Estonia Overview

Country Profile

Estonia is located in eastern Europe, on the Baltic Sea. Its full name is the Republic of Estonia. The name “Estonia” in the Baltic language means “waterside residents.” Covering an area of 45,200 square kilometers, its population is 1.36 million, mainly ethnic Estonian and Russian communities. Residents are Lutheran Christian. Estonian is the official language. The currency is the Estonian Kroon. Tallinn (talinn) is the capital.

Estonia National Flag

The flag consists of three stripes, blue, black, and white from top to bottom.

History Summary

The Estonian nation was formed in the 12th to 13th century AD. Estonia has been under the sway of Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Tsarist Russia and other powers of aggression and domination. From 1710 to 1917, Estonia was ruled by tsarist Russia. Estonia gained independence from Tsarist Russia in 1917 and established a provisional government. From February to November 1918, the country was occupied by the German armed forces. 1920 to 1940 was a period of independence for Estonia. In August 1940, Estonia joined the Soviet Union as the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic. On August 20, 1991, the restoration of Estonian independence was announced.

Economy and Culture Overview

Tourism, transport, and transpiration services are its economic mainstays. Oil shale mining and processing have a special status in Estonian industry. Agriculture and animal husbandry involve either milk, meat, and potatoes or sugar beet planting. Coastal fisheries are under development. Major minerals are oil shale (reserves of about 60 million tons), rock phosphate, and limestone.

Tallinn

Tallinn is located northwest of love, near the Baltic Sea. It was founded in 1248 during the reign of the Kingdom of Denmark. After Estonia regained independence in 1991, it was named the capital. Historically, Tallinn was once the hub of Eastern Europe and Scandinavia, known as the “crossroads of Europe.” It also has a preserved medieval character and style.

Estonia Map