The Margin of Error would be applied to the Finnish Census. Not to the combination of all censuses put together. This reminds me of r/ShittyAskScience. Funny stuff.
It's an obvious mathematical fallacy akin to the proof: 1+1=1. People in general are bad at math though. If they weren't vegas wouldn't be so bright. It does show an exaggerated example of how easily numbers can be used to manipulate fact (even when the math isn't fictitious.) I once worked with a man who told me "Reality doesn't reflect the numbers, the numbers are supposed to reflect reality." We know intuitively that Finland exists as people have been there. If you wanted to believe it wasn't real though- there's all the proof one would need. If people can use numbers to believe the world is flat or discrimination isn't a problem in America, they could justify not believing in Finland based on this math.
Wait? Finland exists? I thought it was just something the Swedes and those other people that watch Thor and sing that annoying song from that movie about that girl made up.
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