Finland

Finland is the State in the north of Europe. In the east and the south it borders on Russia, in the north — on Norway, in the west — on Sweden. The southern coast is washed by waters of gulf of Finland, western — by waters of gulf of Bothnia. Almost third part of country lays to the north of a polar circle. Finland is the country of lakes (there are about 60 thousand lakes, the largest of which Saimaa, Inari and Paijanne). To Finland belong also Aland islands (archipelago Ahvenanmaa) — about 6,5 thousand islands

The first people have appeared in territory of Finland nearby VI century B.C. In vikings times Aland islands were a storage terminal of Swedes which at that time conducted active trade with Russia. The christening of Finland was conducted both from the east by Russian church, and from the west - Catholic and proceeded more than two centuries (from 1050 till 1300). In XII century Finland has completely passed under authority of Sweden according to the pope 1172. In 1216 the Pope has confirmed the right of Sweden to Finland.

In XVI century Finland has received a title of duchy of the Swedish crown. In 1807 Russian tsar Alexander I occupied Finland and in March, 1809 has proclaimed its great princedom in structure of Russian empire where the country was till 1917. On November, 15th, 1917 new Finnish parliament has taken authority, " belonged earlier tsar and grand duke ", and on December, 6th the country has been proclaimed by independent republic. Finland is a member of the United Nations, IMF, the OATS, EU.

 A state system:

the Head of the state - the President.

The legislature - unicameral parliament.

The executive - the President and the government led by the Prime Minister.