1,775.8$
Ranked 29th.
10,783.89$
Ranked 5th. 6 times more than Estonia

Democracy and rights > Nationalist party (percent of vote) 20.1%
Ranked 3rd. 4 times more than Sweden
5.7%
Ranked 2nd.
Start-up procedures to register a business > Number 6
Ranked 146th. Twice as much as Sweden
3
Ranked 164th.

Red tape > Burden of customs procedure, WEF > 1=extremely inefficient to 7=extremely efficient per million 3.88
Ranked 13th. 7 times more than Sweden
0.578
Ranked 58th.

Strength of legal rights index > 0=weak to 10=strong 6
Ranked 78th. 20% more than Sweden
5
Ranked 88th.

Spending > Subsidies and other transfers > Current LCU 34.59 billion
Ranked 54th.
713.23 billion
Ranked 13th. 21 times more than Estonia

Spending > Compensation of employees > Current LCU 17.11 billion
Ranked 56th.
108.18 billion
Ranked 29th. 6 times more than Estonia

General government final > Consumption expenditure > Current US$ > Per $ GDP 0.182$ per $1 of GDP
Ranked 47th.
0.272$ per $1 of GDP
Ranked 10th. 49% more than Estonia

Parliament > Seats held by women per million people 16.58
Ranked 24th.
17.11
Ranked 23th. 3% more than Estonia

Foreign relations > Nepal > Date of Establishment April 20, 1992 June 10, 1960
Democracy > Female suffrage 1918 "1861 ,1921"
Red tape > Time required to build a warehouse > Days 148
Ranked 96th. 28% more than Sweden
116
Ranked 126th.

Leaders > Prime minister > Summary Andrus Ansip is the longest-serving prime minister since independence in 1991 Fredrik Reinfeldt is in his second term of office
Red tape > Procedures to enforce a contract > Number per million 26.13
Ranked 42nd. 8 times more than Sweden
3.15
Ranked 112th.

Red tape > Time required to start a business > Days per million 4.85
Ranked 66th. 3 times more than Sweden
1.68
Ranked 102nd.

Red tape > Time required to register property > Days per million 13.07
Ranked 53th. 4 times more than Sweden
3.15
Ranked 99th.

Red tape > Time required to build a warehouse > Days per million 110.5
Ranked 42nd. 9 times more than Sweden
12.19
Ranked 108th.

Red tape > Procedures to build a warehouse > Number per million 9.71
Ranked 41st. 13 times more than Sweden
0.736
Ranked 129th.

Capital > Daylight saving time +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
Total businesses registered > Number > Per capita 64.14 per 1,000 people
Ranked 21st. 95% more than Sweden
32.96 per 1,000 people
Ranked 36th.

Spending > Interest payments > Current LCU 211.1 million
Ranked 77th.
43.2 billion
Ranked 26th. 205 times more than Estonia

Foreign relations > Diplomatic representation in the US > Ambassador Kaljurand, Marina Marina Kaljurand Hafström, Jonas Jonas Hafström
Democracy and rights > Votes for nationalist parties 118,023
Ranked 25th.
339,610
Ranked 18th. 3 times more than Estonia
Transnational Issues > Refugees and internally displaced persons > Stateless persons 94,235
Ranked 7th. 10 times more than Sweden
9,596
Ranked 15th.
Transnational Issues > Refugees and internally displaced persons > Stateless persons per thousand people 70.36
Ranked 1st. 70 times more than Sweden
1.01
Ranked 17th.
General government final > Consumption expenditure > Constant 2000 US$ > Per capita 1,077.75 constant 2000 US$ per c
Ranked 24th.
7,411.33 constant 2000 US$ per c
Ranked 5th. 7 times more than Estonia

Time required to build a warehouse > Days 117 days
Ranked 140th. 1% more than Sweden
116 days
Ranked 141st.

Failed States Index 45.3
Ranked 6th. 2 times more than Sweden
19.7
Ranked 32nd.
Democracy > Parliamentary elections > Voting age population 1.07 million
Ranked 117th.
6.92 million
Ranked 58th. 6 times more than Estonia
Democracy > Female candidacy 1,918
Ranked 151st. 1% more than Sweden
1,907
Ranked 157th.
Trademarks > Nonresidents per 1000 0.432
Ranked 13th. 3 times more than Sweden
0.161
Ranked 36th.

Trademarks > Nonresidents > Per capita 0.432 per 1,000 people
Ranked 13th. 3 times more than Sweden
0.161 per 1,000 people
Ranked 34th.

