For other uses see Estonia (disambiguation). Republic of Estonia Eesti Vabariik Flag Coat of arms Anthem: Mu isamaa mu nn ja rm (English: "My Fatherland My Happiness and Joy") Location of  Estonia  (dark green)  on the European continent  (green & dark grey)  in the European Union  (green)    Legend Capital (and largest city) Tallinn 5925N 2445E / 59.417N 24.75E / 59.417; 24.75 Official language(s) Estonian1 Ethnic groups (2010) 68.8% Estonians 25.5% Russians 2.1% Ukrainians 1.2% Belarusians 2.4 % others and unspecified1 Demonym Estonian Government Parliamentary republic  -  President Toomas Hendrik Ilves (nonpartisan previously SDE)  -  Prime Minister Andrus Ansip (RE)  -  Parliament speaker Ene Ergma (IRL)  -  Current coalition (RE IRL) Independence from Russia   -  Autonomy declared 12 April 1917   -  Independence declared Officially recognised 24 February 1918 2 February 1920   -  1st Soviet occupation 19401941   -  German occupation 19411944   -  2nd Soviet occupation 19441991   -  Independence restored 20 August 1991  Area  -  Total 45228 km2 (132nd2) 17413 sq mi   -  Water (%) 4.45% Population  -  2010 estimate 13400212 (151st)  -  2000 census 13700523   -  Density 29/km2 (181st) 75/sq mi GDP (PPP) 2010 estimate  -  Total $24.689 billion4   -  Per capita $185184  GDP (nominal) 2010 estimate  -  Total $19.779 billion4   -  Per capita $148364  Gini (2005) 34 (medium)  HDI (2010) 0.8125 (very high) (34th) Currency Euro3 (EUR) Time zone EET (UTC+2)  -  Summer (DST) EEST (UTC+3) Drives on the right ISO 3166 code EE Internet TLD .ee4 Calling code 372 1 Vro and Seto in southern counties are spoken along with Estonian. Russian is spoken in Ida-Virumaa and Tallinn due to the Soviet program promoting mass immigration of urban industrial workers from the USSR in the post-war period. 2 47549 km2 (18359 sq mi) were defined according to the Treaty of Tartu in 1920 between Estonia and Russia. Today the remaining 2323 km2 (897 sq mi) are part of Russia. The ceded areas include most of the former Petseri County and areas behind the Narva river including Ivangorod (Jaanilinn).67 3 Before 2011: Estonian kroon (EEK; 1 EUR 15.6466 EEK). 4 .eu is also shared with other member states of the European Union.

Estonia (i /stoni/; Estonian: Eesti) officially the Republic of Estonia (Estonian: Eesti Vabariik) is a state in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by the Gulf of Finland to the west by the Baltic Sea to the south by Latvia (343 km) and to the east by the Lake Peipsi and the Russian Federation (338.6 km).8 Across the Baltic Sea lies Sweden in the west and Finland in the north. The territory of Estonia covers 45227 km2 (17462 sq mi) and is influenced by a temperate seasonal climate. The Estonians are a Finnic people and the sole official language Estonian is closely related to Finnish.

Estonia is a democratic parliamentary republic and is divided into 15 counties. The capital and largest city is Tallinn. With a population of 1.34 million Estonia is one of the least-populous members of the European Union Eurozone and NATO. Today Estonia has the highest GDP per person of any country that used to be part of the Soviet Union.9 Estonia is listed as a High-Income Economy by the World Bank and a High-income OECD member. The United Nations lists Estonia as a developed country with a Human Development Index of "Very High". The country is also ranked highly for press freedom economic freedom democracy and political freedom and education. According to Freedom House Estonia has the highest level of internet freedom in the world.10 Contents 1 History 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Prehistory 1.3 Middle Ages 1.4 Reformation and Swedish Estonia 1.5 Estonia in the Russian Empire 1.6 Declaration of independence 1.7 Estonia in World War II 1.7.1 Soviet invasion and occupation 1.7.2 German occupation 1.8 Soviet Estonia 1.9 Post-independence 2 Geography 2.1 Administrative divisions 3 Politics 3.1 Parliament 3.2 Government 3.3 Law 3.4 Foreign relations 3.5 Human rights 3.6 Military 4 Economy 4.1 Historic development 4.2 Resources 4.3 Industry and environment 4.4 Trade 4.5 Transport 5 Demographics 5.1 Urbanization 5.2 Religion 5.3 Society 5.3.1 Family 5.4 Languages 5.5 Education and science 6 Culture 6.1 Literature 6.2 Media 6.3 Music 6.4 Holidays 6.5 Cuisine 6.6 Sports 7 International rankings 8 See also 9 References 10 Further reading 11 External links History Main article: History of Estonia Etymology

One theory is that the modern name of Estonia originated with the Roman historian Tacitus who in his book Germania (ca. 98 AD) described a people called the Aesti.11non-primary source needed

On the other hand ancient Scandinavian sagas refer to a land called Eistland close to the Danish German Dutch Swedish and Norwegian term Estland for the country. Early Latin and other ancient versions of the name are Estia and Hestia.citation needed

Esthonia was a common alternate English spelling prior to independence.1213 Prehistory Main article: Ancient Estonia

Human settlement in Estonia became possible 11000 to 13000 years ago when the ice from the last glacial era melted away. The oldest known settlement in Estonia is the Pulli settlement which was located on the banks of the river Prnu near the town of Sindi in south-western Estonia. According to radiocarbon dating it was settled around 11000 years ago at the beginning of the 9th millennium BC. Tools made by Kunda culture the Estonian History Museum Iron Age artifacts of a hoard from Kumna.14

Evidence has been found of hunting and fishing communities existing around 6500 BC near the town of Kunda in northern Estonia. Bone and stone artifacts similar to those found at Kunda have been discovered elsewhere in Estonia as well as in Latvia northern Lithuania and in southern Finland. The Kunda culture belongs to the middle stone age or Mesolithic period.

The end of the Bronze Age and the early Iron Age were marked by great cultural changes. The most significant was the transition to farming which has remained at the core of Estonian economy and culture. From approximately the 1st to 5th centuries AD resident farming was widely established the population grew and settlement expanded. Cultural influences from the Roman Empire reached Estonia and this era is therefore also known as the Roman Iron Age.

The first mention of the people inhabiting present-day Estonia is by the Roman historian Tacitus who in his book Germania (ca. AD 98) describes the Aesti tribe. Tacitus mentions their term for amber in an apparently Latinised form glesum (cf. Latvian glsas). This is the only word of their language recorded from antiquity. In spite of this point the Aestii are generally considered the ancestors of the later Baltic peoples.151617 A more troubled and war-ridden middle Iron Age followed with external dangers coming both from the Baltic tribes who attacked across the southern land border and from overseas. Several Scandinavian sagas refer to campaigns against Estonia. Estonian pirates conducted similar raids in the Viking age. The "pagan raiders" who sacked the Swedish town of Sigtuna during the early Middle Ages in 1187 may have been Estonians.18 In the 1st centuries AD political and administrative subdivisions began to emerge in Estonia. Two larger subdivisions appeared: the province (Estonian: kihelkond) and the land (Estonian: maakond). The province comprised several elderships or villages. Nearly all provinces had at least one fortress. The defense of the local area was directed by the highest official the king or elder. The terra was composed of one or several provinces also headed by an elder king or their collegium. By the 13th century the following major lands had developed in Estonia: Revala Harjumaa Saaremaa Hiiumaa Lnemaa Alempois Sakala Ugandi Jogentagana Soopoolitse Vaiga Mhu Nurmekund Jrvamaa and Virumaa.19 Estonia retained a pagan religion centred around a deity called Tharapita. The Chronicle of Henry of Livonia mentions Tharapita as the superior god of Oeselians (inhabitants of Saaremaa island) also well known to Vironian tribes in northern Estonia. Middle Ages Main articles: Livonian Crusade Northern Crusades and Terra Mariana Medieval Livonia At the beginning of the 13th century Lembitu of Lehola a chieftain of Sakala sought to unify the Estonian people and thwart Danish and Germanic conquest during the Livonian Crusade. He managed to assemble an army of 6000 Estonian men from different counties but he was killed during the Battle of St. Matthew's Day in September 1217.20 In 1228 in the aftermath of the Livonian Crusade to the 1560s Estonia became part of Terra Mariana established on 2 February 120721 as a principality of the Holy Roman Empire22 and proclaimed by pope Innocent III in 1215 as a subject to the Holy See.23 The southern parts of the country were conquered by Livonian Brothers of the Sword who joined the Teutonic Order in 1237 and became its branch known as Livonian Order. In the Northern parts of the country was formed Duchy of Estonia24 as a direct dominion of the King of Denmark from 1219 until 1346 when it was sold to the Teutonic order and became part of the Ordenstaat.25 In 1343 the people of northern Estonia and Saaremaa rebelled against the German rule in the St. George's Night Uprising which was put down by 1345. Reval (known as Tallinn since 1918) gained Lbeck Rights in 1248 and joined an alliance of trading guilds called the Hanseatic League at the end of the 13th century. After the Teutonic Order fell into decline following its defeat in the Battle of Grunwald in 1410 and the defeat of the Livonian Order in the Battle of Swienta on 1 September 1435 the Livonian Confederation agreement was signed on 4 December 1435.26 The Grand Duchy of Moscow and Tsardom of Russia attempted unsuccessful invasions in 1481 and 1558. The Livonian Confederation ceased to exist during the Livonian War (155882). The wars had reduced the Estonian population from about 250300000 people before the Livonian War to 120140000 in the 1620s.27 Reformation and Swedish Estonia Main articles: Swedish Estonia Duchy of Livonia Dorpat Voivodeship and Parnawa Voivodeship Kuressaare castle in Saaremaa The Reformation in Europe officially began in 1517 with Martin Luther (14831546) and his 95 Theses. The Reformation resulted in great change in the Baltic region. Ideas entered the Livonian Confederation very quickly and by the 1520s they were well known. Language education religion and politics were greatly transformed. The Church services were now given in the local vernacular instead of Latin as was previously used.28 During the Livonian War in 1561 northern Estonia submitted to Swedish control. Southern Estonia in 1560s formed an autonomous Duchy of Livonia in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth under joint control of the Polish Crown and the Grand Duchy containing two voivodeships of present-day Estonia: Dorpat Voivodeship (Tartu region) and Parnawa Voivodeship (Prnu region). In 1629 mainland Estonia came entirely under Swedish rule. Estonia was administratively divided between the provinces of Estonia in the north and Livonia in southern Estonia and northern Latvia a division which persisted until the early 20th century. In 1631 the Swedish king Gustaf II Adolf forced the nobility to grant the peasantry greater rights although serfdom was retained. In 1632 a printing press and university were established in the city of Dorpat (known as Tartu since 1918). This period is known in Estonian history as "the Good Old Swedish Time." The steady growth of the population continued until the outbreak of the plague in 1657. The Great Famine of 169597 killed some 70000 people almost 20% of the population.27 Estonia in the Russian Empire Main articles: Governorate of Estonia and Autonomous Governorate of Estonia Following the Capitulation of Estonia and Livonia during the Great Northern War the Swedish empire lost Estonia to Russia by the Treaty of Nystad. However the upper classes and the higher middle class remained primarily Baltic German. The war devastated the population of Estonia but it recovered quickly. Although the rights of peasants