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Government Stats: compare key data on Finland & Greece

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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).
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Suffrage: The age at enfranchisement and whether the right to vote is universal or restricted
  • 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
  • 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 > 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Leaders > President: Government > Leaders > President
  • 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 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 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 > 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.
  • Leaders > President > Summary: Government > Leaders > President > Summary
  • 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.
  • Legal origin: Legal origin identifies the origin of the Company Law or Commercial Code in each country
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Leaders > Head of state > Term limit for head of state: Head(s) of state.

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

  • Democracy > Female ministers: Women in government at ministerial level in 2000 (as % of total). Data were provided by states based on their definition of national executive and may therefore include women serving as ministers and vice ministers and those holding other ministerial positions, including parliamentary secretaries.
  • 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.
  • Leaders > President > Profile: Government > Leaders > President > Profile
  • 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.
  • 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 > 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • Democracy > Parliamentary elections > Turnout: The number of votes divided by the Voting Age Population figure, expressed as a percentage.
  • 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
  • Key ministers > Foreign affairs: Minister of Foreign affairs, 2005
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Key ministers > Transport & communications: Minister of Transport & communications, 2005
  • Spending > Other expense > % of expense: Other expense is spending on dividends, rent, and other miscellaneous expenses, including provision for consumption of fixed capital."
  • Spending > Other expense > Current LCU: Other expense is spending on dividends, rent, and other miscellaneous expenses, including provision for consumption of fixed capital."
  • 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."
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 > Recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia: Statements on the status of Abkhazia and South Ossetia issued by countries who do not recognize their sovereignty.
  • 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.
  • 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.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 > 2006 > Country votes: January 1, 2006
  • Democracy and rights > Last election: Last election.

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

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Democracy > Parliamentary elections > Invalid votes: The number of invalid votes, as reported by each country.
  • 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."
  • Diplomatic representation in the US > Telephone: This entry includes the chief of mission, chancery, telephone, FAX, consulate general locations, and consulate locations.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Council of EU > 2001 > Country votes: January 1, 2001
  • 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.
  • Council of EU > 2002 > European party of leader: January 1, 2002
  • Council of EU > 2001 > Country leader: January 1, 2001
  • Council of EU > 2002 > Country leader: January 1, 2002
  • Council of EU > 2007 > Country leader: January 1, 2007
  • Council of EU > 2005 > Country leader: January 1, 2005
  • Council of EU > 2003 > Country votes: January 1, 2003
  • Council of EU > 2007 > Country votes: January 1, 2007
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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."
  • Democracy and rights > Next election: Next election.

