Estonia Facts

Estonia, Baltic Sea State: 45 227 km², 1.3 million residents (2019).Estonia borders east of the Russian Federation and south of Latvia. Otherwise, Estonia’s borders are coastal. The capital is Tallinn (426,500 residents, 2017).

Country facts

• Eesti Vabariik / Republic of Estonia
• Country abbreviation: EE
• Area: 45 227 km²
• Population (2019): 1.3 million residents
• Capital: Tallinn
• Main languages: Estonian, Russian
• State: Republic
• Head of State: Kersti Kaljulaid (President)
• Head of Government: Jüri Ratas
• Per capita GDP (2017): US $ 22,928
• GNI per capita (2017): US $ 20,940
• Currency unit: euro
• Currency code: EUR
• Country number (telephony): 372
• Internet Domain Name: ee
• Time difference compared to Sweden: +1
• National Day: February 24 (Independence Day, 1918)

Nature

• Land use: forest (52%), agricultural land (22%), other (26%)
• Highest mountain: Munamägi (317 m asl)
• Largest lake: Peipsi wolverine (3,500 km² )

Population

• Population density (2019): 29 residents per km²
• Natural population growth (2019): −0.1%; birth number 11 ‰, death number 12 ‰
• Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (16%), 15-64 (64%), 65- (20%)
• Life expectancy (2019): men 74 years, women 82 years
• Infant mortality (2019): 2 per 1,000 live births
• Population forecast 2050: 1 million residents
• HDI (2017): 0.871 (place 30 of 189)
• Urbanization rate (2019): 69%
• Most populous cities (2017): Tallinn (426,500 residents), Tartu (93,100), Narva (57,100)

Business

• Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (3%), industry (29%), service (68%)
• Exports (2017): US $ 13,440 million
• Main export products: workshop products, forest products, furniture
• Main exporting countries: Finland, Sweden, Latvia
• Imports (2017): US $ 14,420 million
• Main import products: machinery, fuels, chemicals
• Main importing countries: Finland, Germany, Lithuania
• Railway network (2016): 2 150 km

Geography

Location and Borders

Estonia is located in Northern Europe, on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. It shares land borders with Latvia to the south, Russia to the east, and maritime borders with Finland to the north and Sweden to the west. Estonia’s strategic position between these countries has historically placed it at a crossroads of different cultures, economic systems, and military powers.

The total area of Estonia is 45,227 square kilometers (17,462 square miles), making it one of the smaller countries in Europe. Despite its size, Estonia has a remarkable geographical diversity, ranging from flat coastal plains and forests to rolling hills and a number of small islands in the Baltic Sea. The country also boasts over 1,500 islands, with Saaremaa and Hiiumaa being the largest and most significant. Estonia’s proximity to both the Scandinavian Peninsula and the Russian Federation has influenced its historical development and cultural exchanges.

Topography and Natural Features

Estonia’s landscape is predominantly flat, with about half of the country covered by forests. The eastern part of the country is generally lower in elevation, while the western regions, including the islands, tend to be more hilly. Estonia’s highest point is Suur Munamägi, located in the southeastern part of the country, standing at 318 meters (1,043 feet) above sea level. While not towering, Estonia’s forests and hills contribute to its scenic beauty, and the relatively flat terrain has facilitated the development of extensive agricultural areas.

Estonia is home to several large lakes and rivers. The largest lake, Lake Peipus, lies on the border between Estonia and Russia and is one of the largest lakes in Europe. The country also has a number of other significant water bodies, including Lake Võrtsjärv and the Narva River. Estonia’s rivers are important for local transportation, and many are used for recreational activities such as canoeing and fishing.

Estonia’s coast is dotted with numerous bays, inlets, and small islands. The country has an extensive coastline, approximately 3,800 kilometers (2,360 miles) long, including both mainland and islands. The islands, many of which are sparsely populated, play a significant role in the country’s ecology and economy, particularly in terms of tourism and agriculture.

Climate and Seasonal Variation

Estonia has a temperate climate with distinct seasons. The country is affected by the maritime influence of the Baltic Sea, which helps moderate temperatures in the winter and summer. However, its position on the edge of continental Europe also brings significant variations in weather patterns.

