Finland is a republic with a strongly centralized government. The country is divided into 12 provinces, which in turn are divided into 248 police districts. The criminal law is based in the Criminal Code (1889) and separate statutes. The law on criminal procedures is contained in the Code of Judicial Procedure. One-third of the provisions of the Criminal Code were amended by an act of Parliament in 1990, and another third were amended in 1995. The reform's purpose was to ensure that the Criminal Code defines and deals with all crimes consistently while taking into account the fundamental changes in society that have occurred over the past several decades. The report's section on crime considers the classification of crimes in Finland and crime statistics. A section on crime victims addresses the groups most victimized by crime, victims assistance agencies, the role of victims in prosecution and sentencing, and victims' rights legislation. A report on the police describes its administration, resources, technology, training, discretion, and accountability. Other sections of the report focus on the prosecutorial and judicial process, the judicial system, penalties and sentencing, prisons, and extradition and treaties. 4 references