were initially weakened serfdom was abolished in 1816 in the province of Estonia and in 1819 in Livonia. After the Russian revolution of 1917 Tallinn remained under Soviet control until 24 February 1918 when Estonian independence was declared. Declaration of independence Main articles: Occupation of Estonia by the German Empire United Baltic Duchy Estonian War of Independence and Vaps Movement Estonian Declaration of Independence As a result of the abolition of serfdom and the availability of education to the native Estonian-speaking population an active Estonian nationalist movement developed in the 19th century. It began on a cultural level resulting in the establishment of Estonian language literature theatre and professional music and led on to the formation of the Estonian national identity and the Age of Awakening. Among the leaders of the movement were Johann Voldemar Jannsen Jakob Hurt and Carl Robert Jakobson. Declaration of independence in Prnu on 23 February in 1918. One of the first images of the Republic. Significant accomplishments were the publication of the national epic Kalevipoeg in 1862 and the organization of the first national song festival in 1869. In response to a period of Russification initiated by the Russian empire in the 1890s Estonian nationalism took on more political tones with intellectuals first calling for greater autonomy and later complete independence from the Russian Empire. Following the Bolshevik takeover of power in Russia after the October Revolution of 1917 and German victories against the Russian army between the Russian Red Army's retreat and the arrival of advancing German troops the Committee of Elders of the Maapev issued the Estonian Declaration of Independence29 in Prnu on 23 February and in Tallinn on 24 February 1918. After winning the Estonian War of Independence against both Soviet Russia and also German Freikorps volunteers (the Tartu Peace Treaty was signed on 2 February 1920). The Republic of Estonia was recognised (de jure) by Finland on 7 July 1920 Poland on 31 December 1920 Argentina on 12 January 1921 and by the Western Allies on 26 January 1921. Estonia maintained its independence for twenty-two years. Initially a parliamentary democracy the parliament (Riigikogu) was disbanded in 1934 following political unrest caused by the global economic crisis. Subsequently the country was ruled by decree by Konstantin Pts who became President in 1938 the year parliamentary elections resumed. Estonia in World War II Main article: Estonia in World War II The fate of Estonia in World War II was decided by the GermanSoviet Nonaggression Pact and its Secret Additional Protocol of August 1939. World War II casualties of Estonia estimated at around 25% of population were among the highest in Europe. War and occupation deaths have been estimated at 90000. These include the Soviet deportations in 1941 the German deportations and Holocaust victims.30 World War II began with the invasion and subsequent partition of an important regional ally of Estonia Poland by a joint operation of Nazi Germany and Soviet Union. Soviet invasion and occupation Main article: Occupation of the Baltic states 1940 Soviet map of the Estonian SSR The fate of the Republic of Estonia before World War II was decided by the GermanSoviet Nonaggression Pact of August 1939 after Stalin gained Hitler's agreement to divide Eastern Europe into "spheres of special interest" according to the MolotovRibbentrop Pact and its Secret Additional Protocol.313232 On 24 September 1939 warships of the Red Navy appeared off Estonian ports and Soviet bombers began a patrol over Tallinn and the nearby countryside.33 The Estonian government was forced to give their assent to an agreement which allowed the USSR to establish military bases and station 25000 troops on Estonian soil for "mutual defence".34 On 12 June 1940 the order for a total military blockade on Estonia was given to the Soviet Baltic Fleet.3536 On 14 June 1940 while world's attention was focused on the fall of Paris to Nazi Germany a day earlier the Soviet military blockade on Estonia went into effect two Soviet bombers downed the Finnish passenger airplane "Kaleva" flying from Tallinn to Helsinki carrying three diplomatic pouches from the U.S. legations in Tallinn Riga and Helsinki.37 On 16 June 1940 the Soviet Union invaded Estonia.38 The Red Army exited from their military bases in Estonia on 17 June.39 The following day some 90000 additional troops entered the country. In the face of overwhelming Soviet force the Estonian government capitulated on 17 June 1940 to avoid bloodshed.40 The military occupation of Estonia was complete by the 21 June 1940.41 Most of the Estonian Defence Forces and the Estonian Defence League surrendered according to the orders of the Estonian Government believing that resistance was useless and were disarmed by the Red Army.4243 Only the Estonian Independent Signal Battalion stationed in Tallinn at Raua Street showed resistance to Red Army and Communist Militia called "People's Self-Defence"44 on 21 June 1940.45 As the Red Army brought in additional reinforcements supported by six armoured fighting vehicles the battle lasted several hours until sundown. Finally the military resistance was ended with negotiations and the Independent Signal Battalion surrendered and was disarmed.46 There were 2 dead Estonian servicemen Aleksei Mnnikus and Johannes Mandre and several wounded on the Estonian side and about 10 killed and more wounded on the Soviet side.4748 The Soviet militia that participated in the battle was led by Nikolai Stepulov.49 In August 1940 Estonia was illegally annexed by the Soviet Union as the Estonian SSR.50 The provisions in the Estonian constitution requiring a popular referendum to decide on joining a supra-national body were ignored. Instead the vote to join the Soviet Union was taken by those elected in the sham elections held in the previous month. Additionally those who had failed to do their "political duty" of voting Estonia into the USSR specifically those who had failed to have their passports stamped for voting were condemned to death by Soviet tribunals.51 The repressions followed with the mass deportations carried out by the Soviets in Estonia on 14 June 1941. Many of the country's political and intellectual leaders were killed or deported to remote areas of the USSR by the Soviet authorities in 19401941. Repressive actions were also taken against thousands of ordinary people. When the German Operation Barbarossa started against the Soviet Union about 34000 young Estonian men were forcibly drafted into the Red Army. Fewer than 30% of them survived the war. Political prisoners who could not be evacuated were executed by the NKVD.52 Many countries including the US did not recognise the annexation of Estonia by the USSR. Such countries recognised Estonian diplomats and consuls who still functioned in many countries in the name of their former governments. These diplomats persisted in this anomalous situation until the ultimate restoration of Baltic independence.53 Contemporary Russian politicians deny that the Republic of Estonia was illegally annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940. They state that the Soviet troops had entered Estonia in 1940 following the agreements and with the consent of the government of the Republic of Estonia regardless of how their actions can be interpreted today. They maintain that the USSR was not in a state of war and was not waging any combat activities on the territory of Estonia; therefore there could be no occupation. The official Soviet and current Russian version claims that Estonians voluntarily gave up their statehood. Freedom fighters of 19441976 are labeled "bandits" or "nazis". The Russian position is not recognised internationally.54 German occupation Main articles: Occupation of Estonia by Nazi Germany Germanisation The Holocaust Reichskommissariat Ostland and Generalplan Ost Jri Uluots After the invasion of the Soviet Union on 22 June 1941 the Wehrmacht traversed about a thousand miles reaching Estonia within days. The German Army crossed the Estonian southern border on 7 July. The Red Army retreated behind the Prnu River Emajgi line on 12 July. At the end of July the Germans resumed their advance in Estonia working in tandem with the Estonian Forest Brothers. Both German troops and Estonian partisans took Narva on 17 August and the Estonian capital Tallinn on 28 August. After the Soviets were driven out from Estonia German troops disarmed all the partisan groups.55 Although initially the Germans were perceived by most Estonians as liberators from the USSR and its repressions and hopes were raised for the restoration of the country's independence it was soon realised that they were but another occupying power. The Germans used Estonia's resources for the war effort; for the duration of the occupation Estonia and was incorporated into the German province of Ostland. This led many Estonians unwilling to side with the Nazis to join the Finnish Army to fight against the Soviet Union. The Finnish Infantry Regiment 200 (Estonian: soomepoisid) was formed out of Estonian volunteers in Finland. Although many Estonians were recruited into the German armed forces (including Estonian Waffen-SS) the majority did so only in 1944 when the threat of a new invasion of Estonia by the Red Army had become imminent and it was clear that Nazi Germany could not win the war.56 By January 1944 the front was pushed back by the Red Army almost all the way to the former Estonian border. Narva was evacuated. Jri Uluots the last legitimate prime minister of the Republic of Estonia (according to the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia) prior to its fall to the Soviet Union in 1940 delivered a radio address that appealed to all able-bodied men born from 1904 through 1923 to report for military service (Before this Jri Uluots had opposed Estonian mobilization.) The call drew support from all across the country: 38000 volunteers jammed registration centres.57 Several thousand Estonians who had joined the Finnish Army came back across the Gulf of Finland to join the newly formed Territorial Defense Force assigned to defend Estonia against the Soviet advance. It was hoped that by engaging in such a war Estonia would be able to attract Western support for the cause of Estonia's independence from the USSR and thus ultimately succeed in achieving independence.58 Soviet Estonia Main articles: Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic Occupation of the Baltic states and Estonian Government in Exile The Soviet forces reconquered Estonia in the autumn of 1944 after fierce battles in the northeast of the country on the Narva river on the Tannenberg Line (Sinimed) in Southeast Estonia on the Emajgi river and in the West Estonian Archipelago. In the face of the country being re-occupied by the Red Army tens of thousands of Estonians (including majority of the education culture science political and social specialists) (estimates as much as 80000) chose to either retreat together with the Germans or flee to Finland or Sweden. On 12 January 1949 the Soviet Council of Ministers issued a decree "on the expulsion and deportation" from Baltic states of "all kulaks and their families the families of bandits and nationalists" and others.59 More than 200000 people are estimated to have been deported from the Baltic in 19401953. In addition at least 75000 were sent to Gulag. More than 10% of the entire adult Baltic population was deported or sent to Soviet labor camps.59 In response to the continuing insurgency against Soviet rule60 more than 20000 Estonians were forcibly deported either to labor camps or Siberia (see Gulag).61 Within the few weeks that followed almost all of the remaining rural households were collectivized. After World War II as part of the goal to more fully integrate Baltic countries into the Soviet Union mass deportations were concluded in the Baltic countries and the policy of encouraging Soviet immigration to the Baltic states continued.62 In addition to the human and material losses suffered due to war thousands of civilians