In the winter months (December to February), temperatures in Estonia can fall well below freezing, particularly in the inland and northern areas. The winters are marked by snowfall, and the country experiences shorter daylight hours, with some areas seeing as little as six hours of daylight in December. The average temperature in winter ranges between -8°C and -15°C (17°F to 5°F), though the coastal areas experience milder conditions.

Summers in Estonia (June to August) are generally mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F), though occasionally, the country experiences heatwaves where temperatures can rise above 30°C (86°F). The summer months are also marked by longer daylight hours, with the northernmost regions enjoying up to 18 hours of daylight per day, which has a significant cultural impact, particularly in terms of festivals and outdoor activities.

Spring and autumn are transition seasons, with temperatures gradually warming in the spring (March to May) and cooling in the autumn (September to November). Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year, with the wettest months being July and August.

People

Population and Demographics

Estonia has a population of approximately 1.3 million people, making it one of the least populous countries in Europe. The majority of the population lives in urban areas, with the capital, Tallinn, being the largest city and home to about a third of the country’s population. Other major cities include Tartu, Pärnu, and Narva. While the population is relatively small, Estonia has a high standard of living, with a well-educated and skilled workforce.

Ethnically, Estonia is primarily composed of ethnic Estonians, who make up around 70% of the population. The country has a significant Russian-speaking minority, especially in the eastern parts near the Russian border and in Tallinn. The Russian-speaking population is a legacy of Estonia’s time as part of the Soviet Union, which led to significant immigration from Russia. Other minority groups in Estonia include Ukrainians, Finns, and smaller communities of Belarusians, Latvians, and other ethnicities.

Estonia is one of the least religious countries in the world, with a large proportion of the population identifying as non-religious. The Estonian population is predominantly Christian, with the majority belonging to the Evangelical Lutheran Church. There is also a significant Russian Orthodox community, particularly among the Russian-speaking population. Despite its Christian heritage, Estonia is known for its secular approach to religion, and church attendance is relatively low compared to other European countries.

Languages

The official language of Estonia is Estonian, which is part of the Finno-Ugric language family, closely related to Finnish but distant from the Indo-European languages spoken by most of Europe. Estonian is the language of government, education, and the media, and it is spoken by the vast majority of the population. The language is written in the Latin alphabet and is known for its complex system of cases and extensive use of vowels.

In addition to Estonian, Russian is widely spoken, particularly in the eastern parts of the country and among the Russian-speaking minority in Tallinn. While Estonian is the dominant language in daily life, Russian is often used in business, particularly in relation to trade and communication with neighboring Russia. English has become increasingly important, especially among younger generations and in the business community. Many Estonians speak English fluently, particularly in larger cities and tourist areas.

Other minority languages spoken in Estonia include Finnish, which is closely related to Estonian and spoken by a small population of Finnish expatriates, and various Slavic languages spoken by the Russian-speaking minority.

Religion

Estonia is one of the least religious countries in Europe, with a significant portion of the population identifying as either atheist or non-religious. According to surveys, a large percentage of Estonians do not regularly participate in religious activities, and many view religion as a private matter rather than an important aspect of daily life. Despite this, there is a long history of Christian influence in Estonia, particularly from the Evangelical Lutheran Church, which has historically been the largest Christian denomination in the country.

The Russian Orthodox Church also has a significant presence in Estonia, particularly among the Russian-speaking minority. Orthodox Christianity, introduced during the time of the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union, remains an important part of the cultural and religious life for many ethnic Russians in Estonia. Other Christian denominations, including Roman Catholicism and Protestantism, are also practiced in smaller communities.

Estonia is known for its strong commitment to secularism, with religious freedom guaranteed by the constitution. The country’s secular approach is reflected in its public life, with state institutions maintaining a clear separation from religious organizations.

Economy

Overview

Estonia has a highly developed economy that is one of the most innovative and technologically advanced in Europe. The country’s market economy is characterized by a strong digital infrastructure, a highly educated workforce, and a commitment to free-market principles. Since regaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Estonia has undergone significant economic transformation, moving from a centrally planned economy to a market-oriented economy. It is known for its robust information technology (IT) sector, particularly in areas such as e-government, cybersecurity, and digital entrepreneurship.

Estonia’s economy is heavily export-oriented, with key exports including machinery, electrical equipment, mineral products, and agricultural products. The country’s economic growth has been fueled by its membership in the European Union (EU), the Eurozone, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Estonia’s fiscal policies are focused on maintaining a balanced budget and encouraging foreign investment, particularly in the tech sector.

