Estonia

Name: Estonia — country profile data
Creator: CountryReports

Eesti

Capital:Tallinn

Population:1.3M

Currency:Euros (EUR)

Language:Estonian (official), Russian, Ukrainian, Finnish, other

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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Estonia.

Estonia Factsheet

Customs and Culture

About the People

Estonians are generally well educated and possess a wide range of skills. They like orderliness, hard work and efficiency. Estonians are generally shy and withdrawn. However among friends they are quite hospitable.

Cultural Attributes

Digital Nation of the Baltic

Greetings, Gestures & Visiting

Estonian first names for males often end in the letter o. Young people greet elders first. Men greet women first. Estonians do not use first names until invited to do so. Estonians maintain eye contact and generally talk with their hands. Adults do not chew gum in public.

Usually people shake hands when meeting and departing. It is polite to look people in the eyes. When meeting someone for the first time it is polite to say teie. In Estonia the half hour is counted before the hour not after it. If you are going to be late it is expected to call and let your friends know.To arrive 30 minutes late is considered a social error.

Western style clothing is typically worn. Men dress conservatively and wearing a tie is optional. Women like to dress sharp and the quality of your clothes is more impressive than the fashion. Traditional dress for women includes long heavy woven skirts gathered at the waist and usually red, black orange or yellow in color. The are decorated with either fine vertical stripes or wide horizontal bands. White long-sleeve blouses are worn above the skirt with wide lace edged collars and cuffs. The blouses are sometimes embroidered with floral designs. The outfit is usually worn with white stockings and black shoes. Men wear black breeches fastened at the knees with silver buttons and a patterned vest over a long white shirt. Sometimes a skull cap is worn on the head.

Diet

Sult is often eaten as part of the Christmas dinner. Lunch is the biggest meal of the day with a typical meal consisting of meat and potatoes with gravy and a salad. Pizza and hamburgs are becoming popular lunchtime favorites. Most Estonians are health conscious and try to eat fresh fruits and vegetables.

Family

It is common for both the husband and wife to work. School children often get home earlier than their parents and spend the time home alone.

Recreation

Estonians like basketball, skiing, and soccer. There are also many yachting clubs. Many Estonians especially women like gardening.

Holidays

Independence Day
2/24
Independence Day
24 February 1918 is the date Estonia declared its independence from Soviet Russia; 20 August 1991 is the date it declared its independence from the Soviet Union
Christmas
12/25
Christmas
The Jõulud (Christmas) season extends from Advent to Epiphany, with the main holidays being Christmas Eve and the two days following Christmas. In southern Estonia Christmas is known as Talvistepüha (Winter Holiday). Christmas trees are decorated with small toys, sweets and candles. On Christmas Eve the President makes a declaration of “Christmas Peace” a tradition practiced since the seventeenth century. Following Christmas Eve church service, families put candles on the on the graves of ancestors. Christmas Day is a time for immediate family, while the rest of the season is a time for entertaining friends and guests.
Seven to twelve different meals are served on Christmas Eve symbolizing bounty for the coming year. The menu consist of pork with sauerkraut, “white” and “blood” sausages, Christmas barrow (bread), ale and mead. A fire must burn through the Christmas Eve night to dispel evil spirits.

Dates of Interest

December 25th
The Jõulud (Christmas) season extends from Advent to Epiphany, with the main holidays being Christmas Eve and the two days following Christmas. In southern Estonia Christmas is known as Talvistepüha (Winter Holiday). Christmas trees are decorated with small toys, sweets and candles. On Christmas Eve the President makes a declaration of “Christmas Peace” a tradition practiced since the seventeenth century. Following Christmas Eve church service, families put candles on the on the graves of ancestors. Christmas Day is a time for immediate family, while the rest of the season is a time for entertaining friends and guests. Seven to twelve different meals are served on Christmas Eve symbolizing bounty for the coming year. The menu consist of pork with sauerkraut, “white” and “blood” sausages, Christmas barrow (bread), ale and mead. A fire must burn through the Christmas Eve night to dispel evil spirits.

How do people greet each other in Estonia?

Estonians usually shake hands when meeting and departing, maintain eye contact and often talk with their hands. Younger people greet elders first and men greet women first.