were killed and tens of thousands of people deported from Estonia by the Soviet authorities until Joseph Stalin's death in 1953. Half of the deported perished the other half were not allowed to return until the early 1960s (years after Stalin's death).citation needed The various repressive activities of Soviet forces in 19401941 and after reoccupation sparked a guerrilla war against the Soviet authorities in Estonia which was waged into the early 1950s by "forest brothers" (metsavennad) consisting mostly of Estonian veterans of both the German and Finnish armies as well as some civilians.63 Material damage caused by the world war and the following Soviet era significantly slowed Estonia's economic growth resulting in a wide wealth gap in comparison with neighboring Finland and Sweden.64 Militarization was another aspect of the Soviet regime. Large parts of the country especially the coastal areas were restricted to all but the Soviet military. Most of the sea shore and all sea islands (including Saaremaa and Hiiumaa) were declared "border zones". People not actually resident there were restricted from traveling to them without a permit. A notable closed military installation was the city of Paldiski which was entirely closed to all public access. The city had a support base for the Soviet Baltic Fleet's submarines and several large military bases including a nuclear submarine training centre complete with a full-scale model of a nuclear submarine with working nuclear reactors. The Paldiski reactors building passed into Estonian control in 1994 after the last Soviet troops left the country.6566 Immigration was another effect of Soviet occupation. Hundreds of thousands of migrants were relocated to Estonia from other parts of Soviet Union to assist industrialization and militarization contributing an increase of about half million people within 45 years.67 Post-independence Main articles: Singing Revolution and Baltic Way The US UK France Italy and the majority of other Western democracies considered illegal the annexation of Estonia by the USSR. They retained diplomatic relations with the representatives of the independent Republic of Estonia never de jure recognised the existence of the Estonian SSR and never recognised Estonia as a legal constituent part of the Soviet Union.68 Estonia's return to independence became possible as the Soviet Union faced internal regime challenges loosening its hold on the outer empire. As the 1980s progressed a movement for Estonian autonomy started. In the initial period of 19871989 this was partially for more economic independence but as the Soviet Union weakened and it became increasingly obvious that nothing short of full independence would do the country began a course towards self-determination. Estonia joined the European Union in 2004 and signed the Lisbon Treaty in 2007. In 1989 during the "Singing Revolution" in a landmark demonstration for more independence called The Baltic Way a human chain of more than two million people was formed stretching through Lithuania Latvia and Estonia. All three nations had similar experiences of occupation and similar aspirations for regaining independence. The Estonian Sovereignty Declaration was issued on 16 November 198869 and formal independence declared on 20 August 1991 reconstituting the pre-1940 state during the Soviet military coup attempt in Moscow. The Soviet Union recognised the independence of Estonia on 6 September 1991. The first country to diplomatically recognize Estonia's reclaimed independence was Iceland. The last Russian troops left on 31 August 1994. The 2004 enlargement of the European Union was the largest single expansion of the European Union (EU) both in terms of territory and population however not in terms of gross domestic product (wealth). Estonia was amongst a group of ten countries which were incorporated into the EU on 1 May 2004. The Treaty of Accession 2003 was signed on 16 April 2003. Geography Main articles: Geography of Estonia Protected areas of Estonia Climate of Estonia and Fauna of Estonia Estonia's land border with Latvia runs 267 kilometers; the Russian border runs 290 kilometers. From 1920 to 1945 Estonia's border with Russia set by the 1920 Tartu Peace Treaty extended beyond the Narva River in the northeast and beyond the town of Pechory (Petseri) in the southeast. This territory amounting to some 2300 square kilometers (888 sq mi) was incorporated into Russia by Stalin at the end of World War II. For this reason the borders between Estonia and Russia are not still defined today. Satellite image of Estonia Estonia lies on the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea immediately across the Gulf of Finland from Finland on the level northwestern part of the rising east European platform between 57.3 and 59.5 N and 21.5 and 28.1 E. Average elevation reaches only 50 meters (164 ft) and the country's highest point is the Suur Munamgi in the southeast at 318 meters (1043 ft). There is 3794 kilometers (2357 mi) of coastline marked by numerous bays straits and inlets. The number of islands and islets is estimated at some 1500. Two of them are large enough to constitute separate counties: Saaremaa and Hiiumaa.7071 A small recent cluster of meteorite craters the largest of which is called Kaali is found on Saaremaa Estonia. Estonia is situated in the northern part of the temperate climate zone and in the transition zone between maritime and continental climate. Estonia has four seasons of near-equal length. Average temperatures range from 16.3 C (61.3 F) on the Baltic islands to 18.1 C (64.6 F) inland in July the warmest month and from 3.5 C (25.7 F) on the Baltic islands to 7.6 C (18.3 F) inland in February the coldest month. The average annual temperature in Estonia is 5.2 C (41.4 F).72 The average precipitation in 19611990 ranged from 535 to 727 mm (21.1 to 28.6 in) per year.73 Snow cover which is deepest in the south-eastern part of Estonia usually lasts from mid-December to late March. Estonia has over 1400 lakes. Most are very small with the largest Lake Peipus (Peipsi in Estonian) being 3555 km2 (1373 sq mi). There are many rivers in the country. The longest of them are Vhandu (162 km/101 mi) Prnu (144 km/89 mi) and Pltsamaa (135 km/84 mi).70 Estonia has numerous fens and bogs. Phytogeographically Estonia is shared between the Central European and Eastern European provinces of the Circumboreal Region within the Boreal Kingdom. According to the WWF the territory of Estonia belongs to the ecoregion of Sarmatic mixed forests. Administrative divisions Main articles: Counties of Estonia Municipalities of Estonia Boroughs of Estonia Small boroughs of Estonia and Populated places in Estonia Old town in Haapsalu Main street in Prnu Town Hall in Tartu Kuressaare Castle in winter The Republic of Estonia is divided into fifteen counties (Maakonnad) which are the administrative subdivisions of the country. The first documented mentioning of Estonian political and administrative subdivisions comes from the Chronicle of Henry of Livonia written in the 13th century during the Northern Crusades.74 A maakond (county) is the biggest administrative subdivision. The county government (Maavalitsus) of each county is led by a county governor (Maavanem) who represents the national government at the regional level. Governors are appointed by the Government of Estonia for a term of five years. Several changes were made to the borders of counties after Estonia became independent most notably the formation of Valga County (from parts of Vru Tartu and Viljandi counties) and Petseri County (area acquired from Russia with the 1920 Tartu Peace Treaty). During the Soviet rule Petseri County was annexed and ceded to the Russian SFSR in 1945 where it became one the Pskovs districts. Counties were again re-established on 1 January 1990 in the borders of the Soviet-era regions. Due to the numerous differences between the current and historical (pre-1940 and sometimes pre-1918) layouts the historical borders are still used in ethnology representing cultural and linguistic differences better. Estonia is divided into 15 counties (maakond). Each county is further divided into municipalities (omavalitsus) which is also the smallest administrative subdivision of Estonia. There are two types of municipalities: an urban municipality linn (town) and a rural municipality vald (parish). There is no other status distinction between them. Each municipality is a unit of self-government with its representative and executive bodies. The municipalities in Estonia cover the entire territory of the country. Municipality may contain one or more populated places. Tallinn is divided into eight districts (linnaosa) with limited self-government (Haabersti Kesklinn Kristiine Lasname Mustame Nmme Pirita and Phja-Tallinn). Municipalities range in size from Tallinn with 400000 inhabitants to Ruhnu with as few as 60. As over two-thirds of the municipalities have a population of under 3000 many of them have found it advantageous to co-operate in providing services and carrying out administrative functions. There have also been calls for an administrative reform to merge smaller municipalities together. As of March 2008 there are a total of 227 municipalities in Estonia 33 of them being urban and 193 rural. Politics Main articles: Politics of Estonia List of political parties in Estonia and Elections in Estonia Politics of Estonia takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic republic in which the Prime Minister of Estonia is the head of government and of a multi-party system. The political culture is very stable in Estonia where the power is held between two to three parties that have been in politics for a long time. This situation is similar to other countries in Northern Europe. The current prime minister of Estonia Andrus Ansip is the longest-serving prime minister in Europe. Parliament Main article: Riigikogu The seat of the Parliament of Estonia in Toompea Castle. The Parliament of Estonia (Estonian: Riigikogu) or the legislative branch is elected by people for a four year term by proportional representation. Estonia is a parliamentary representative democratic republic. The Estonian political system operates under a framework laid out in the 1992 constitutional document. The Estonian parliament has 101 members and influences the governing of the state primarily by determining the income and the expenses of the state (establishing taxes and adopting the budget). At the same time the parliament has the right to present statements declarations and appeals to the people of Estonia ratify and denounce international treaties with other states and international organisations and decide on the Government loans.75 The Riigikogu elects and appoints several high officials of the state including the President of the Republic. In addition to that the Riigikogu appoints on the proposal of the President of Estonia the Chairman of the National Court the Chairman of the Board of the Bank of Estonia the Auditor General the Legal Chancellor and the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces. A member of the Riigikogu has the right to demand explanations from the Government of the Republic and its members. This enables the members of the parliament to observe the activities of the executive power and the above mentioned high officials of the state. Government Main articles: Government of Estonia Prime Minister of Estonia and President of Estonia Stenbock House the seat of the Government of Estonia on Toompea Hill The Government of Estonia (Estonian: Vabariigi Valitsus) or the executive branch is formed by the Prime Minister of Estonia nominated by the president and approved by the parliament. The government exercises executive power pursuant to the Constitution of Estonia and the laws of the Republic of Estonia and consists of 12 ministers including the prime minister. The prime minister also has the right to appoint other ministers whom he or she will assign with a subject to deal with and who will not have a ministry to control becoming a minister without portfolio who currently is the Minister of Regions. The prime