Despite its advanced economy, Estonia faces challenges related to income inequality, a shrinking workforce due to demographic changes, and regional disparities between urban and rural areas. The country has worked to address these issues by promoting social inclusion, increasing educational opportunities, and encouraging regional development.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Estonia’s agricultural sector is relatively small but still plays an important role in the economy, particularly in rural areas. The main agricultural products include cereals (especially barley, wheat, and oats), potatoes, and vegetables. Estonia is also known for its dairy products, and livestock farming, including pig and cattle farming, is important in rural communities. Organic farming has become more popular in Estonia, with the country being one of the leaders in organic farming per capita in Europe.

The country’s natural resources are limited, with no significant deposits of fossil fuels. Estonia has rich deposits of oil shale, which has been a key resource for energy production and industrial use. However, the use of oil shale has raised environmental concerns due to its impact on air quality and the country’s carbon emissions. Estonia is transitioning toward renewable energy sources, including wind and solar power, as part of its commitment to environmental sustainability.

The country’s forestry industry is another important sector, with Estonia being one of the most forested countries in Europe. Timber is harvested for domestic use and export, and Estonia has worked to implement sustainable forestry practices to protect its natural resources.

Industry and Services

Estonia’s industrial sector is diverse, with significant contributions from manufacturing, technology, and services. The country has a well-developed IT sector and is recognized for its digital innovations, particularly in areas like e-government and cybersecurity. Estonia is home to a thriving start-up ecosystem, with Tallinn being a hub for tech companies, particularly those focused on software development, digital solutions, and online services. Estonia’s digital infrastructure has enabled it to become a leader in online services, including e-residency, e-voting, and digital identities.

The manufacturing sector in Estonia includes machinery, electronics, and chemicals, with a focus on high-tech products and machinery. The country also produces textiles, food products, and building materials. Estonia has a highly developed transport sector, with efficient road, rail, and port systems supporting its strong export economy.

The services sector is the largest contributor to Estonia’s GDP, with significant growth in finance, telecommunications, tourism, and education. Tourism, particularly eco-tourism, attracts visitors to the country’s forests, lakes, and coastline, while Tallinn’s UNESCO-listed Old Town draws international visitors interested in its medieval architecture and rich cultural heritage.

Government

Political System

Estonia is a parliamentary republic with a multi-party system. The president of Estonia is the head of state, while the prime minister is the head of government. The president is elected by the Riigikogu (the national parliament) for a five-year term, with no more than two terms allowed. While the president has important ceremonial and diplomatic functions, executive power is vested in the prime minister and the cabinet, who are responsible for forming government policies.

The Riigikogu is a 101-member legislature, which is elected every four years through a mixed-member proportional representation system. The parliament plays a significant role in shaping the legislative agenda, passing laws, and overseeing the executive branch. The prime minister and their cabinet are accountable to the Riigikogu, and the government must have the confidence of the parliament to remain in office.

Legal System

Estonia’s legal system is based on civil law and is influenced by German and Scandinavian legal traditions. The judiciary is independent, with a hierarchy of courts that includes local courts, district courts, and the Supreme Court of Estonia, which is the highest judicial authority in the country. The legal system guarantees the protection of individual rights and freedoms, with a strong emphasis on human rights, equality before the law, and the rule of law.

Estonia has a well-established system for resolving disputes, and the legal framework has been modernized since the country regained independence in 1991. The legal system is designed to provide transparency, fairness, and access to justice for all citizens. However, like many countries, Estonia faces challenges related to corruption and the administration of justice, particularly in relation to minor civil disputes.

Foreign Relations

Estonia is an active member of the European Union (EU), NATO, the United Nations, and other international organizations. Its foreign policy emphasizes European integration, human rights, and the promotion of international security and stability. Estonia has played a significant role in promoting digital governance and e-solutions internationally and is seen as a model for other countries in terms of its digital society.

As a member of the EU and NATO, Estonia maintains strong relationships with other Western countries and participates in regional security arrangements. Relations with neighboring countries, including Russia and Finland, are important, particularly in terms of trade, energy, and security issues.

Estonia’s foreign relations reflect its commitment to democratic principles, human rights, and European integration, while maintaining strong ties with its regional partners and promoting global peace and security.

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