Foreign relations > Croatia > Date of Establishment March 2, 1992 January 29, 1992
Parties in the European Council during 2011 > Leaders > 1 January 2011 > Votes 4
Ranked 24th.
10
Ranked 15th. 3 times more than Estonia
National anthem > Name "Mu isamaa, mu onn ja room" (My Native Land, My Pride and Joy) "Du Gamla, Du Fria" (Thou Ancient, Thou Free)
Democracy > Parliamentary elections > Voter registration 857,270
Ranked 112th.
6.72 million
Ranked 53th. 8 times more than Estonia
Democracy > Parliamentary elections > Total vote 492,356
Ranked 116th.
5.39 million
Ranked 45th. 11 times more than Estonia
Start-up procedures to register a business > Number > Per capita 4.47 per 1 million people
Ranked 39th. 13 times more than Sweden
0.332 per 1 million people
Ranked 132nd.

Time required to enforce a contract > Days 275 days
Ranked 145th. 32% more than Sweden
208 days
Ranked 159th.

Parties in the European Council during 2010 > Leaders > 1 January 2010 > European party <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Liberal_Democrat_and_Reform_Party">ELDR</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_People%27s_Party">EPP</a>
Procedures to register property > Number 3
Ranked 155th. 3 times more than Sweden
1
Ranked 165th.

Procedures to build a warehouse > Number 13
Ranked 134th. 63% more than Sweden
8
Ranked 164th.

Council of EU > 2005 > Country votes 4
Ranked 23th.
10
Ranked 14th. 3 times more than Estonia
Legislature (parliament) > Total members of parliament 101
Ranked 88th.
349
Ranked 36th. 3 times more than Estonia
National anthem > Note adopted 1920, though banned between 1940 and 1990 under Soviet occupation; the anthem, used in Estonia since 1869, shares the same melody with that of Finland but has different lyrics in use since 1844; the anthem, also known as "Sang till Norden" (Song of the North), is based on a Swedish folk tune; it has never been officially adopted by the government; "Kungssangen" (The King's Song) serves as the royal anthem and is played in the presence of the royal family and during certain state ceremonies
Red tape > Procedures to enforce a contract > Number 35
Ranked 132nd. 17% more than Sweden
30
Ranked 166th.

Red tape > Procedures to register property > Number per million 2.24
Ranked 50th. 21 times more than Sweden
0.105
Ranked 163th.

Time to prepare and pay taxes > Hours 104 hours
Ranked 148th.
122 hours
Ranked 136th. 17% more than Estonia

General government final > Consumption expenditure > Constant 2000 US$ 1.45 billion constant 2000 US$
Ranked 68th.
66.88 billion constant 2000 US$
Ranked 11th. 46 times more than Estonia

Procedures to register property > Number > Per capita 2.24 per 1 million people
Ranked 39th. 20 times more than Sweden
0.111 per 1 million people
Ranked 146th.

Procedures to enforce a contract > Number > Per capita 18.64 per 1 million people
Ranked 36th. 9 times more than Sweden
2.1 per 1 million people
Ranked 110th.

Spending > Goods and services expense > Current LCU 10.26 billion
Ranked 54th.
117.73 billion
Ranked 20th. 11 times more than Estonia

Council of EU > 2007 > Country votes 4
Ranked 25th.
10
Ranked 16th. 3 times more than Estonia
Council of EU > 2005 > Country leader Juhan Parts Göran Persson
Council of EU > 2007 > Country leader Andrus Ansip Fredrik Reinfeldt
Democracy > Parliamentary elections > Invalid votes 1.6%
Ranked 72nd. 7% more than Sweden
1.5%
Ranked 76th.
Diplomatic representation in the US > FAX [1] (202) 588-0108 [1] (202) 467-2699
General government final > Consumption expenditure > Constant LCU 24635400000 612769000000
Parties in the European Council during 2005 > Leaders > January 1 > 2005 > European party <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_People%27s_Party">EPP</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Party_of_European_Socialists">PES</a>
Parties in the European Council during 2005 > Leaders > January 1 > 2005 > Votes 4
Ranked 22nd.
10
Ranked 13th. 3 times more than Estonia
General government final > Consumption expenditure > Constant 2000 US$ per capita 1,077.76 constant 2000 US$
Ranked 24th.
7,406.79 constant 2000 US$
Ranked 5th. 7 times more than Estonia

Time to resolve insolvency > Years 3 years
Ranked 76th. 50% more than Sweden
2 years
Ranked 107th.