minister has the right to appoint a maximum of 3 such ministers as the limit of ministers in one government is 15. It is also known as the cabinet. The cabinet carries out the country's domestic and foreign policy shaped by parliament; it directs and co-ordinates the work of government institutions and bears full responsibility for everything occurring within the authority of executive power. The government headed by the Prime Minister thus represents the political leadership of the country and makes decisions in the name of the whole executive power. Estonia has pursued the development of the e-state and e-government. Internet voting is used in elections in Estonia.76 The first Internet voting took place in the 2005 local elections and the first in a parliamentary election was made available for the 2007 elections in which 30275 individuals voted over the Internet. Voters have a chance to invalidate their electronic vote in traditional elections if they wish to. In 2009 in its 8th Worldwide Press Freedom Index Reporters Without Borders ranked Estonia 6th out of 175 countries.77 In the first ever State of World Liberty Index report Estonia was ranked 1st out of 159 countries. Law Main article: Law of Estonia See also: Police and Border Guard Board The Supreme Court building According to the Constitution of Estonia (Estonian: Phiseadus) the supreme power of the state is vested in the people. The people exercise their supreme power of the state on the elections of the Riigikogu through citizens who have the right to vote.78 The supreme judicial power is vested in the Supreme Court or Riigikohus with 19 justices.79 The Chief Justice is appointed by the parliament for nine years on nomination by the president. The official Head of State is the President of Estonia who gives assent to the laws passed by Riigikogu also having the right of sending them back and proposing new laws. The president however does not use these rights very often having a largely ceremonial role. He or she is elected by Riigikogu with two-thirds of the votes required. If the candidate does not gain the amount of votes required the right to elect the president goes over to an electoral body consisting of the 101 members of Riigikogu and representatives from local councils. As other spheres Estonian law-making has been successfully integrated with the Information Age. Foreign relations Main articles: Foreign relations of Estonia Diplomatic missions of Estonia EstoniaRussia relations and Estonia United States relations President Toomas Hendrik Ilves and President George W. Bush in Estonia 2006. Estonia was a member of the League of Nations from 22 September 192180 has been a member of the United Nations since 17 September 199181 and of NATO since 29 March 200482 as well as the European Union since 1 May 2004.83 Estonia has also signed the Kyoto protocol. Estonia is a member of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). As an OSCE participating State Estonias international commitments are subject to monitoring under the mandate of the U.S. Helsinki Commission. Since regaining independence Estonia has pursued a foreign policy of close cooperation with its Western European partners. The two most important policy objectives in this regard have been accession into NATO and the European Union achieved in March and May 2004 respectively. Estonia's international realignment toward the West has been accompanied by a general deterioration in relations with Russia most recently demonstrated by the controversy surrounding the relocation of the Bronze Soldier WWII memorial in Tallinn.84 Estonia is a member of the European parliament since 2004. An important element in Estonia's post-independence reorientation has been closer ties with the Nordic countries especially Finland and Sweden. Indeed Estonians consider themselves a Nordic people rather than Balts8586 based on their historical ties with Sweden Denmark and particularly Finland. In December 1999 then Estonian foreign minister (and since 2006 president of Estonia) Toomas Hendrik Ilves delivered a speech entitled "Estonia as a Nordic Country" to the Swedish Institute for International Affairs.87 In 2003 the foreign ministry also hosted an exhibit called "Estonia: Nordic with a Twist".88 In 2005 Estonia joined the European Union's Nordic Battle Group. It has also shown continued interest in joining the Nordic Council. Whereas in 1992 Russia accounted for 92% of Estonia's international trade89 today there is extensive economic interdependence between Estonia and its Nordic neighbors: three quarters of foreign investment in 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.90 Human rights Main article: Human rights in Estonia Human rights in Estonia are well respected by the government.9192 Estonia is ranked on high levels in democracy93 press freedom94 privacy 95 and human development.96 Individuals are guaranteed basic rights under the constitution legislative acts and treaties relating to human rights ratified by the Estonian government.91929798 Several international and human rights organisations such as Human Rights Watch92 the UN Human Rights Council 99specify and the OSCE100 have found no evidence or pattern of systematic abuse of human rights or discrimination on ethnic grounds while others have raised concerns regarding Estonia's significant Russophone immigrant community for example Amnesty International 101 contends Russian speakers face linguistic discrimination in employment and education when being unable to speak the Estonian language which is the official language of Estonia. According to a 2009 survey by the European Union Fundamental Rights Agency 17% of Russian immigrants living now in Estonia had experienced discrimination based on their ethnic origin.102 Military Main article: Military of Estonia Estonia is a part of the Nordic Battle Group. An Estonian Patria Pasi XA-180 in Afghanistan. Estonian military personnel in training during Erna Retk. The military of Estonia is based upon the Estonian Defence Forces (Estonian: Kaitsevgi) which is the name of the unified armed forces of the republic with Maavgi (Army) Merevgi (Navy) huvgi (Air Force) and a paramilitary national guard organization Kaitseliit (Defence League). The Estonian National Defence Policy aim is to guarantee the preservation of the independence and sovereignty of the state the integrity of its land territorial waters airspace and its constitutional order.103 At the moment the main strategic goals are to be able to defend the country's interests and development of the armed forces which would be ready to be interoperability with the other armed forces of NATO and European Union member states and also their capability to participate in NATO missions. The current national military service (Estonian: ajateenistus) is compulsory for men between 18 and 28 and conscripts serve eight-month to eleven-month tours of duty depending on the army branch they serve in. Estonia has retained conscription unlike Latvia and Lithuania and has no plan to transition to a contract armed forces. In 2008 annual military spending will reach 1.85% of GDP or 5 billion kroons and will continue to increase until 2010 when a 2.0% level is expected to be reached.104 As of January 2008 the Estonian military had almost 300 troops stationed in foreign countries as part of various international peacekeeping forces including 35 Defence League troops stationed in Kosovo; 120 Ground Forces soldiers in the NATO-led ISAF force in Afghanistan; 80 soldiers stationed as a part of MNF in Iraq; and 2 Estonian officers in Bosnia-Herzegovina and 2 Estonian military agents in Israel's Golan Heights.105 The Estonian Defence Forces have also previously had military missions in Croatia from March till October 1995 in Lebanon from December 1996 till June 1997 and in Macedonia from May till December 2003.106 Estonia participates in the Nordic Battlegroup and has announced readiness to send soldiers also to Sudan to Darfur if necessary creating the very first African peacekeeping mission for the armed forces of Estonia.107 The Ministry of Defence and the Defence Forces have been working on a cyberwarfare and defence formation for some years now. In 2007 a military doctrine of an e-military of Estonia was officially introduced as the country was under massive cyberattacks in 2007.108 The proposed aim of the e-military is to secure the vital infrastructure and e-infrastructure of Estonia. The main cyber warfare facility is the Computer Emergency Response Team of Estonia (CERT) which was founded in 2006. The organization operates with the security problems that occur in the local networks also with those which are started there.109 On 25 June 2007 Estonian president Toomas Hendrik Ilves met with the President of the US George W. Bush.110 Among the topics discussed were the attacks on Estonian e-infrastructure.111 The attacks triggered a number of military organisations around the world to reconsider the importance of network security to modern military doctrine. On 14 June 2007 defence ministers of NATO members held a meeting in Brussels issuing a joint communiqu promising immediate action. First public results were estimated to arrive by autumn 2007.112 As to the placement of a NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE) Bush announced his support of Estonia as this centre's location.113 In the aftermath of the 2007 cyberattacks plans to combine network defence with Estonian military doctrine have been nicknamed as the Tiger's Defence in reference to Tiigrihpe.114 The CCDCOE started its operations in November 2008.115 Economy Main article: Economy of Estonia Tornime business area in Tallinn Business quarter in Tartu. As a member of the European Union Estonia's economy is rated as high income by the World Bank. Due to its rapid growth the Estonian economy has often been described as the Baltic Tiger. Beginning 1 January 2011 Estonia adopted the euro and became the 17th eurozone member state.116 According to Eurostat published at 15 November 2010 Estonia has the lowest ratio of government debt to GDP among EU counties as 7.2 percent at the end of 2009.117 The world media has lately started to describe Estonia as Nordic country emphasizing on the economic political and cultural differences between Estonia and its less successful Baltic neighbors.118 A balanced budget almost non-existent public debt flat-rate income tax free trade regime competitive commercial banking sector innovative e-Services and even mobile-based services are all hallmarks of Estonia's market economy. Estonia is producing ca 75% of its consumed electricity.119 Over 85% of it generated with locally mined oil shale.citation needed. Alternative energy sources such as wood peat and biomass make up approximately 9% of primary energy production. Renewable wind energy part was ca 6% of total consumption in 2009.120 Estonia imports needed petroleum products from western Europe and Russia. Oil shale energy telecommunications textiles chemical products banking services food and fishing timber shipbuilding electronics and transportation are key sectors of the economy. The ice-free port of Muuga near Tallinn is a modern facility featuring good transshipment capability a high-capacity grain elevator chill/frozen storage and brand-new oil tanker off-loading capabilities. The railroad serves as a conduit between the West Russia and other points to the East. Estonia is part of the Schengen Area the EU single market and Eurozone (dark blue). Estonia today is mainly influenced by developments in Sweden Finland and Germany the three main trade partners. The government recently increased greatly its spending on innovation. The prime minister of Estonian Reform Party has stated its goal of bringing Estonian GDP per capita into the TOP 5 of EU by 2022. Ireland is sometimes seen as a model for Estonian economic future. Due to the Global Economic Recession the GDP of Estonia decreased by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter of 2008 over 3% in the 3rd quarter of 2008 and over 9% in the 4th quarter of 2008. The Estonian government made a supplementary negative budget which