Human development index (HDI), an index based on life expectancy, education and GDP (max. 1)
0.883
World rank in HDI
24
Key economic sectors
Services (70.1); industry (26.9); agriculture (3) (2013)
Leading Companies
Sampo, an insurance company (US$28·2bn.); Nokia, a communications and information technology company (US$28·1bn.); and Kone, an industrial engineering company (US$19·9bn.).
The President is elected for six years, and is responsible for foreign affairs ‘in cooperation with the government’. The unicameral parliament is charged with responsibility for domestic and EU affairs. The prime minister is selected by parliament.
Electoral system
The president is elected by a two-ballot majoritarian system. Parliament is divided into fifteen sections representing electoral districts, and the number of seats won per section is proportionate to the votes cast per party in those districts.
Current (March 2010) leaders
President: Sauli Niinistö (b. 1948), since March 2012 Prime Minister: Juha Sipilä (b.1961), since May 2015
Previous leaders:
Presidents: Tarja Halonen (2000-2012); Martti Ahtisaari (1994-2000) Prime Ministers: Jyrki Katainen (2011-2014); Mari Kiviniemi (2010-2011)
Joined the EU/EC
1995
Commissioner from country in Barroso II College of Commissioners, and portfolio
Olli Rehn (Economic and Monetary Affairs), Jyrki Katainen (Economic and Monetary Affairs and the Euro)
Number of MEPs
13/754
Turnout in 2014 EP elections (%)
41·0% (40.3% in 2009)
Member of eurozone
Yes (founder member)
Except where a specific reference is inserted, the sources for this profile are either Neill Nugent’s book itself, or Barry Turner (ed.), The Statesman’s Yearbook Online, Basingstoke and New York: Palgrave Macmillan. If your library subscribes, you can gain access at http://www.statesmansyearbook.com