Trademarks > Residents > Per capita 0.92 per 1,000 people
Ranked 9th. 24% more than Sweden
0.742 per 1,000 people
Ranked 16th.

Procedures to enforce a contract > Number per million 18.61
Ranked 36th. 9 times more than Sweden
2.09
Ranked 110th.

Spending > Other expense > Current LCU 2.81 billion
Ranked 57th.
70.95 billion
Ranked 21st. 25 times more than Estonia

Parties in the European Council during 2010 > Leaders > 1 January 2010 > Leader Andrus Ansip Fredrik Reinfeldt
Parties in the European Council during 2011 > Leaders > 1 January 2011 > Leader Andrus Ansip Fredrik Reinfeldt
General government final > Consumption expenditure > Annual % growth 7.48%
Ranked 26th. 10 times more than Sweden
0.73%
Ranked 91st.

Time required to register property > Days 51 days
Ranked 79th. 26 times more than Sweden
2 days
Ranked 163th.

Trademarks > Nonresidents 583
Ranked 39th.
1,433
Ranked 36th. 2 times more than Estonia

Proportion of seats held by women in national parliaments > % 20.8%
Ranked 79th.
44.7%
Ranked 4th. 2 times more than Estonia

Spending > Subsidies and other transfers > % of expense 44.29%
Ranked 45th.
69.72%
Ranked 11th. 57% more than Estonia

Parties in the European Council during 2006 > Leaders > January 1 > 2006 > Votes 4
Ranked 22nd.
10
Ranked 13th. 3 times more than Estonia
Parties in the European Council during 2005 > Leaders > January 1 > 2005 > Leader Juhan Parts GÇôran Persson
Spending > Interest payments > % of revenue 0.27%
Ranked 85th.
3.88%
Ranked 51st. 14 times more than Estonia

Parties in the European Council during 2011 > Leaders > 1 January 2011 > National party Reformierakond <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moderate_Party">Moderates</a>
Parties in the European Council during 2010 > Leaders > 1 January 2010 > National party Reformierakond <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moderate_Party">Moderates</a>
Parties in the European Council during 2008 > Leaders > January 1 > 2008 > European party <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Liberal_Democrat_and_Reform_Party">ELDR</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_People%27s_Party">EPP</a>
Diplomatic representation in the US > Consulate(s) general New York Chicago, Los Angeles, New York
Parties in the European Council during 2007 > Leaders > January 1 > 2007 > European party <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Liberal_Democrat_and_Reform_Party">ELDR</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_People%27s_Party">EPP</a>
Parties in the European Council during 2009 > Leaders > January 1 > 2009 > Leader Andrus Ansip Fredrik Reinfeldt
Council of EU > 2005 > European party of leader <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_People%27s_Party">EPP</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Party_of_European_Socialists">PES</a>
Council of EU > 2007 > European party of leader <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Liberal_Democrat_and_Reform_Party">ELDR</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_People%27s_Party">EPP</a>
Foreign relations > Date of establishment of relations with China September 11, 1991 May 9, 1950
FAX > Consulate(s) general New York New York
Parties in the European Council during 2008 > Leaders > January 1 > 2008 > Votes 4
Ranked 24th.
10
Ranked 15th. 3 times more than Estonia
Start-up procedures to register a business > Number per million 4.47
Ranked 39th. 14 times more than Sweden
0.33
Ranked 131st.

Procedures to enforce a contract > Number 25
Ranked 132nd. 32% more than Sweden
19
Ranked 159th.

Foreign relations > Date of recognition of Kosovo None
None
Procedures to build a warehouse > Number > Per capita 9.69 per 1 million people
Ranked 34th. 11 times more than Sweden
0.884 per 1 million people
Ranked 117th.

Legislature (parliament) > Term of office for lower house members 4
Ranked 152nd. The same as Sweden
4
Ranked 129th.
Council of EU > 2006 > Country votes 4
Ranked 23th.
10
Ranked 14th. 3 times more than Estonia
Diplomatic representation from the US > FAX [372] 668-8134 [46] (08) 661 19 64
Parties in the European Council during 2010 > Leaders > 1 January 2010 > Votes 4
Ranked 24th.
10
Ranked 15th. 3 times more than Estonia
General government final > Consumption expenditure > Current LCU 30090300000 727685000000
Democracy and rights > Last election March 2011 September 2010
Diplomatic representation in the US > Telephone [1] (202) 588-0101 [1] (202) 467-2600
Parliament > Seats held by men per million people 63.17
Ranked 35th. 3 times more than Sweden
21.16
Ranked 76th.