was passed by Riigikogu. The revenue of the budget was decreased for 2008 by EEK 6.1 billion and the expenditure by EEK 3.2 billion.121 In 2010 the economic situation stabilized and started a growth based on strong exports. In the fourth quarter of 2010 Estonian industrial output increased by 23% compared to the year before.122 In 2011 Danske Bank is predicting Estonia's economic growth to be 3.9 percent.123 According to Eurostat data Estonian PPS GDP per capita stood at 67% of the EU average in 2008.124 In March 2011 the average monthly gross salary in Estonia was 843 122125 However there are big differences in GDP between different areas in Estonia. Currently over half of the Estonian GDP is created in the capital Tallinn.126 In 2008 the GDP per capita of Tallinn stood at 172% of the Estonian average.127 This makes the GDP per capita of Tallinn number in at 115% of the European Union average exceeding the average levels of other counties. The unemployment rate was in April 2011 101%.128 Historic development Real GDP growth in Estonia 20002011. By 1929 a stable currency the kroon was established. It is issued by the Bank of Estonia the country's central bank. Trade focused on the local market and the West particularly Germany and the United Kingdom. Only 3% of all commerce was with the USSR. Before the Second World War Estonia was mainly an agricultural country whose products such as butter milk and cheese were widely known on the western European markets. The USSR's forcible annexation of Estonia in 1940 and the ensuing Nazi and Soviet occupation during World War II crippled the Estonian economy. Post-war Sovietization of life continued with the integration of Estonia's economy and industry into the USSR's centrally planned structure. Since re-establishing independence Estonia has styled itself as the gateway between East and West and aggressively pursued economic reform and integration with the West. Estonia's market reforms put it among the economic leaders in the former COMECON area. In 1994 Estonia became one of the first countries to adopt a flat tax with a uniform rate of 26% regardless of personal income. In January 2005 the personal income tax rate was reduced to 24%. Another reduction to 23% followed in January 2006. The income tax rate was decreased to 21% by January 2008.129 The Government of Estonia finalised the design of Estonian euro coins in late 2004 and adopted the euro as the country's currency on 1 January 2011 later than planned due to continued high inflation.116130 Although Estonia is the poorest member of eurozone and constitutes only 0.2% of its gross domestic product the country's debt and deficit levels are among the lowest in the group.116 In 1999 Estonia experienced its worst year economically since it regained independence in 1991 largely because of the impact of the 1998 Russian financial crisis. Estonia joined the WTO in November 1999. With assistance from the European Union the World Bank and the Nordic Investment Bank Estonia completed most of its preparations for European Union membership by the end of 2002 and now has one of the strongest economies of the new member states of the European Union. Estonia joined OECD in 2010. Resources Although Estonia is in general resource-poor the land still offers a large variety of smaller resources. The country has large oil shale and limestone deposits along with forests which cover 506% of the land.131 In addition to oil shale and limestone Estonia also has large reserves of phosphorite pitchblende and granite which are not mined or mined extensively at the moment.132 In recent yearswhen a public debate has been raised in the terms of whether Estonia should build a nuclear power plant in order to secure the energy production after the closure of old units in the Narva Power Plants if they are not reconstructed by the year 2016.133 Industry and environment See also: Oil shale in Estonia Narva Power Plants and Wind power in Estonia Wind farm in Pakri. Food construction and electronic industries are currently among the most important branches of Estonia's industry. In 2007 the construction industry employed more than 80000 people which make around 12% of the entire country's workforce.134 Another important industrial sector is the machinery and chemical industry which is mainly located in Ida-Viru County and around Tallinn. The oil shale based mining industry which is also concentrated in East-Estonia produces around 90% of the entire country's electricity. The extensive oil shale usage however has caused also severe damage to the environment. Although the amount of pollutants emitted to the air have been falling since the 1980s the air is still polluted with sulfur dioxide from the mining industry which was rapidly developed by the Soviet Union in early 1950s. In some areas the coastal seawater is polluted mainly around the Sillame industrial complex.135 Estonia is a dependent country in the terms of energy and energy production. In recent years many local and foreign companies have been investing in renewable energy sources. The importance of wind power has been increasing steadily in Estonia and currently the total amount of energy production from wind is nearly 60 MW while at the same time roughly 399 MW worth of projects are currently being developed and more than 2800 MW worth of projects are being proposed in the Lake Peipus area and the coastal areas of Hiiumaa.136137138 Currentlywhen there are plans to renovate some older units of the Narva Power Plants establish new power stations and provide higher efficiency in oil shale based energy production.139 Estonia liberalised 35% of its electricity market in April 2010; the electricity market as whole will be liberalised by 2013. 140 Together with Lithuania Poland and Latvia the country is considering to participate in the Visaginas nuclear power plant in Lithuania to replace the Ignalina.141142 However due to the slow pace of the project Estonia does not rule out building its own nuclear reactor. Another consideration is doing a joint project with Finland because the two electricity grids are connected.143 The country is considering to apply nuclear power for its oil shale production.144 Estonia has a strong information technology sector partly due to the Tiigrihpe project undertaken in mid-1990s and has been mentioned as the most "wired" and advanced country in Europe in the terms of e-Government of Estonia.145 Skype was written by Estonia-based developers Ahti Heinla Priit Kasesalu and Jaan Tallinn who had also originally developed Kazaa.146 Trade Main article: Tallinn Stock Exchange Estonia Export Import Finland 18.4% 18.2% Sweden 12.4% 9% Latvia 8.9% 5.7% Russia 8.1% 13.1% Germany 5.1% 12.4% Lithuania 4.8% 6.4% Estonia has had a market economy since the end of 1990s and one of the highest per capita income levels in Eastern Europe. Proximity to the Scandinavian markets location between the East and West competitive cost structure and high-skill labour force have been the major Estonian comparative advantages in the beginning of the 2000s. Tallinn as the largest city has emerged as a financial centre and the Tallinn Stock Exchange joined recently with the OMX system. The current government has pursued relatively sound fiscal policies resulting in balanced budgets and low public debt. In 2007 however a large current account deficit and rising inflation put pressure on Estonia's currency which was pegged to the euro highlighting the need for growth in export-generating industries. Estonia exports mainly machinery and equipment wood and paper textiles food products furniture and metals and chemical products.147 Estonia also exports 1.562 billion kilowatt hours of electricity annually.147 At the same time Estonia imports machinery and equipment chemical products textiles food products and transportation equipment.147 Estonia imports 200 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually.147 Between 2007 and 2013 Estonia receives 53.3 billion kroons (3.4 billion euros) from various European Union Structural Funds as direct supports by creating the largest foreign investments into Estonia ever.148 Majority of the European Union financial aid will be invested into to the following fields: energy economies entrepreneurship administrative capability education information society environment protection regional and local development research and development activities healthcare and welfare transportation and labour market.149 Transport Main articles: Transport in Estonia and Rail transport in Estonia Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport. Estonia has been an important transit centre since the medieval period. The country's favorable geographical location along with its developing infrastructure offers good opportunities for all transport and logistics related activities. Rail transport dominates the cargo sector carrying 70% of all goods both domestic and international. Since 2007 the importance of the transport sector to the economy as a whole has been reduced mainly due to the confrontation between Estonia and Russia.150 The road transport sector dominates passenger transport; almost 90% of all passengers travel by road. The reconstruction of the TallinnTartu motorway has gained national attention as it connects two of the largest cities in the country. The motorway reconstruction (2+2 route) is part of the current Government Coalition programme.151 Also the proposed permanent connection to Saaremaa Island is in the national infrastructure building programme. The costs of the projects have been estimated in billions of kroons which have also gained a lot of media attention and caused public debates over the feasibility.152 There are currently five major cargo ports which offer easy navigational access deep waters and good ice conditions. There are 12 airports and one heliport in Estonia of which the Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport is the largest airport providing services to a number of international carriers flying to 23 destinations. Demographics Main article: Demographics of Estonia Population of Estonia 19702010. Data of Statistics Estonia. Prior to World War II ethnic Estonians constituted 88% of the population with national minorities constituting the remaining 12%.153 The largest minority groups in 1934 were Russians Germans Swedes Latvians Jews Poles Finns and Ingrians. The share of Baltic Germans had fallen from 5.3% (46700) in 1881 to 1.3% (16346) in 1934.153154 Between 1945 and 1989 the share of ethnic Estonians in the population resident within currently defined boundaries of Estonia dropped to 61% caused primarily by the Soviet programme promoting mass immigration of urban industrial workers from Russia Ukraine and Belarus as well as by wartime emigration and Stalin's mass deportations and executions. By 1989 minorities constituted more than one-third of the population as the number of non-Estonians had grown almost fivefold. At the end of the 1980s Estonians perceived their demographic change as a national catastrophe. This was a result of the migration policies essential to the Soviet Nationalisation Programme aiming to russify Estonia forceful administrative and military immigration of non-Estonians from the USSR coupled with the mass deportations of Estonians to the USSR. During the purges up to 110000 Estonians were killed or deported. In the decade following the reconstitution of independence large-scale emigration by ethnic Russians and the removal of the Russian military bases in 1994 caused the proportion of ethnic Estonians in Estonia to increase from 61% to 69% in 2006. Modern Estonia is a fairly ethnically heterogeneous country but this heterogeneity is not a feature of much of the country as the non-Estonian population is concentrated in two of Estonia's counties. Thirteen of Estonia's 15 counties are over 80 percent ethnic Estonian the most homogeneous being Hiiumaa where Estonians account for 98.4% of the population. In the counties of Harju (including the capital city Tallinn) and Ida-Viru however ethnic Estonians make up 60% and 20% of the population respectively. Russians make up 25.6% of