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

  • Parliamentary republic adoption date: Date each country adopted the parliamentary republic form of government.
  • 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
  • Council of EU > January–April 2004 > European party of leader: January 1, 2004
  • 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.
  • Legislature (parliament) > Total members of parliament: Number of members of the legislature (sum of members of all chambers of parliament where applicable).
  • 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.
  • 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 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.
  • Republic establishment date: The date on which each country (or its precursor) changed its form of government to a republic. In a republic, the power resides in the country’s people, the government and legislature is elected and the country is ruled according to its laws.
  • Key ministers > Justice: Minister of Justice, 2005
  • Diplomatic representation in the US > FAX: This entry includes the chief of mission, chancery, telephone, FAX, consulate general locations, and consulate locations.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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."
  • 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.
  • 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.
STAT Finland Greece HISTORY
Administrative divisions 19 regions (maakunnat, singular - maakunta (Finnish); landskapen, singular - landskapet (Swedish)); Aland (Swedish), Ahvenanmaa (Finnish); Etela-Karjala (Finnish), Sodra Karelen (Swedish) [South Karelia]; Etela-Pohjanmaa (Finnish), Sodra Osterbotten (Swedish) [South Ostrobothnia]; Etela-Savo (Finnish), Sodra Savolax (Swedish) [South Savo]; Kanta-Hame (Finnish), Egentliga Tavastland (Swedish); Kainuu (Finnish), Kajanaland (Swedish); Keski-Pohjanmaa (Finnish), Mellersta Osterbotten (Swedish) [Central Ostrobothnia]; Keski-Suomi (Finnish), Mellersta Finland (Swedish) [Central Finland]; Kymenlaakso (Finnish), Kymmenedalen (Swedish); Lappi (Finnish), Lappland (Swedish); Paijat-Hame (Finnish), Paijanne-Tavastland (Swedish); Pirkanmaa (Finnish), Birkaland (Swedish) [Tampere]; Pohjanmaa (Finnish), Osterbotten (Swedish) [Ostrobothnia]; Pohjois-Karjala (Finnish), Norra Karelen (Swedish) [North Karelia]; Pohjois-Pohjanmaa (Finnish), Norra Osterbotten (Swedish) [North Ostrobothnia]; Pohjois-Savo (Finnish), Norra Savolax (Swedish) [North Savo]; Satakunta (Finnish and Swedish); Uusimaa (Finnish), Nyland (Swedish) [Newland]; Varsinais-Suomi (Finnish), Egentliga Finland (Swedish) [Southwest Finland] 13 regions (perifereies, singular - perifereia) and 1 autonomous monastic state* (aftonomi monastiki politeia); Agion Oros* (Mount Athos), Anatoliki Makedonia kai Thraki (East Macedonia and Thrace), Attiki (Attica), Dytiki Ellada (West Greece), Dytiki Makedonia (West Macedonia), Ionia Nisia (Ionian Islands), Ipeiros (Epirus), Kentriki Makedonia (Central Macedonia), Kriti (Crete), Notio Aigaio (South Aegean), Peloponnisos (Peloponnese), Sterea Ellada (Central Greece), Thessalia (Thessaly), Voreio Aigaio (North Aegean)
Capital city > Geographic coordinates 60 10 N, 24 56 E 37 59 N, 23 44 E
Capital city > Name Helsinki Athens
Constitution 1 March 2000 many previous; latest entered into force 11 June 1975; amended 1986, 2001, 2008
Diplomatic representation from the US > Mailing address APO AE 09723 PSC 108, APO AE 09842-0108
Executive branch > Cabinet Council of State or Valtioneuvosto appointed by the president, responsible to parliament Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister
Executive branch > Chief of state President Sauli NIINISTO (since 1 March 2012) President Karolos PAPOULIAS (since 12 March 2005)
Executive branch > Head of government Prime Minister Jyrki KATAINEN (since 22 June 2011) Prime Minister Antonis SAMARAS (since 20 June 2012)
Government type republic parliamentary republic
International organization participation ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CD, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EITI (implementing country), EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-9, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PFP, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMOGIP, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CD, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, 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, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMISS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Judicial branch general courts - deal with criminal and civil cases (include district courts, Courts of Appeal, and the Supreme Court or Korkein Oikeus, whose judges are appointed by the president); administrative courts Supreme Civil and Criminal Court; all judges are appointed for life by the president after consultation with a judicial council; Supreme Administrative Court and Court of Auditors; Courts of Appeal; Courts of First Instance
Legal system civil law system based on the Swedish model civil legal system based on Roman law
Legislative branch unicameral Parliament or Eduskunta unicameral Parliament or Vouli ton Ellinon
Political parties and leaders Center Party or Kesk [Juha SIPILA]<br />Christian Democrats or KD [Paivi RASANEN]<br />Green League or Vihr [Ville NIINISTO]<br />Left Alliance or Vas [Paavo ARHINMAKI]<br />National Coalition Party or Kok [Jyrki KATAINEN]<br />Social Democratic Party or SDP [Jutta URPILAINEN]<br />Swedish People's Party or SFP [Carl HAGLUND]<br />The Finns Party or TF [Timo SOINI] Anticapitalist Left Cooperation for the Overthrow or ANTARSYA [Petros KONSTANTINOU]<br />Coalition of the Radical Left or SYRIZA [Alexis TSIPRAS]<br />Communist Party of Greece or KKE [Dimitris KOUTSOUMPAS]<br />Democratic Left or DIMAR [Fotis KOUVELIS]<br />Democratic Alliance or DISY [Theodora (or Dora) BAKOGIANNI]<br />Ecologist Greens [Nikos CHRYSOGELOS]<br />Golden Dawn [Nikolaos MICHALOLIAKOS]<br />Independent Greeks or ANEL [Panos KAMMENOS]<br />New Democracy or ND [Antonis SAMARAS]<br />Panhellenic Socialist Movement or PASOK [Evangelos VENIZELOS]<br />Popular Orthodox Rally or LAOS [Georgios KARATZAFERIS]
Suffrage 18 years of age; universal 18 years of age; universal and compulsory
Country name > Conventional long form Republic of Finland Hellenic Republic
Civil law system Civil law system based on Swedish law The Greek civil code of 1946, highly influenced by traditional Roman law and the German civil code of 1900 ( B\u00fcrgerliches Gesetzbuch ); the Greek civil code replaced the Byzantine\u2013Roman civil law in effect in Greece since its independence (\u039d\u03bf\u03bc\u03b9\u03ba\u03ae \u0394\u03b9\u03ac\u03c4\u03b1\u03be\u03b7 \u03c4\u03b7\u03c2 \u0391\u03bd\u03b1\u03c4\u03bf\u03bb\u03b9\u03ba\u03ae\u03c2 \u03a7\u03ad\u03c1\u03c3\u03bf\u03c5 \u0395\u03bb\u03bb\u03ac\u03b4\u03bf\u03c2, Legal Provision of Eastern Mainland Greece, November 1821: '\u039f\u03b9 \u039a\u03bf\u03b9\u03bd\u03c9\u03bd\u03b9\u03ba\u03bf\u03af \u039d\u03cc\u03bc\u03bf\u03b9 \u03c4\u03c9\u03bd \u0391\u03b5\u03b9\u03bc\u03bd\u03ae\u03c3\u03c4\u03c9\u03bd \u03a7\u03c1\u03b9\u03c3\u03c4\u03b9\u03b1\u03bd\u03ce\u03bd \u0391\u03c5\u03c4\u03bf\u03ba\u03c1\u03b1\u03c4\u03cc\u03c1\u03c9\u03bd \u03c4\u03b7\u03c2 \u0395\u03bb\u03bb\u03ac\u03b4\u03bf\u03c2 \u03bc\u03cc\u03bd\u03bf\u03b9 \u03b9\u03c3\u03c7\u03cd\u03bf\u03c5\u03c3\u03b9 \u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u03ac \u03c4\u03bf \u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03cc\u03bd \u03b5\u03b9\u03c2 \u03c4\u03b7\u03bd \u0391\u03bd\u03b1\u03c4\u03bf\u03bb\u03b9\u03ba\u03ae\u03bd \u03a7\u03ad\u03c1\u03c3\u03bf\u03bd \u0395\u03bb\u03bb\u03ac\u03b4\u03b1', 'The Social [i.e. Civil] Laws of the Dear Departed Christian Emperors of Greece [referring to the Byzantine Emperors] alone are in effect at present in Eastern Mainland Greece')
Executive branch > Elections president elected by popular vote for a six-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 5 February 2012 (next to be held in February 2018); the parliament elects a prime minister who is then appointed to office by the president president elected by parliament for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 3 February 2010 (next to be held by February 2015); president appoints leader of the party securing plurality of vote in election to become prime minister and form a government
National symbol(s) lion Greek cross (white cross on blue field; arms equal length)
Flag description white with a blue 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 blue represents the thousands of lakes scattered across the country, while the white is for the snow that covers the land in winter nine equal horizontal stripes of blue alternating with white; a blue square bearing a white cross appears in the upper hoist-side corner; the cross symbolizes Greek Orthodoxy, the established religion of the country; there is no agreed upon meaning for the nine stripes or for the colors; the exact shade of blue has never been set by law and has varied from a light to a dark blue over time
Red tape > Time required to start a business > Days 14
Ranked 108th. The same as Greece
14
Ranked 106th.

