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,
Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest 1998 an unexpected winner and had never been ahead in the voting until the final juror's votes enabled it to snatch an unpredicted last minute victory. On the night of the final Toome performed 23rd in the running order, following Norway and preceding Turkey. At the close of voting "Mere lapsed" had picked up 36 points (over half of which comprised a maximum 12 from Finland and 8 from Slovakia), placing Estonia joint 12th (with Portugal) of the 25 entries. The 12 points from the Estonian televote were awarded to Sweden. Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest 1998 Estonia was represented