The "Really don't want to ask but I'm curious" questions about Finland

Completely random and I'm sure some of you who read this are wondering...My answers will be based on my personal opinion and experiences - mostly from Jyv�skyl� - unless I read something otherwise.

1. Are drugs common in Finland?
1. Apparently in bigger cities - yes, drugs are common and a bit of an issue as there are some drugs that are stronger than heroine coming out.  I forget what they are called - but police are getting concerned in Helsinki (Finland's capital) because of un-known substances being shifted around. *Helsinki Times
2. Are there prostitutes in Finland?
1. I have no idea.  I haven't seen any in Jyv�skyl�.  There are a couple strip bars in town - the windows are covered very well and they don't open late at night.  HA- I guess that's where the business teams go for lunch meetings.  Bad joke for some - sorry.
1. Unlike Dartmouth, NS - where you saw a hooker/sex worker/prostitute fairly regularly in the North End area, no I haven't seen them.  I also don't go out late at night - not out of fear of the dark or safety - but because V�in� wakes up occasionally before I get to bed.
3. What is rent like and what is typically included?
1. Rent typically includes heat.  Electricity and water are separate fees.  Electricity for us was under 65 euros for 6 months - and I cooked about 3x a day everyday!  You can also pick out what kind of electricity you'd prefer to use (i.e. water or wind etc.)
2. Depends on who you rent from.  Personally our rent is on a fully-furnished flat, not directly downtown (about 30-40 minute walk away), sauna fees included and water too.  Our internet is free as the building is registered with the Elisa cable company - our modem fee was all we had to pay.
3. Water is charged PER person (including the baby) - as in a flat fee per person that is.
4. Is there a gay population in Finland?
1. There is some - but we don't see a lot of homosexual/lesbians here.  Maybe we walk by them and have no idea - because they're not as open as Haligonians.  We do NOT have a gay bar in Jyv�skyl� as far as I know.
5. Is gay marriage legal?
1. I believe "same gender partnership" is legal but not an official marriage.  I heard through a friend that she is leaving her church (you actually have to "check out" or be fined) because they are banning same-sex marriages.  Not entirely sure.
6. Are there many stay-at-home parents?
1. Yes it's really common because Kela benefits pays quite well for Finnish citizens and it's cheaper than going to day care.  Day care is not as ridiculously expensive as Canada - but still quite pricey.  And they have private day care too for an extra fee of course.  If you are a student or working - the commune is responsible to help you find a spot.
7. Is there a lot of stealing in Finland?
1. I haven't witnessed anything (while I have in Canada several times) - however if you do not lock your bike - say bye bye.  Bike theft is one of the top things that occur in Finland.
2. Yes there are cameras in the grocery stores and in the malls but I think its pretty common to steal small things any country really.
3. I do not steal - it's just a general statement!
8. What do you hate about Finland?
1. Not a lot really.  I dislike how some Finns (NOT ALL) can be so distant towards not just a foreigner but fellow locals.  In example - I was getting off the bus with the stroller and my son was facing out and the front wheels caught underneath the bus.  His face was a couple of inches shy of smashing into the pavement - had it not been for the stranger I was already talking to on the bus.  The other people behind me trying to get off were very upset because I was slowing down their day - none of them checked or asked if V�in� was alright.  They really can keep to themselves when it suits them.
9. Was it easy to enter the country?
1. Yes.  We did not have our resident permits yet - and had to take our passports to the local Police to get the permits applied.  
2. It was easier to enter Finland (no questions asked) with 2 large dogs - than it was to leave our own country (and the US section of the Halifax airport).
10. Are there a lot of smokers in Finland?
1. Smoking is quite common but thankfully there is NO smoking indoors.  Bus stops are common locations along with anywhere on the street.
2. (In NS - they are putting a ban on smoking within so many meters of the opening of a shop or hospital etc.  As well they're trying to ban people from smoking with a child, deemed under 16, in a vehicle.)  These laws are not in effect in Finland needless to say.
11. What laws are different?
1. I'm not a lawyer or a professional - but just observing the basics here's what I noticed:
1. If you're deemed guilty by the court - you can be stuck with your lawyer/court fees and the innocent party as well.
2. You can talk on a cell phone while driving (not supposed to - but there's no law against it).
3. You do not need to wear a bicycle helmet (on side walk or road) - it is recommended but no ticket will be issued.  (In NS a friend was charged $250 I think....at least $75 I remember).
4. Every Man's Land is a part of the law in which you can go onto anybody's property.  With the exception of work places/factories for example that have signs clearly stating not to enter or trespass.  In example you could go through someone's yard to get to a trail, pick berries or even camp out if you had to!  With respect to the other party - you must not harass them, damage or violate their property or steal (like from their vegetable garden).
5. No right turns on red!