Country name > Conventional short form Finland Greece
Constitutional form Republic Republic
Transnational Issues > Disputes > International various groups in Finland advocate restoration of Karelia and other areas ceded to the Soviet Union, but the Finnish Government asserts no territorial demands Greece and Turkey continue discussions to resolve their complex maritime, air, territorial, and boundary disputes in the Aegean Sea; Greece rejects the use of the name Macedonia or Republic of Macedonia; the mass migration of unemployed Albanians still remains a problem for developed countries, chiefly Greece and Italy
Total businesses registered > Number 250,873
Ranked 33th.
879,377
Ranked 20th. 4 times more than Finland

National anthem <strong>name: </strong>"Maamme" (Our Land)<br /><strong>lyrics/music:</strong> Johan Ludvig RUNEBERG/Fredrik PACIUS <strong>name: </strong>"Ymnos eis tin Eleftherian" (Hymn to Liberty)<br /><strong>lyrics/music:</strong> Dionysios SOLOMOS/Nikolaos MANTZAROS
FAX 358 30
Legislative branch > Elections last held on 17 April 2011 (next to be held in April 2015) last held on 17 June 2012 (next to be held by 2016)(New Democracy, Coalition of the Radical Left, and the Panhellenic Socialist Movement) were able to form a government
Legislative branch > Election results percent of vote by party - Kok 20.4%, SDP 19.1%, TF 19.1%, Kesk 15.8%, Vas 8.1%, Vihr 7.3%, SFP 4.3%, KD 4%, other 1.9%; seats by party - Kok 44, SDP 42, TF 39, Kesk 35, Vas 14, Vihr 10, SFP 9, KD 6, other 1 (the constituency of Aland) percent of vote by party - ND 29.7%, SYRIZA 26.9%, PASOK 12.3%, ANEL 7.5%, Golden Dawn 6.9%, DIMAR 6.3%, KKE 4.5%, other 6.0%; seats by party - ND 129, SYRIZA 71, PASOK 33, ANEL 20, Golden Dawn 18, DIMAR 17, KKE 12
Democracy and rights > Press freedom index 6.38
Ranked 34th.
28.46
Ranked 4th. 4 times more than Finland
Parliament > Seats held by women > Percentage 42.5%
Ranked 7th. 2 times more than Greece
21%
Ranked 76th.

Independence 6 December 1917 (from Russia) 1830 (from the Ottoman Empire)
Executive branch > Election results percent of vote - Sauli NIINISTO (Kok) 36.96%, Pekka HAAVISTO (Vihr) 18.76%, Paavo VAYRYNEN (Kesk) 17.53%, Timo SOINI (TF) 9.4%, Paavo LIPPONEN (SDP) 6.7%, Paavo ARHINMÄKI (Vas) 5.48%, Eva BIAUDET (SFP) 2.7%, Sari ESSAYAH (KD) 2.47%; a runoff election between NIINISTO and HAAVISTO was held 5 February 2012 - NIINISTO 62.59%, HAAVISTO 37.41%; Jyrki KATAINEN elected prime minister; election results 118-72 Karolos PAPOULIAS reelected president; number of parliamentary votes, 266 out of 300
Judicial branch > Subordinate courts 6 Supreme Administrative Court; Courts of Appeal; Courts of First Instance; Court of Auditors
Basis of executive legitimacy Ministry is subject to parliamentary confidence Ministry is subject to parliamentary confidence
Country name > Local short form Suomi/Finland Ellas or Ellada
Democracy and rights > Freedom of the press 10
Ranked 193th.
30
Ranked 130th. 3 times more than Finland
Proportion of seats held by women in national parliament 38%
Ranked 4th. 3 times more than Greece
13%
Ranked 94th.

