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Finland has become the first country in the world to make broadband a legal right for every citizen.

From 1 July every Finn will have the right to access to a 1Mbps (megabit per second) broadband connection.

Finland has vowed to connect everyone to a 100Mbps connection by 2015.

At a glance: what makes Finland stand out “What visiting educators from over 50 countries have found in Finland is simple: well trained teachers and responsible children– Seppo Tella, professor of language education (and teaching matters),University of HelsinkiThe Finns have a high regard for and confidence in their schooling system and a high opinion of schooling.All teachers must hold a masters degree; most train for at least five and a half years.Status of teachers is high and teaching is one of the most coveted and popular professions.400 local councils or municipalities administer schools. Schools are free to tailor education to local needs. Government only sets overall objectives.Principal has key role in driving education, responsible for the school’s entire operation and pupil assessment and budget.Principals evaluate teacher performance focusing on mastery of the profession, pupil performance and ability to co-operate.No national evaluation system for teacher work, no external inspection system and no focus on league tables.Compulsory nine year basic schooling is free for all aged 7-16 years.Schools have a statutory obligation to maintain contact with homes.“Our objective is not to be the best in the OECD. Our objective is to provide the best possible education for our children