the total population but account for 36% of the population in Harju county and 70% of the population in Ida-Viru county. The law on the Cultural Autonomy for National Minorities was passed in 1925 which was the first in Europe at the time.citation needed Cultural autonomies could be granted to minorities numbering more than 3000 people with longstanding ties to the Republic of Estonia. Prior to the Soviet occupation the Germans and Jewish minorities managed to elect a cultural council. The Law on Cultural Autonomy for National Minorities was reinstated in 1993. Historically large parts of Estonia's north-western coast and islands have been populated by indigenous ethnically Rannarootslased (Coastal Swedes). The majority of Estonia's Swedish population of 3800 fled to Sweden or were deported in 1944 escaping the advancing Red Army. In the recent years the numbers of Coastal Swedes has risen again numbering in 2008 almost 500 people due to the property reforms in the beginning of 1990s. In 2005 the Ingrian Finnish minority in Estonia elected a cultural council and was granted cultural autonomy. The Estonian Swedish minority similarly received cultural autonomy in 2007. Urbanization Main article: List of cities and towns in Estonia Tallinn is the capital and the largest city of Estonia. It lies on the northern coast of Estonia along the Gulf of Finland. There are currently 33 cities and several town-parish towns in the country. In total there are 47 linn in English meaning both the "cities" and "towns". More than 70% of the population lives in towns. The 20 largest cities are listed below: view talk view talk Largest cities of Estonia 2008 estimatesspecify Tallinn Tartu Rank City Name County Pop. Rank City Name County Pop. Narva Kohtla-Jrve 1 Tallinn Harju 403500 11 Vru Vru 14555 2 Tartu Tartu 101169 12 Valga Valga 13930 3 Narva Ida-Viru 65886 13 Haapsalu Lne 11774 4 Kohtla-Jrve Ida-Viru 47679 14 Jhvi Ida-Viru 11455 5 Prnu Prnu 45500 15 Paide Jrva 9751 6 Viljandi Viljandi 20274 16 Keila Harju 9386 7 Rakvere Lne-Viru 16698 17 Kivili Ida-Viru 6925 8 Sillame Ida-Viru 16567 18 Tapa Lne-Viru 6559 9 Maardu Harju 16570 19 Plva Plva 6510 10 Kuressaare Saare 14919 20 Jgeva Jgeva 6349 Religion Main article: Religion in Estonia St. Olaf's church: The tallest building in the world between 1549 and 1625.155 St. John's church Tartu Estonia's constitution guarantees freedom of religion separation of church and state and individual rights to privacy of belief and religion.156 The largest religious faith in the country is Evangelical Lutheranism adhered to by 14.8% of the population principally ethnic Estonians. Just behind this group in size is the Eastern Orthodox practised chiefly by the Russian minority.157158 According to the Dentsu Communication Institute Inc Estonia is the least religious country in the world with 75.7% of the population claiming to be irreligious.159 The Eurobarometer Poll 2005 found that only 16% of Estonians profess a belief in a God the lowest belief of all countries studied (EU study).160 However in the same study 54% of Estonians while not believing in a God professed belief in a spirit or life force. According to the census of 2000 there were about 152000 Lutherans 143000 Orthodox Christians 5000 Roman Catholics 3700 Jehovah's Witnesses and 1000 adherents of Taaraism161162163 or Maausk in Estonia (see Maavalla Koda). There is a Jewish community in Estonia with an estimated population of about 1900 (see History of the Jews in Estonia). In addition there were around 68000 people who declared themselves to be atheists.158 The country was Christianised by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century. During the Reformation Protestantism spread and the Lutheran church was officially established in Estonia in 1686. Still many Estonians profess not to be particularly religious because religion through the 19th century was associated with German feudal rule.164 Historically there has been also another minority religion Russian Old-believers near Lake Peipus area in Tartu County. Society The Jewish Synagogue in Tallinn Citizenship of the Estonian population (2 July 2010). Data is from Estonia.eu.   Estonian: 1148895   Russian: 95939   Others: 21517   Undetermined: 99173 Today's Estonia is a multinational country where according to the 2000 census altogether 109 languages are spoken. 67.3% of Estonian citizens speak Estonian as their native language 29.7% Russian and 3% speak other languages.165 As of 2 July 2010 84.1% of Estonian residents are Estonian citizens 8.6% are citizens of other countries and 7.3% are "citizens with undetermined citizenship".166 Since 1992 roughly 140000 people have acquired Estonian citizenship through naturalization.167 The ethnic distribution in Estonia is very homogenous where in most counties over 90% of the people are ethnic Estonians. There is a bigger difference in larger cities like Tallinn where Estonians account for 60% of the population. The rest is mainly comprised from Russian- and other slavic background habitat who arrived in Estonia during the Soviet Occupation. According to the surveys only 5% of the Russian community have thought of turning back to Russia in the near future. Estonian Russians have developed their own identity more than half of the respondents recognised that Estonian Russians differ noticeably from the Russians in Russia. When comparing the result with a survey from 2000 then Russians attitude towards the future is much more positive.168 Women are leading Estonia's scientific society. In 2006 over 60% of the scientists in Estonia were women. Family Upon giving birth the Estonian government grants one of the parents 100% of their former salary for 18 months. After 1.5 years the parent has the right to resume on her/his former position. In addition the parent and child will also receive free healthcare. These measures which have been in force from 2005 have drastically increased the birth rate in Estonia over the years. State of The World's Mothers 2011 report ranked Estonia as the 18th best country in the world to be a mother ahead of countries like Canada and The United States.169 Languages The sole official language Estonian belongs to the Finnic branch of the Uralic languages. Estonian is thus closely related to Finnish spoken on the other side of the Gulf of Finland and is one of the few languages of Europe that is not of an Indo-European origin. Despite some overlaps in the vocabulary due to borrowings in terms of its origin Estonian and Finnish are not related to their nearest geographical neighbours Swedish Latvian and Russian which are all Indo-European languages. Russian is still spoken as a secondary language by forty- to seventy-year-old ethnic Estonians because Russian was the unofficial language of the Estonian SSR from 1944 to 1991 and taught as a compulsory second language during the Soviet era. In 1998 most first and second generation industrial immigrants from various parts of the former Soviet Union (mainly Russia (RSFSR)) did not speak Estonian.170 However by 2010 64.1% of non-ethnic Estonians spoke Estonian.171 The latter mostly Russian-speaking ethnic minorities reside predominantly in the capital city of Tallinn and the industrial urban areas in Ida-Virumaa. In the small Noarootsi Parish in Lnemaa (known as Nuck kommun in Swedish and Noarootsi vald in Estonian) both Swedish and Estonian are co-official languages and there are 22 villages with officially bilingual names.172 The most common foreign languages learned by Estonians are English Russian Finnish German and Swedish. Education and science Main article: Education in Estonia See also: List of universities in Estonia Space science in Estonia and Tiigrihpe The University of Tartu at Christmas The history of formal education in Estonia dates back to the 1314th centuries when the first monastic and cathedral schools were founded. The first primer in the Estonian language was published in 1575. The oldest university is the University of Tartu which was established by the Swedish king Gustav II Adolf in 1632. In 1919 university courses were first taught in the Estonian language. Today's education in Estonia is divided into general vocational and hobby education. The education system is based on four levels which include the pre-school basic secondary and higher education.173 A wide network of schools and supporting educational institutions have been established. The Estonian educational system consists of state municipal public and private educational institutions. There are currently 589 schools in Estonia.174 According to the Programme for International Student Assessment the performance levels of gymnasium-aged pupils in Estonia is among the highest in the world. The sports hall of Tallinn English College Academic higher education in Estonia is divided into three levels: bachelor's studies master's studies and doctoral studies. In some specialties (basic medical studies veterinary pharmacy dentistry architect-engineer and a classroom teacher programme) the Bachelors and Master's levels are integrated into one unit.175 Estonian public universities have significantly more autonomy than applied higher education institutions. In addition to organizing the academic life of the university universities can create new curricula establish admission terms and conditions approve the budget approve the development plan elect the rector and make restricted decisions in matters concerning assets.176 Estonia has a moderate number of public and private universities. The largest public universities are Tartu University Tallinn University of Technology Tallinn University Estonian University of Life Sciences Estonian Academy of Arts and the largest private university is Estonian Business School. The Estonian Academy of Sciences is Estonia's national academy of science. The first computer centres were established in late 1950s in Tartu and Tallinn. Estonian specialists contributed in the development of software engineering standards for different ministries of the Soviet Union during the 1980s.177178 Culture Main articles: Culture of Estonia and List of Estonians Estonia Theatre The culture of Estonia incorporates indigenous heritage as represented by the Estonian language and the sauna with mainstream Nordic and European cultural aspects. Due to its history and geography Estonia's culture has been influenced by the traditions of the adjacent area's various Finnic Baltic Slavic and Germanic peoples as well as the cultural developments in the former dominant powers Sweden and Russia. Traditionally Estonia has been seen as an area of rivalry between western and eastern Europe on many levels. An example of this geopolitical legacy is an exceptional combination of nationally recognised Christian traditions: a western Protestant and an eastern Orthodox Church. Like the mainstream culture in the other Nordic countries Estonian culture can be seen to build upon the ascetic environmental realities and traditional livelihoods a heritage of comparatively widespread egalitarianism out of practical reasons (see: Everyman's right and universal suffrage) and the ideals of closeness to nature and self-sufficiency (see: summer cottage).179 The Estonian Academy of Arts (Estonian: Eesti Kunstiakadeemia EKA) is providing higher education in art design architecture media art history and conservation while Viljandi Culture Academy of University of Tartu has an approach to popularize native culture through such curricula as native construction native blacksmithing native textile design traditional handicraft and traditional music but also jazz and church music. Literature Main article: Literature of Estonia See also: Estophile National Library of Estonia. The Estonian literature refers to literature written in the Estonian language (ca. 1 million speakers).180 The domination of Estonia after the Northern Crusades from the 13th century to 1918 by Germany Sweden and Russia resulted in few early written literary works in the Estonian language. The oldest records of written Estonian date from the 13th century. Originates Livoniae in Chronicle of Henry of Livonia contains Estonian place names