Diplomatic representation from the US > Embassy Itainen Puistotie 14B, 00140 Helsinki 91
Red tape > Start-up procedures to register a business > Number 3
Ranked 177th.
5
Ranked 137th. 67% more than Finland

Democracy and rights > Nationalist vote 19.1%
Ranked 4th. 3 times more than Greece
6.9%
Ranked 7th.
Democracy > Civil and political liberties 6
Ranked 12th. 20% more than Greece
5
Ranked 41st.
General government final > Consumption expenditure > Current US$ 43.53 billion$
Ranked 22nd. 18% more than Greece
36.84 billion$
Ranked 24th.

National holiday Independence Day, 6 December Independence Day, 25 March
Capital > Geographic coordinates 60 10 N, 24 56 E 37 59 N, 23 44 E
Democracy > First female parliamentarian 1907 (elected) 1952 (elected)
Time required to start a business > Days 14 days
Ranked 148th.
38 days
Ranked 77th. 3 times more than Finland

Leaders > President Sauli Niinisto Karolos Papoulias
Democracy > Gender Parity Index in primary level enrolment 0.993
Ranked 48th.
0.996
Ranked 42nd. About the same as Finland

Judicial branch > Judge selection and term of office Supreme Court and Supreme Administrative Court judges appointed by the president of the republic; judges serve until mandatory retirement at age 65 judges selected by the Supreme Judicial Council which includes the president of the Supreme Court, other judges, and the prosecutor of the Supreme Court; judges appointed for life following a 2-year probationary period
Democracy and rights > Democracy Index 9.06
Ranked 9th. 18% more than Greece
7.65
Ranked 26th.
Red tape > Burden of customs procedure, WEF > 1=extremely inefficient to 7=extremely efficient 6.1
Ranked 3rd. 61% more than Greece
3.8
Ranked 84th.

Red tape > Time required to register property > Days 14
Ranked 153th.
20
Ranked 133th. 43% more than Finland

Politics PM Jyrki Katainen&#039;s conservative National Coalition Party is the largest single group in parliament. Conservative President Sauli Niinisto is head of state After inconclusive elections in May 2012, a further round of voting in June restored a shaky coalition of the advocates of austerity measures
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 115
Ranked 85th.
237
Ranked 40th. 2 times more than Finland

Country name > Local long form Suomen tasavalta/Republiken Finland Elliniki Dimokratia
Red tape > Time to resolve insolvency > Years 0.9
Ranked 165th.
3.5
Ranked 38th. 4 times more than Finland

Red tape > Start-up procedures to register a business > Number per million 0.554
Ranked 110th.
0.975
Ranked 82nd. 76% more than Finland

Diplomatic representation from the US > Telephone [358] (9) 616250 [30] (210) 721-2951
Diplomatic representation in the US > Chancery None None
Diplomatic representation in the US > Chief of mission Ambassador Ritva KOUKKU-RONDE (since 1 September 2011) Ambassador Christos P. PANAGOPOULOUS (since 17 September 2012)
Diplomatic representation from the US > Chief of mission Ambassador Bruce J. ORECK (since 12 August 2009) Ambassador David D. PEARCE (since 5 September 2013)
Parliament > Seats held by women 85
Ranked 22nd. 35% more than Greece
63
Ranked 40th.

Leaders > President > Summary President Sauli Niinisto is credited with leading the economy towards growth in the 1990s President Karolos Papoulias
Foreign relations > Date of recognition of Israel None
None
Democracy > Democratic institutions rating 10
Ranked 27th. The same as Greece
10
Ranked 15th.
UN membership date 14 Dec. 1955 25 Oct. 1945
Democracy and rights > Democracy Index per million people 1.67
Ranked 9th. 2 times more than Greece
0.678
Ranked 19th.
Total businesses registered > Number per 1000 48.12
Ranked 26th.
80.03
Ranked 12th. 66% more than Finland

Red tape > Procedures to build a warehouse > Number 16
Ranked 70th.
19
Ranked 34th. 19% more than Finland

Capital city Helsinki Athens
Capital > Name Helsinki Athens
Legal origin <a href=/encyclopedia/Nordic-countries>Nordic</a> <a href=/country/fr>French</a>
General government final > Consumption expenditure > Current US$ > Per capita 8,297.72$ per capita
Ranked 7th. 3 times more than Greece
3,317.44$ per capita
Ranked 20th.

Spending > Expense > Current LCU 64.68 billion
Ranked 57th.
111.05 billion
Ranked 52nd. 72% more than Finland

Red tape > Time required to get electricity > Days 42
Ranked 166th.
62
Ranked 137th. 48% more than Finland

Democracy > Parliamentary elections > Registered voter turnout 65.3%
Ranked 95th.
75%
Ranked 55th. 15% more than Finland
Legislature (parliament) > People per member 26,735
Ranked 84th.
37,524
Ranked 68th. 40% more than Finland
Capital > Time difference UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time) UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
International relations Finland is one of four EU countries not in Nato. Its military is active in peacekeeping operations Greece calls for the restoration of a unified state in Cyprus. It is involved in a naming dispute with Macedonia
Red tape > Time required to get electricity > Days per million 7.76
Ranked 109th. 41% more than Greece
5.5
Ranked 124th.

