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How Finland's public administration works

Finland is part of the European Union. Finland’s system of government comprises the highest state bodies, courts and the central government and other public administration. Wellbeing services counties and municipalities cooperate closely with each other as well as with the regional state administration and other authorities.

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Finland as part of the European Union

The European Union (EU) is an alliance of 27 European states. Finland is one of its member states.

Highest state bodies

Finland's highest state bodies are Parliament, the Government and the President of the Republic.

Courts

The courts are independent and exercise judicial power independently. They decide in each case what is in accordance with the law.

Central government

Central government comprises the ministries and the national agencies operating in their administrative branches.

Regional state administration

Regional administrative authorities of the state include the Economic Development Centres, KEHA Centre and the State Department of Åland.

Wellbeing services counties

Each of the 21 wellbeing services counties provides the social, health and rescue services of their own region.

Municipalities and local government

Municipalities are self-governing units and they are responsible for providing their residents with statutory basic services.

Self-governance

There are also other self-governing entities in Finland, including Åland, the Sámi Homeland, religious communities and higher education institutions.

State business operations

State ownership steering is the responsibility of the Ownership Steering Department at the Prime Minister's Office.

Indirect public administration

Indirect public administration means organisations that are not authorities but that perform public tasks or exercise public power.

Rights and obligations of public servants

Public servants are employees in a public-service relationship in central government.

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