words and fragments of sentences. The Liber Census Daniae (1241) contains Estonian place and family names.181 The cultural stratum of Estonian was originally characterized by a largely lyrical form of folk poetry based on syllabic quantity. Apart from a few albeit remarkable exceptions this archaic form has not been much employed in later times. One of the most outstanding achievements in this field is the national epic Kalevipoeg. At a professional level traditional folk song reached its new heyday during the last quarter of the 20th century primarily thanks to the work of composer Veljo Tormis. Oskar Luts was the most prominent prose writer of the early Estonian literature who is still widely read today especially his lyrical school novel Kevade (Spring).182 Anton Hansen Tammsaare's social epic and psychological realist pentalogy Truth and Justice captured the evolution of Estonian society from a peasant community to an independent nation.183184 In modern times Jaan Kross and Jaan Kaplinski remain to be Estonia's best known and most translated writers.185 Among the most popular writers of the late 20th and early 21st centuries are Tnu nnepalu and Andrus Kivirhk who uses elements of Estonian folklore and mythology deforming them into absurd and grotesque.186 Media See also: List of Estonian films and List of Estonian war films The cinema of Estonia started in 1908 with the production of a newsreel about Swedish King Gustav V's visit to Tallinn.187 The first public TV broadcast in Estonia was in July 1955. Regular live radio-broadcasts began already in December 1926. Deregulation in the field of electronic media has brought radical changes compared to the beginning of 1990s. The first licenses for private TV broadcasters were issued in 1992. The first private radio station went on the air in 1990. Today the media is a vibrant sector at the forefront of change in Estonian society. There is a plethora of weekly newspapers and magazines. Estonians have a choice of 9 domestic TV channels and a host of radio stations. The Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and the fact that Estonia does have a free press is recognised by various international press freedom bodies like the US-based Freedom House and Reporters Without Borders who ranks Estonia media as one of the most free in world in their Worldwide Press Freedom Index. Estonia has two news agencies. The Baltic News Service (BNS) founded in 1990 is a private regional news agency covering Estonia Latvia and Lithuania. The ETV24 is an agency owned by Eesti Rahvusringhling who is a publicly funded radio and television organization created on 30 June 2007 to take over the functions of the formerly separate Eesti Raadio and Eesti Televisioon under the terms of the Estonian National Broadcasting Act.188189 Music Main article: Music of Estonia See also: Estonian national awakening Estonian Song Festival and Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest A moment before the opening of the 25th Estonian Song Festival (2009) at the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds The earliest mentioning of Estonian singing dates back to Saxo Grammaticus Gesta Danorum (ca. 1179).190 Saxo speaks of Estonian warriors who sang at night while waiting for a battle. The older folksongs are also referred to as regilaulud songs in the poetic metre regivrss the tradition shared by all Baltic Finns. Runic singing was widespread among Estonians until the 18th century when it started to be replaced by rhythmic folksongs. Traditional wind instruments derived from those used by shepherds were once widespread but are now becoming again more commonly played. Other instruments including the fiddle zither concertina and accordion are used to play polka or other dance music. The kannel is a native instrument that is now again becoming more popular in Estonia. A Native Music Preserving Centre was opened in 2008 in Viljandi.191 Arvo Prt Estonia's most renowned composer. The tradition of Estonian Song Festivals (Laulupidu) started at the height of the Estonian national awakening in 1869. Today it is one of the largest amateur choral events in the world as the joint choir usually comprises 18000 people.192 In 2004 a total of 34000 participated in the Song Festival held before an audience of 200000.193 Since 1928 the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds (Lauluvljak) host the event every five years in July.192 The next festival will take place in 2014. In addition Youth Song Festivals are held in every five years last of them in 2007. Professional Estonian musicians and composers such as Rudolf Tobias Mart Saar and Artur Kapp emerged in the late 19th century. At the time of this writing the most known Estonian composers are Arvo Prt Eduard Tubin and Veljo Tormis. In the 1950s Estonian baritone Georg Ots rose to worldwide prominence as an opera singer. In popular music Estonian artist Kerli Kiv has become popular in Europe as well as gaining moderate popularity in North America. She has provided music for the 2010 Disney film Alice in Wonderland and the television series Smallville in the United States of America. Kerli Kiv performing in London in 2008. Estonia won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2001 with the song "Everybody" performed by Tanel Padar and Dave Benton. In 2002 Estonia hosted the event. Maarja-Liis Ilus has competed for Estonia on two occasions (1996 and 1997) while Eda-Ines Etti Koit Toome and Evelin Samuel owe their popularity partly to the Eurovision Song Contest. Holidays Main article: Public holidays in Estonia The Estonian National Day is the Independence Day celebrated on 24 February the day the Estonian Declaration of Independence was issued. As of 2010 there are 12 public holidays (which come with a day off) and 12 national holidays celebrated annually.194195 Public holidays in Estonia Date New Year's Day 1 January Independence Day 24 February Good Friday 2 April Easter Sunday 4 April Spring Day 1 May Pentecost 23 May Victory Day 23 June St. John's Day or Midsummer Day 24 June Day of Restoration of Independence 20 August Christmas Eve 24 December Christmas Day 25 December Boxing Day 26 December Cuisine Main article: Estonian cuisine See also: Kama (food) Kalev (confectioner) Kohuke and Verivorst A. Le Coq Saku Originaal Two of the most popular beers in Estonia. Historically the cuisine of Estonia has been heavily dependent on seasons and simple peasant food which today is influenced by many countries. Today it includes many typical international foods. The most typical foods in Estonia are black bread pork potatoes and dairy products.196 Traditionally in summer and spring Estonians like to eat everything fresh berries herbs vegetables and everything else that comes straight from the garden. Hunting and fishing have also been very common although currently hunting and fishing are enjoyed mostly as hobbies. Today it is also very popular to grill outside in summer. Traditionally in winter jams preserves and pickles are brought to the table. Estonia has been through rough times in the past and thus gathering and conserving fruits mushrooms and vegetables for winter has always been essential. Today gathering and conserving is not that common because everything can be bought from stores but preparing food for winter is still very popular in the countryside and still has somewhat ritual significance. Being a country with a large coastal line fish has also been very important. Sports Main article: Sport in Estonia Estonian delegation in Vancouver 2010. Sport plays an important role in Estonian culture. After declaring independence from Russia in 1918 Estonia first competed as a nation at the 1920 Summer Olympics although the National Olympic Committee was established in 1923. Estonian athletes took part of the Olympic Games until the country was annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940. The 1980 Summer Olympics Sailing regatta was held in the capital city Tallinn. After regaining independence in 1991 Estonia has participated in all Olympics. Estonia has won most of its medals in athletics weightlifting wrestling and cross-country skiing. The list of notable Estonian athletes include wrestlers Kristjan Palusalu Voldemar Vli and Georg Lurich skiers Andrus Veerpalu and Kristina migun-Vhi decathlonist Erki Nool tennis player Kaia Kanepi cyclists Jaan Kirsipuu and Erika Salume and discus throwers Gerd Kanter and Aleksander Tammert. Kiiking a relatively new sport was invented in 1996 by Ado Kosk in Estonia. Kiiking involves a modified swing in which the rider of the swing tries to go around 360 degrees. International rankings The following are links to international rankings of Estonia. Index Rank Countries reviewed Index of Economic Freedom 2010 14th 157 Privacy International Yearly Privacy ranking of countries 2007 5th 45 Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index 2010 9th 178 State of World Liberty Index 1st 159 Human Development Index 2010 34th 169 Corruption Perceptions Index 2010 26th 178 Networked Readiness Index 20092010 25th 133 Ease of Doing Business Index 2011 17th 158 State of The Worlds Mothers Index 2011 18th 164 See also Estonia portal European Union portal Main article: Outline of Estonia Index of Estonia-related articles List of twin towns and sister cities in Estonia References "Population by ethnic nationality 1 January year". stat.ee. Statistics Estonia. http://www.stat.ee/34278. Retrieved 2010-Dec-29.  "Statistics Estonia". Stat.ee. 1 January 2010. http://www.stat.ee/main-indicators. Retrieved 2 June 2010.  (in Estonian and English) (PDF) 2000. Aasta rahva ja eluruumide loendus (Population and Housing Census). 2. 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Retrieved 2 June 2010.  Future Report: Finnish and Estonian joint nuclear power station could be located in Estonia Postimees (Estonian) "Invest in Estonia: Overview of the Construction industry in Estonia". Web.archive.org. Archived from the original on 21 October 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/20071021094336/http://www.investinestonia.com/index.phpoptiondisplaypage&Itemid118&oppage&SubMenu. Retrieved 2 June 2010.  "Environment current issues in Estonia. CIA Factbook". Umsl.edu. http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2005/geos/en.html. Retrieved 2 June 2010.  "Estonian Wind Power Association". Tuuleenergia.ee. http://www.tuuleenergia.ee/path0x139x173. Retrieved 2 June 2010.  Peipsile vib kerkida mitusada tuulikut Postimees (Estonian) Tuule pdmine on saanud Eesti kullapalavikuks Estonian Daily (Estonian) "State Environment in Estonia". Enrin.grida.no. http://enrin.grida.no/htmls/estonia/env2001/content/soe/air2-3.htm. 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Retrieved 2 June 2010.  Hackers Take Down the Most Wired Country in Europe August 2007 "Skype  A Baltic Success Story". credit-suisse.com. http://emagazine.credit-suisse.com/app/article/index.cfmfuseactionOpenArticle&aoid163167&coid7805&langEN. Retrieved 24 February 2008.  a b c d "CIA World Factbook: Estonia". Cia.gov. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/en.html. Retrieved 23 December 2010.  "European Union Structural Funds in Estonia". Struktuurifondid.ee. http://struktuurifondid.ee/. Retrieved 2 June 2010.  Riigi Raha Raamatdead link (Estonian) "Estonian rail transport reduced 245% in 2007". Aerogistica.com. http://aerogistica.com/leht/index.phpoptioncomcontent&taskview&id390&Itemid181. Retrieved 2 June 2010.  "Programme of the Coalition for 20072011: Rural life regional and infrastructure development policy". Valitsus.ee. http://www.valitsus.ee/id1468. Retrieved 2 June 2010. dead link Saaremaamandri sild saab sltumatu Eesti proovikiviks (Estonian) a b "Ethnic minorities in Estonia: past and present". Einst.ee. http://www.einst.ee/factsheets/ethnicminor/. Retrieved 2 June 2010.  Baltic Germans in Estonia. Estonian Institute www.einst.ee tallest building Constitution of Estonia#Chapter 2: Fundamental Rights Liberties and Duties Article 40.42. "Estonia Today Religion". Holy Trinity. 8 June 1993. http://www.holy-trinity.org/estonia/7.19.95.government.html. Retrieved 2 June 2010.  