Leaders > Head of state > Term limit for head of state 6
Ranked 25th. 20% more than Greece
5
Ranked 80th.
Democracy > Female ministers 9.7%
Ranked 80th.
16.7%
Ranked 47th. 72% more than Finland
Legislature (parliament) > Lower house members 200
Ranked 50th.
300
Ranked 36th. 50% more than Finland
Red tape > Time required to enforce a contract > Days 375
Ranked 162nd.
1,300
Ranked 10th. 3 times more than Finland

Democracy > Female parliamentarians 36.5%
Ranked 3rd. 4 times more than Greece
8.7%
Ranked 108th.
Red tape > Procedures to register property > Number 3
Ranked 173th.
11
Ranked 6th. 4 times more than Finland

Leaders > President > Profile <p>Sauli Niinisto won the presidential election of February 2012 to become the country&#039;s first conservative head of state in five decades.</p> <p>He is the first president from the conservative National Coalition Party since 1956, and the first in 30 years from a party other than the Social Democrats.</p> <p>The victory of the pro-Europe politician suggested to observers that voters wanted to keep the country in the eurozone despite misgivings over European Union bailouts.</p> <p>Mr Niinisto is credited with leading Finland&#039;s economy towards growth following the collapse of the Soviet Union, during his tenure as finance minister from 1996 to 2001.</p> <p>Finland&#039;s president has a largely ceremonial role with fewer powers now than in previous decades, and is not directly involved in daily politics. However, the head of state is seen as an important shaper of public opinion, takes the lead on non-EU matters of foreign policy and plays a role as a &quot;brand ambassador&quot; of Finland overseas.</p> <p>Mr Niinisto succeeded President Tarja Halonen, who was elected as the country&#039;s first female president in 2000 and re-elected in 2006.</p> <p>Born in 1929, veteran Pan Hellenic Socialist Movement (Pasok) foreign minister Karolos Papoulias was elected president by parliament in 2004, and again for a final five-year term in 2010.</p> <p>The presidency is a largely ceremonial post, as executive power resides with the prime minister, but Greece&#039;s debt crisis has thrust President Papoulias into the political foreground as he tries to maintain a stable government in the face of public anger and a divided political class.</p>
Role of head of state Ceremonial Ceremonial
General government final > Consumption expenditure > Current US$ per capita 8,297.72$
Ranked 7th. 3 times more than Greece
3,317.45$
Ranked 21st.

Democracy and rights > Nationalist party (percent of vote) 19.1%
Ranked 4th. 3 times more than Greece
6.9%
Ranked 7th.
Start-up procedures to register a business > Number 3
Ranked 166th.
15
Ranked 12th. 5 times more than Finland

Red tape > Burden of customs procedure, WEF > 1=extremely inefficient to 7=extremely efficient per million 1.13
Ranked 40th. 3 times more than Greece
0.337
Ranked 77th.

Strength of legal rights index > 0=weak to 10=strong 7
Ranked 60th. 2 times more than Greece
3
Ranked 140th.

Spending > Subsidies and other transfers > Current LCU 46.16 billion
Ranked 50th.
49.23 billion
Ranked 49th. 7% more than Finland

Spending > Compensation of employees > Current LCU 6.5 billion
Ranked 65th.
24.75 billion
Ranked 51st. 4 times more than Finland

General government final > Consumption expenditure > Current US$ > Per $ GDP 0.225$ per $1 of GDP
Ranked 24th. 37% more than Greece
0.164$ per $1 of GDP
Ranked 58th.

Parliament > Seats held by women per million people 16.14
Ranked 26th. 3 times more than Greece
5.85
Ranked 60th.

Foreign relations > Nepal > Date of Establishment September 21, 1974 February 2, 1960
Democracy > Female suffrage 1906 "1927 ,1952"
Red tape > Time required to build a warehouse > Days 66
Ranked 177th.
105
Ranked 141st. 59% more than Finland

Red tape > Procedures to enforce a contract > Number per million 6.09
Ranked 83th. 76% more than Greece
3.46
Ranked 107th.

Red tape > Time required to start a business > Days per million 2.59
Ranked 83th. 2 times more than Greece
1.06
Ranked 114th.

Constitution codification > Date 2000 1975
Red tape > Time required to register property > Days per million 2.59
Ranked 105th. 46% more than Greece
1.77
Ranked 120th.

Red tape > Procedures to build a warehouse > Number per million 2.96
Ranked 75th. 75% more than Greece
1.68
Ranked 99th.

Red tape > Time required to build a warehouse > Days per million 12.19
Ranked 107th. 31% more than Greece
9.31
Ranked 128th.