Capital city > Time difference 2 UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Democracy and rights > Next election March 2015 September 2014
Spending > Goods and services expense > % of expense 13.14%
Ranked 41st. 14% more than Sweden
11.51%
Ranked 55th.

Foreign relations > Recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated "Russia's move is a deliberate breach of international law and the principles of stability in Europe. Estonia, like all European Union and NATO member states, adheres firmly to the principles of Georgia\u2019s territorial integrity". Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt condemned Russia's recognition, saying that "the Russian government leadership now has chosen this route means they have chosen a policy of confrontation, not only with the rest of Europe, but also with the international community in general". Carl Bildt predicted that the recognition of the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia is likely to be followed by only a "miserable" lot of other countries, such as Belarus , Syria , Cuba and Venezuela . Bildt also said that "South Ossetian independence is a joke. We are talking about a smugglers' paradise of 60,000 people financed by the Russian security services. No one can seriously consider that as an independent state". In December 2009, Carl Bildt said that "this idea of South Ossetia's independence is increasingly seen as bad joke in Moscow, which it obviously is.".
Democracy > Parliamentary elections > Voting age population per 1000 791.58
Ranked 16th. 3% more than Sweden
771.97
Ranked 23th.
Spending > Compensation of employees > % of expense 21.91%
Ranked 45th. 2 times more than Sweden
10.57%
Ranked 77th.

Spending > Interest payments > % of expense 0.27%
Ranked 84th.
4.22%
Ranked 49th. 16 times more than Estonia

Spending > Other expense > % of expense 3.6%
Ranked 62nd.
6.94%
Ranked 35th. 93% more than Estonia

Trademarks > Residents per million 919.74
Ranked 9th. 24% more than Sweden
742.25
Ranked 18th.

Procedures to register property > Number per million 2.23
Ranked 38th. 20 times more than Sweden
0.11
Ranked 148th.

Ruling party Estonian Reform Party Moderate Party /Coal.
Procedures to build a warehouse > Number per million 9.68
Ranked 34th. 11 times more than Sweden
0.881
Ranked 114th.

Spending > Expense > % of GDP 31.05%
Ranked 35th.
31.83%
Ranked 33th. 3% more than Estonia

Red tape > Time required to enforce a contract > Days per million 317.31
Ranked 43th. 10 times more than Sweden
32.99
Ranked 125th.

European Union > Council of the European Union votes 4
Ranked 26th.
10
Ranked 16th. 3 times more than Estonia
Trademarks > Residents 1,241
Ranked 36th.
6,603
Ranked 25th. 5 times more than Estonia

SOURCES: CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 28 March 2011; CIA World Factbooks 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013; Wikipedia: List of national legal systems (Civil law); British Broadcasting Corporation 2014; World Bank, Doing Business project (http://www.doingbusiness.org/).; Wikipedia: List of countries by system of government (Alphabetical list of countries); All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008; World Development Indicators database; Wikipedia: Censorship by country (Censorship by country) ("Press Freedom Index 2013" , Reporters Without Borders, 30 January 2013); United Nations Statistics Division; "2012 Freedom of the Press Data" , Freedom House, 1 May 2012; Wikipedia: List of active nationalist parties in Europe (National); Freedom House, Freedom in the World 2000-2001, New York: Freedom House, 2001; IPU (Inter-Parliamentary Union). 1995. Women in Parliaments 1945-1995: A World Statistical Survey. Geneva and IPU (Inter-Parliamentary Union). 2001. 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Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; World Development Indicators database. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; International Monetary Fund, Government Finance Statistics Yearbook and data files.; Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance 2003; Wikipedia: List of legislatures by number of members; Wikipedia: Women's suffrage (Summary); calculated on the basis of data on parliamentary seats from IPU (Inter-Parliamentary Union). 2002. Parline Database. March 2002; World Economic Forum, Global Competiveness Report and data files. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; United Nations Statistics Division. Source tables. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; Wikipedia: Foreign relations of Nepal; IPU (Inter-Parliamentary Union). 1995. Women in Parliaments 1945-1995: A World Statistical Survey. Geneva and IPU (Inter-Parliamentary Union). 2001. Correspondence on year women received the right to vote and to stand for election and year first woman was elected or appointed to parliament. March. Geneva; Wikipedia: List of ambassadors to the United States; CIA World Factbooks 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; Wikipedia: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (Indicators) ("The Failed States Index 2013" . The Fund for Peace . July 2013 . 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