a b "Statistical database: Population Census 2000 Religious affiliation". Statistics Estonia. 22 October 2002. http://pub.stat.ee/px-web.2001/IDatabas/Populationcensus/16Religiousaffiliation/16Religiousaffiliation.asp. Retrieved 2 June 2010.  "". .ttcn.ne.jp. http://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/honkawa/9460.html. Retrieved 2011-06-05.  "Social Values" (PDF). http://ec.europa.eu/publicopinion/archives/ebs/ebs225reporten.pdf. Retrieved 2011-06-05.  "Maavald". Maavald.ee. http://www.maavald.ee/eng/uudised.htmlrubriik50&id363&oplugu. Retrieved 2 June 2010.  " Ii Mmiii ". Einst.ee. http://www.einst.ee/culture/IIMMIII/kaasik.html. Retrieved 2 June 2010.  Barry Ellen (9 November 2008). "Some Estonians return to pre-Christian animist traditions". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/09/world/europe/09iht-estonia.4.18535971.html. Retrieved 2 May 2010.  "Estonia Religion". Country Studies. http://www.country-studies.com/estonia/religion.html. Retrieved 2 June 2010.  "POPULATION BY THE PLACE OF RESIDENCE AND MOTHER TONGUE Statistical database: Population Census 2000". Statistics Estonia (government agency at the area of administration of the Ministry of Finance). July 2010. http://pub.stat.ee/px-web.2001/Dialog/varval.aspmaPC223&tiPOPULATION+BY+THE+PLACE+OF+RESIDENCE+AND+MOTHER+TONGUE&path../IDatabas/Populationcensus/08Ethnicnationality.Mothertongue.Commandofforeignlanguages/&lang1. Retrieved 19 June 2009.  "Citizenship". Estonia.eu. 13 July 2010. http://estonia.eu/about-estonia/society/citizenship.html. Retrieved 18 August 2010.  Eesti andis mullu kodakondsuse 2124 inimesele Postimees http://web-static.vm.ee/static/failid/195/yhiskond.pdf http://www.savethechildren.org/atf/cf/%7B9def2ebe-10ae-432c-9bd0-df91d2eba74a%7D/SOWM2011INDEX.PDF "Kirch Aksel. "Russians in contemporary Estonia different strategies of the integration in to the nation-state."". Ies.ee. 10 February 1998. http://www.ies.ee/15102000.htm. Retrieved 2 June 2010.  Table ML133 Eesti Statistika accessed 30 April 2011 "Information about the bilingual Estonian/Swedish parish of Noarootsi". Noavv.ee. http://www.noavv.ee/swe. Retrieved 2 June 2010.  "Haridus- ja Teadusministeerium". Hm.ee. http://www.hm.ee/index.php. Retrieved 23 December 2010.  Estonian Education Infosystemdead link (Estonian) "National summary sheets on education systems in Europe and ongoing reforms: Estonia". Eurydice. February 2009. http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/education/eurydice/documents/eurybase/nationalsummarysheets/047EEEN.pdf. Retrieved 19 September 2009.  "Implementation of Bologna Declaration in Estonia". Bologna-berlin2003.de. http://www.bologna-berlin2003.de/en/nationalreports/index.htm. Retrieved 2 June 2010.  A. Kalja J. Pruuden B. Tamm E. Tyugu Two Families of Knowledge Based CAD Environments. In: Software for Manufacturing (North-Holland) 1989 pp 125134 H. Jaakkola A. Kalja Estonian Information Technology Policy in Government Industry and Research. In: Technology Management: Strategies and Applications. (Vol. 3 No. 3) 1997 pp 299307 Culture of Estonia Wikipedia Estonian literature at Encyclopdia Britannica The Development of Written Estonian By George Kurman ISBN 0-7007-0380-2 Seeking the contours of a truly Estonian literature Estonica.org Literature and an independent Estonia Estonica.org Anton Tammsaare (18781940) originally Anton Hansen Pegasos Helsinki Jaan Kross at google.books Andrus Kivirhk. The Old Barny (novel) Estonian Literature Centre "Cinema of Estonia". Einst.ee. http://www.einst.ee/publications/kultuur/cinema.html. Retrieved 2 June 2010.  Johnstone Sarah (2007). Europe on a Shoestring. Lonely Planet. p. 325. ISBN 9781741045918. http://books.google.com/idxvS1r8Ql0AC&pgPA325. Retrieved 17 September 2009.  Maier Michaela (2006). Campaigning in Europe. LIT Verlag Berlin-Hamburg-Mnster. p. 398. ISBN 9783825893224. http://books.google.com/idj9NjsybIcgoC&pgPA398. Retrieved 17 September 2009.  The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians; p.358 ISBN 0-333-23111-2 Estonian Native Music Preserving Centre is opened (Estonian) a b The historical overview of Estonian Song Celebrationsdead link Estonian Song and Dance Celebration Foundation Welcomedead link Estonian Song and Dance Celebration Foundation "Phade ja thtpevade seadus" (in Estonian). Riigi Teataja. In effect since 26 February 2010. https://www.riigiteataja.ee/akt/13276841. Retrieved 19 December 2010.  "Estonian Holidays in 2010". Estonian Foreign Ministry. http://www.vm.ee/en/node/5753. Retrieved 19 December 2010.  Estonian Food Inforserver (Estonian) Further reading Giuseppe D'Amato Travel to the Baltic Hansa. The European Union and its enlargement to the East. Book in Italian. Viaggio nellHansa baltica. LUnione europea e lallargamento ad Est. Greco&Greco editori Milano 2004. ISBN 88-7980-355-7 Hiden John; and Patrick Salmon (1991). The Baltic Nations and Europe: Estonia Latvia and Lithuania in the Twentieth Century. London: Longman. ISBN 0-582-08246-3.  Laar Mart (1992). War in the Woods: Estonia's Struggle for Survival 19441956. trans. Tiina Ets. Washington D.C.: Compass Press. ISBN 0-929590-08-2.  Lieven Anatol (1993). The Baltic Revolution: Estonia Latvia Lithuania and the Path to Independence. New Haven: Yale University Press. ISBN 0-300-05552-8.  Raun Toivo U. (1987). Estonia and the Estonians. Stanford Calif.: Hoover Institution Press Stanford University. ISBN 0-8179-8511-5.  Smith David J. (2001). Estonia: Independence and European Integration. London: Routledge. ISBN 0-415-26728-5.  Smith Graham (ed.) (1994). The Baltic States: The National Self-determination of Estonia Latvia and Lithuania. New York: St. Martin's Press. ISBN 0-312-12060-5.  Taagepera Rein (1993). Estonia: Return to Independence. Boulder Colo.: Westview Press. ISBN 0-8133-1199-3.  Taylor Neil (2004). Estonia (4th ed.). Chalfont St. Peter: Bradt. ISBN 1-84162-095-5.  Williams Nicola; Debra Herrmann and Cathryn Kemp (2003). Estonia Latvia and Lithuania (3rd ed.). London: Lonely Planet. ISBN 1-74059-132-1.  Subrenat Jean-Jacques (Ed.) (2004). Estonia identity and independence. Rodopi. ISBN 90-420-0890-3.  External links Find more about Estonia on Wikipedia's sister projects: Definitions from Wiktionary Images and media from Commons Learning resources from Wikiversity News stories from Wikinews Quotations from Wikiquote Source texts from Wikisource Textbooks from Wikibooks Wikibooks Cookbook has a recipe/module on Estonia Government Official gateway to Estonia E-Estonia Portal Estonian E-Government Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Chief of State and Cabinet Members General information Encyclopedia Estonica Estonian Institute Statistical Office of Estonia Estonia entry at The World Factbook Estonia at UCB Libraries GovPubs Estonia at the Open Directory Project Wikimedia Atlas of Estonia Travel Visit-Estonia Portal Estonia travel guide from Wikitravel News ERR News ERR Uudised Eesti Paevaleht htuleht Postimees Baltic Reports Estonian Free Press Baltic Business News Delfi  Articles related to Estonia v d e Estonia topics History Timeline  Ancient Estonia  Livonian Crusade  Danish Estonia  German Bishoprics and the Livonian Order  Baltic Germans  Livonian War  Polish Livonia  Swedish Estonia  Great Northern War  Russian Estonia and Livonia  Age of Awakening  Declaration of Independence  War of Independence  Republic of Estonia  Vaps Movement  Era of Silence  Occupation of Estonia  World War II  Forest Brothers  Deportations  Estonian SSR  Singing Revolution Geography Climate  Counties municipalities and populated places  Extreme Points  Fauna  Islands  Lakes  Rivers  Outline  Protected areas  Towns Law Constitution  Supreme Court  Law enforcement  Crime  Human rights  LGBT rights Politics Parliament  Government (Exile)  Prime Minister  President  Elections  Political parties  Foreign relations  List of rulers Economy Euro  Bank of Estonia  Tallinn Stock Exchange  Agriculture  Oil shale  Transport  Companies Military Military history  Ground Forces  Navy  Air Force  Defence League  Military ranks  Wars Symbols Name  National flag  Flags  Coat of 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Thtvere  Vara  Vnnu  lenurme  Helme  Hummuli  Karula  Palupera  Puka  Pdrala  Sangaste  taheva  Tlliste  Otep  ru  Abja  Halliste  Karksi  Kolga-Jaani  Paistu  Prsti  Suure-Jaani  Tarvastu  Viiratsi  Anstla  Haanja  Lasva  Mereme  Misso  Mniste  Ruge  Srmepalu  Varstu  Kehtna  Koonga  Vastseliina  Vru  Vtsa v d eCities and towns (Linnad) of Estonia Abja-Paluoja  Antsla  Elva  Haapsalu  Jgeva  Jhvi  Kallaste  Krdla  Karksi-Nuia  Kehra  Keila  Kilingi-Nmme  Kivili  Kohtla-Jrve  Kunda  Kuressaare  Lihula  Loksa  Maardu  Misakla  Mustvee  Narva  Narva-Jesuu  Otep  Paide  Paldiski  Prnu  Pltsamaa  Plva  Pssi  Rakvere  Rpina  Rapla  Saue  Sillame  Sindi  Suure-Jaani  Tallinn  Tamsalu  Tapa  Tartu  Trva  Tri  Valga  Viljandi  Vhma  Vru Jaanilinn (Ivangorod) and Petseri (Pechory) were annexed by the Soviet Union in 1945 and are currently part of Russia. v d eBoroughs (Alevid ja alevikud) of Estonia Boroughs (Alevid) Aegviidu  Jrva-Jaani  Jrvakandi  Kiili  Kohila  Kohtla-Nmme  Lavassaare  Mrjamaa  Prnu-Jaagupi  Tootsi  Vndra Small boroughs (Alevikud) Adavere  Ahja  ksi  Alatskivi  Alu  mari  Ambla  Aravete  Are  Arukla  Aseri  Assaku  Aste  Audru  Avinurme  Eidapere  Erra  Haabneeme  Hdemeeste  Hageri  Hagudi  Haljala  Halliste  Harku  Helme  Hulja  Hummuli  Iisaku  Ilmatsalu  Jgeva  Jri  Juuru  Krdi  Kadrina  Kaerepere  Kina  Kaiu  Kamari  Kambja  Kanepi  Kangru  Kravete  Karjakla  Krla  Kru  Kasep  Keava  Kehtna  Keila-Joa  Kihelkonna  Kiisa  Kiiu  Kiltsi  Klooga  Kobela  Koeru  Kolga  Kolga-Jaani  Kolkja  Kpu  Krgessaare  Krvekla  Kose (Harju)  Kose (Vru)  Kose-Uuemisa  Kostivere  Kudjape  Kurekla  Kuremaa  Kuusalu  Kuusiku  Laagri  Laatre  Laekvere  Lagedi  Lhte  Laiuse  Lehtse  Leisi  Lelle  Lepna  Lohusuu  Loo  Lganuse  Luige  Luunja  Metaguse  Mrja  Mehikoorma  Misso  Mooste  Mustla  Npi  Nasva  No  Oisu  isu  Olgina  Olustvere  Orissaare  ru  Paikuse  Pajusti  Palamuse  Palivere  Paralepa  Parksepa  Peetri  Prillime  Puhja  Puka  Puurmani  Raasiku  Rakke  Ramsi  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Belgium  Bulgaria  Cyprus  Czech Republic  Denmark  Estonia  Finland  France  Germany  Greece  Hungary  Ireland  Italy  Latvia  Lithuania  Luxembourg  Malta  Netherlands  Poland  Portugal  Romania  Slovakia  Slovenia  Spain  Sweden  United Kingdom. Special administrative region of the People's Republic of China. Designated name for the Republic of China (commonly known as Taiwan) v d eCouncil of Europe Institutions Secretary General  Committee of Ministers  Parliamentary Assembly  Congress  Court of Human Rights  Commissioner for Human Rights  Commission for the Efficiency of Justice  Commission against Racism and Intolerance Members Full Albania  Andorra  Armenia  Austria  Azerbaijan  Belgium  Bosnia and Herzegovina  Bulgaria  Croatia  Cyprus  Czech Republic  Denmark  Estonia  Finland  France  Georgia  Germany  Greece  Hungary  Iceland  Ireland  Italy  Latvia  Liechtenstein  Lithuania  Luxembourg  Macedonia1  Malta  Moldova  Monaco  Montenegro  Netherlands  Norway  Poland  Portugal  Romania  Russia  San Marino  Serbia  Slovakia  Slovenia  Spain  Sweden  Switzerland  Turkey  Ukraine  United Kingdom Observer Canada  Israel  Japan  Mexico  United States  Vatican City Former Czechoslovakia (19911992)  Saar (assoc. 19501956) 1 Provisionally referred to by the Council of Europe as "the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia"; see Macedonia naming dispute.  Languages v d eUralic languages Finnic Estonian (Vro)  Finnish (Kven  Menkieli)  Ingrian  Karelian (Ludic  Olonets Karelian)  Livonian  Veps  Votic Sami Akkala  Inari  Kemi  Kildin  Lule  Northern  Pite  Skolt  Southern  Ter  Ume Miscellanea Mari (Hill   Meadow)  Erzya  Moksha  Merya  Muromian   Meshcherian Permic Komi (Zyrian  Permyak  Yodzyak)  Udmurt Ugric Hungarian  Khanty  Mansi Samoyedic Enets  Yurats  Forest Nenets  Tundra Nenets  Nganasan  Kamassian  Koibal  Mator  Selkup Italics indicate extinct languages Coordinates: 59N 26E / 59N 26E / 59; 26