Foreign relations of Estonia originates in the Nordic countries (principally Finland and Sweden), to which Estonia sends 42% of its exports (as compared to 6.5% going to Russia, 8.8% to Latvia, and 4.7% to Lithuania). On the other hand, the Estonian political system, its flat rate of income tax, and its non-welfare-state model distinguish it from the other Nordic states, and indeed from many other European countries. Estonia is a party to 181 international organizations, including the BIS, CBSS, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EU (member since 1 May 2004), FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, International Maritime Organization, Interpol, IOC,
Norway in the Eurovision Song Contest 1998 took part with the winner chosen by a split between regional televoting and an "expert" jury. Elisabeth Andreassen was bidding for a record-breaking fifth appearance at Eurovision, but finished runner-up. On the night of the final Fredriksen performed 22nd in the running order, following Finland and preceding Estonia. At the close of voting "Alltid sommer" had received 79 points (including a maximum 12 from Sweden), placing Norway 8th of the 25 entries. The Norwegian televotng awarded its 12 points to Malta. Norway in the Eurovision Song Contest 1998 Norway was represented by Lars A. Fredriksen, with the song '"Alltid sommer",