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 48.12 per 1,000 people
Ranked 27th.
80.03 per 1,000 people
Ranked 12th. 66% more than Finland

Spending > Interest payments > Current LCU 2.35 billion
Ranked 58th.
10.93 billion
Ranked 43th. 5 times more than Finland

Foreign relations > Diplomatic representation in the US > Ambassador Koukku-Ronde, Ritva Ritva Koukku-Ronde Mallias, Alexandros Alexandros Mallias
Democracy and rights > Votes for nationalist parties 560,075
Ranked 13th. 31% more than Greece
426,025
Ranked 17th.
Transnational Issues > Refugees and internally displaced persons > Stateless persons per thousand people 0.373
Ranked 29th. 27 times more than Greece
0.0137
Ranked 48th.
Transnational Issues > Refugees and internally displaced persons > Stateless persons 2,017
Ranked 32nd. 13 times more than Greece
154
Ranked 51st.
General government final > Consumption expenditure > Constant 2000 US$ > Per capita 5,297.22 constant 2000 US$ per c
Ranked 8th. 3 times more than Greece
1,980.6 constant 2000 US$ per c
Ranked 19th.

Time required to build a warehouse > Days 56 days
Ranked 166th.
176 days
Ranked 90th. 3 times more than Finland

Failed States Index 18
Ranked 33th.
50.6
Ranked 3rd. 3 times more than Finland
Democracy > Parliamentary elections > Voting age population 4.16 million
Ranked 77th.
7.89 million
Ranked 49th. 90% more than Finland
Democracy > Female candidacy 1,906
Ranked 159th.
1,927
Ranked 124th. 1% more than Finland
Trademarks > Nonresidents > Per capita 0.138 per 1,000 people
Ranked 27th. 33% more than Greece
0.104 per 1,000 people
Ranked 41st.

Trademarks > Nonresidents per 1000 0.138
Ranked 27th. 33% more than Greece
0.104
Ranked 44th.

Foreign relations > Croatia > Date of Establishment February 19, 1992 July 20, 1992
Parties in the European Council during 2011 > Leaders > 1 January 2011 > Votes 7
Ranked 20th.
12
Ranked 8th. 71% more than Finland
National anthem > Name "Maamme" (Our Land) "Ymnos eis tin Eleftherian" (Hymn to Liberty)
Democracy > Parliamentary elections > Voter registration 4.15 million
Ranked 73th.
9.37 million
Ranked 41st. 2 times more than Finland
Democracy > Parliamentary elections > Total vote 2.71 million
Ranked 68th.
7.03 million
Ranked 36th. 3 times more than Finland
Democracy > Parliamentary elections > Turnout 65.2
Ranked 54th.
89
Ranked 14th. 37% more than Finland
Start-up procedures to register a business > Number > Per capita 0.571 per 1 million people
Ranked 112th.
1.35 per 1 million people
Ranked 80th. 2 times more than Finland

Time required to enforce a contract > Days 228 days
Ranked 154th.
730 days
Ranked 30th. 3 times more than Finland

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/Party_of_European_Socialists">PES</a>
Procedures to register property > Number 3
Ranked 157th.
12
Ranked 7th. 4 times more than Finland

Procedures to build a warehouse > Number 17
Ranked 88th. The same as Greece
17
Ranked 82nd.

Council of EU > 2005 > Country votes 7
Ranked 19th.
12
Ranked 8th. 71% more than Finland
Key ministers > Foreign affairs Erkki Tuomioja (<a href=/encyclopedia/The-Social-Democratic-Party-(UK)>SDP</a>) Petros Molyviatis
Spending > Goods and services expense > % of expense 9.76%
Ranked 64th. 7% more than Greece
9.13%
Ranked 68th.

Parties in the European Council during 2002 > Leaders > January 1 > 2002 > Leader Paavo Lipponen Costas Simitis
General government final > Consumption expenditure > Constant 2000 US$ per capita 5,297.22 constant 2000 US$
Ranked 7th. 3 times more than Greece
1,980.61 constant 2000 US$
Ranked 19th.

Key ministers > Transport & communications Leena Luhtanen (<a href=/encyclopedia/The-Social-Democratic-Party-(UK)>SDP</a>) Michalis Liapis
Spending > Other expense > % of expense 7.78%
Ranked 28th. 3 times more than Greece
3%
Ranked 69th.

Spending > Other expense > Current LCU 5.03 billion
Ranked 50th. 51% more than Greece
3.33 billion
Ranked 55th.

Parties in the European Council during 2010 > Leaders > 1 January 2010 > Leader Matti Vanhanen <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Papandreou_%28junior%29">George Papandreou</a>
Parties in the European Council during 2011 > Leaders > 1 January 2011 > Leader Mari Kiviniemi <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Papandreou_%28junior%29">George Papandreou</a>
Spending > Expense > % of GDP 35.12%
Ranked 25th.
46.44%
Ranked 3rd. 32% more than Finland

Procedures to register property > Number per million 0.57
Ranked 85th.
1.08
Ranked 61st. 89% more than Finland

Parties in the European Council during 1999 > Leaders > January 1 > 1999 > Votes 3
Ranked 13th.
5
Ranked 5th. 67% more than Finland
Democracy > Parliamentary elections > Voting age population per 1000 797.21
Ranked 14th. 11% more than Greece
716.05
Ranked 42nd.
Procedures to enforce a contract > Number 27
Ranked 119th. 23% more than Greece
22
Ranked 145th.

