Government of Finland — Nation by Nation

Form of Government

Government Type

Parliamentary republic.

Capital

Helsinki.

Administrative Divisions

19 regions (maakunnat).

Independence

6 December 1917 — from Russia.

Constitution

The current constitution took effect 1 March 2000.

Legal System & Suffrage

Civil law system. Suffrage is universal at age 18.

Chief of State

The President, directly elected for a 6-year term (limited to two consecutive terms), with primary responsibility for foreign policy.

Head of Government

The Prime Minister, elected by Parliament.

Cabinet

The Council of State (cabinet), appointed by the president and answerable to Parliament.

Highest Courts

The Supreme Court and the Supreme Administrative Court.

Selection

Judges are appointed by the president.

Parliament

A unicameral Parliament (Eduskunta) of 200 seats, elected by proportional representation to 4-year terms.