Foreign relations > Recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia Finnish Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb said that "the recognition of independence for South Ossetia and Abkhazia violates fundamental OSCE principles. As all OSCE participating States, Russia is committed to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of others. Russia should follow OSCE principles by respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia. Russia should immediately withdraw all troops from Georgia and implement the ceasefire agreement, including the modalities defined in the 16 August 2008 letter of French President Nicolas Sarkozy. The international community cannot accept unilaterally established buffer zones". Minister of Foreign Affairs Dora Bakoyannis stated that among the principles of Greek foreign policy is "respect for the independence and territorial integrity of states". Furthermore, she expressed dismay at the developments and stated that they subscribed to the French Presidency's statement condemning the decision to recognise the regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
Stabilisation and Association process > Croatia 6.1.2004 27.8.2003
General government final > Consumption expenditure > Current LCU 35003000000 29620500000
Legislature (parliament) > Term of office for lower house members 4
Ranked 164th. The same as Greece
4
Ranked 142nd.
Red tape > Time required to enforce a contract > Days per million 69.26
Ranked 91st.
101.06
Ranked 75th. 46% more than Finland

Trademarks > Residents 2,598
Ranked 28th.
5,290
Ranked 25th. 2 times more than Finland

Procedures to register property > Number > Per capita 0.571 per 1 million people
Ranked 87th.
1.08 per 1 million people
Ranked 62nd. 89% more than Finland

Procedures to enforce a contract > Number > Per capita 5.14 per 1 million people
Ranked 74th. 3 times more than Greece
1.98 per 1 million people
Ranked 117th.

Parties in the European Council during 2010 > Leaders > 1 January 2010 > Votes 7
Ranked 20th.
12
Ranked 8th. 71% more than Finland
Spending > Goods and services expense > Current LCU 6.31 billion
Ranked 60th.
10.14 billion
Ranked 55th. 61% more than Finland

Council of EU > 2006 > Country votes 7
Ranked 19th.
12
Ranked 8th. 71% more than Finland
Parties in the European Council during 1999 > Leaders > January 1 > 1999 > European party <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Party_of_European_Socialists">PES</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Party_of_European_Socialists">PES</a>
Democracy and rights > Last election April 2011 June 2012
Parliament > Seats held by men per million people 21.84
Ranked 73th.
22
Ranked 72nd. 1% more than Finland

Diplomatic representation from the US > FAX [358] (9) 6162 5800 [30] (210) 645-6282
Democracy > Parliamentary elections > Invalid votes 1%
Ranked 91st.
1.6%
Ranked 71st. 60% more than Finland
Spending > Compensation of employees > % of expense 10.05%
Ranked 80th.
22.28%
Ranked 44th. 2 times more than Finland

Diplomatic representation in the US > Telephone [1] (202) 298-5800 [1] (202) 939-1300
Procedures to enforce a contract > Number per million 5.13
Ranked 72nd. 3 times more than Greece
1.97
Ranked 117th.

Trademarks > Nonresidents 722
Ranked 36th.
1,143
Ranked 38th. 58% more than Finland

Time required to register property > Days 14 days
Ranked 144th.
23 days
Ranked 128th. 64% more than Finland

General government final > Consumption expenditure > Annual % growth 1.53%
Ranked 78th.
3.11%
Ranked 56th. 2 times more than Finland

Council of EU > 2001 > Country votes 3
Ranked 14th.
5
Ranked 6th. 67% more than Finland
Time to resolve insolvency > Years 0.9 years
Ranked 145th.
2 years
Ranked 111th. 2 times more than Finland

Council of EU > 2002 > European party of leader <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Party_of_European_Socialists">PES</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Party_of_European_Socialists">PES</a>
Council of EU > 2001 > Country leader Paavo Lipponen Costas Simitis
Council of EU > 2002 > Country leader Paavo Lipponen Costas Simitis
Council of EU > 2007 > Country leader Matti Vanhanen Costas Caramanlis
Council of EU > 2005 > Country leader Matti Vanhanen Costas Caramanlis
Council of EU > 2003 > Country votes 3
Ranked 14th.
5
Ranked 6th. 67% more than Finland
Council of EU > 2007 > Country votes 7
Ranked 21st.
12
Ranked 9th. 71% more than Finland
Red tape > Procedures to register property > Number per million 0.554
Ranked 94th.
0.975
Ranked 73th. 76% more than Finland

Red tape > Procedures to enforce a contract > Number 33
Ranked 148th.
39
Ranked 83th. 18% more than Finland

National anthem > Note in use since 1848; although never officially adopted by law, the anthem has been popular since it was first sung by a student group in 1848; Estonia's anthem uses the same melody as that of Finland adopted 1864; the anthem is based on a 158 verse poem by the same name, which was inspired by the Greek Revolution of 1821 against the Ottomans; Cyprus also uses "Hymn to Liberty" as its anthem
Parties in the European Council between January and April 2004 > Leaders > January 1 > 2004 > Leader Matti Vanhanen Costas Simitis
Parties in the European Council during 2000 > Leaders > January 1 > 2000 > Leader Paavo Lipponen Costas Simitis
Parties in the European Council during 2008 > Leaders > January 1 > 2008 > Votes 7
Ranked 20th.
12
Ranked 8th. 71% more than Finland
Parties in the European Council during 2009 > Leaders > January 1 > 2009 > Leader Matti Vanhanen Kostas Karamanlis
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 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>
Parties in the European Council during 2010 > Leaders > 1 January 2010 > National party <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centre_Party_%28Finland%29">Centre Party</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panhellenic_Socialist_Movement">PASOK</a>
Parties in the European Council during 2011 > Leaders > 1 January 2011 > National party <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centre_Party_%28Finland%29">Centre Party</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panhellenic_Socialist_Movement">PASOK</a>
Parties in the European Council during 2001 > Leaders > January 1 > 2001 > European party <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Party_of_European_Socialists">PES</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Party_of_European_Socialists">PES</a>
Parties in the European Council during 2002 > Leaders > January 1 > 2002 > Votes 3
Ranked 13th.
5
Ranked 5th. 67% more than Finland
Parties in the European Council during 2005 > Leaders > January 1 > 2005 > Leader Matti Vanhanen Kostas Karamanlis
Parties in the European Council during 2006 > Leaders > January 1 > 2006 > Votes 7
Ranked 18th.
12
Ranked 7th. 71% more than Finland
Council of Europe > Date joined 5/5/1989 8/9/1949
Proportion of seats held by women in national parliaments > % 42.5%
Ranked 7th. 2 times more than Greece
21%
Ranked 77th.

Spending > Subsidies and other transfers > % of expense 71.36%
Ranked 6th. 61% more than Greece
44.33%
Ranked 44th.

Democracy and rights > Next election April 2015 June 2016
Parliamentary republic adoption date 1919 1975
Spending > Interest payments > % of revenue 3.21%
Ranked 57th.
11.55%
Ranked 14th. 4 times more than Finland

Diplomatic representation in the US > Consulate(s) general Los Angeles, New York Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Tampa
Stabilisation and Association process > Stabilisation and Association process > Republic of > Macedonia 6.1.2004 27.8.2003
Date of transition to republican system of government > Republic since November 9, 1918 August 16, 1960
Council of EU > 2005 > 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>
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>
Council of EU > January&ndash;April 2004 > 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/Party_of_European_Socialists">PES</a>
Parties in the European Council during 1999 > Leaders > January 1 > 1999 > Leader Paavo Lipponen Costas Simitis
FAX > Consulate(s) general Los Angeles, New York Thessaloniki
Start-up procedures to register a business > Number per million 0.57
Ranked 113th.
1.35
Ranked 77th. 2 times more than Finland

Legislature (parliament) > Total members of parliament 200
Ranked 57th.
300
Ranked 39th. 50% more than Finland
European Union > Council of the European Union votes 7
Ranked 22nd.
12
Ranked 9th. 71% more than Finland
Time to prepare and pay taxes > Hours 264 hours
Ranked 80th. 29% more than Greece
204 hours
Ranked 105th.

General government final > Consumption expenditure > Constant 2000 US$ 27.79 billion constant 2000 US$
Ranked 22nd. 26% more than Greece
21.99 billion constant 2000 US$
Ranked 25th.

Procedures to build a warehouse > Number > Per capita 3.23 per 1 million people
Ranked 65th. 2 times more than Greece
1.53 per 1 million people
Ranked 100th.

Republic establishment date December 14, 1918 December 8, 1974
Key ministers > Justice Johannes Koskinen (<a href=/encyclopedia/The-Social-Democratic-Party-(UK)>SDP</a>) Anastasios Papaligouras
Diplomatic representation in the US > FAX [1] (202) 298-6030 [1] (202) 939-1324
Capital city > Time difference UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time) UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
General government final > Consumption expenditure > Constant LCU 30163000000 23870800000
Parties in the European Council during 2005 > Leaders > January 1 > 2005 > 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 2003 > Leaders > January 1 > 2003 > European party <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Party_of_European_Socialists">PES</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 7
Ranked 18th.
12
Ranked 7th. 71% more than Finland
Trademarks > Residents > Per capita 0.497 per 1,000 people
Ranked 26th. 3% more than Greece
0.481 per 1,000 people
Ranked 27th.

Spending > Interest payments > % of expense 3.63%
Ranked 54th.
9.84%
Ranked 21st. 3 times more than Finland

Trademarks > Residents per million 496.92
Ranked 26th. 3% more than Greece
481.45
Ranked 30th.

Ruling party National Coalition New Democracy
Procedures to build a warehouse > Number per million 3.23
Ranked 64th. 2 times more than Greece
1.52
Ranked 99th.

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); 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. 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.; British Broadcasting Corporation 2014; Source: Millennium Development Goals Database | United Nations Statistics Division; Wikipedia: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (Indicators) ("Democracy Index 2012" (PDF). The Economist. March 2013 . Retrieved 2013-03-21 .); World Economic Forum, Global Competiveness Report and data files.; United Nations Statistics Division. Source tables; World Bank, Doing Business project (http://www.doingbusiness.org/). 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; Wikipedia: International recognition of Israel (UN member states); Polity IV Project, University of Maryland, at Polity IV Project; United Nations World Statistics Pocketbook and Statistical Yearbook; Wikipedia: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (Indicators) ("Democracy Index 2012" (PDF). The Economist. March 2013 . Retrieved 2013-03-21 .). Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. 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