Shake hands when meeting and departing
Maintain eye contact when speaking
Let young people greet elders first, and men greet women first
Say 'teie' when meeting someone for the first time

Don’t

Don't use first names until invited to do so
Don't chew gum in public as an adult

What are Estonian eating customs like?

Lunch is the biggest meal of the day, typically meat and potatoes with gravy and a salad. Most Estonians are health conscious and try to eat fresh fruits and vegetables.

Good to know

Sult is often eaten as part of Christmas dinner
Pizza and hamburgers are becoming popular lunchtime favorites

What etiquette should I know in Estonia?

Estonians value orderliness, punctuality and efficiency; they can be shy and withdrawn but are quite hospitable among friends.

Be on time — call ahead if you'll be late
Look people in the eyes

Don’t

Don't arrive 30 minutes late, as it is considered a social error

Good to know

The half hour is counted before the hour, not after it

How should I dress in Estonia?

Western-style clothing is typically worn. Men dress conservatively with an optional tie, while women dress sharply, valuing quality over fashion.

Good to know

For men, wearing a tie is optional
For women, the quality of clothing impresses more than the fashion

What gestures matter in Estonia?

Estonians talk with their hands and consider it polite to look people in the eyes.

Look people in the eyes

What is family life like in Estonia?

It is common for both husband and wife to work, so school children often get home earlier than their parents and spend that time home alone.

What do Estonians do for recreation?

Estonians enjoy basketball, skiing, soccer and yachting, and many, especially women, like gardening.

Good to know

There are many yachting clubs

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Estonia

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Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status: Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Currency: 0.8985
Time Difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Climate: The climate is northern continental, with long winters and short summers. Winter begins in October and lasts often well into April. Snowcover is common from mid or late November to the latter half of March. Cloud cover and slate gray skies are typical between October and early February, when drier and sunnier days arrive. Mean January temperatures are 22°-25°F(-4°-6°C). The Gulfs of Finland and Riga only freeze over during the coldest winters. In addition to being cold and snowy, winter months are characterized by shortened daylight, a result of Estonia's northern latitude (59°N). When days are at their shortest, daylight is present only between 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Prevailing gray skies from November through January make daylight seem even more fleeting. The sun, when it shines, hugs the horizon, thus giving the impression that it is early morning or late afternoon even at midday. It is often difficult to say exactly when winter ends and spring begins. After the Vernal Equinox (March 21), daylight increases dramatically. Most days in late March, April, and May are sunny. Daytime temperatures, however, may still remain in the 30°-45°F range into late April, and it is not safe to put winter clothing into storage until late May. Occasional snow flurries and light snow are possible even through May. Summer in Estonia is a short, magical season. July and August temperatures are the warmest, averaging 67°-75°F (19°-24°C). Mornings are cooler and the late afternoon can warm up to the low-80”™s. The surface water temperature in the Baltic Sea is from 60°-78°F (16°-26°C). The heaviest rains occur in July and August, but they are usually passing showers. During summer months, Estonia benefits from its northern latitude, with daylight extending long into evening hours and reappearing well before earliest risers are out of bed. From early June to mid-July, there is no real "nighttime." The short autumn can start as early as late August and is generally cool and rainy.
Airports: 29

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Recipes

Featured Dish

Leavened Rye Bread

Bread

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History

Historical Eras

Ancient & Pre-Crusade
8000 BCE – 1227
Finno-Ugric peoples settled the eastern Baltic coast following the last Ice Age, developing distinct parish and county structures without centralized statehood. Trade contacts with Scandinavian Vikings and Slavic tribes shaped early Estonian society. The region remained largely free, governed through loosely federated local communities, until German crusaders began their eastward campaign in the early thirteenth century.
Livonian Era
1227 – 1561
German Teutonic Knights and Danish forces conquered Estonian lands by 1227, incorporating them into the Livonian confederation and reducing the indigenous population to serfdom. The Hanseatic League brought commercial prosperity to Tallinn, Tartu, Pärnu, and Narva, even as Estonian peasants bore the burden of feudal subjugation. A major peasant uprising in 1343–45 briefly challenged German-Danish dominance but was ultimately crushed, leaving the social order intact for another two centuries.
Swedish Rule
1561 – 1710
Following the collapse of the Livonian confederation amid Ivan IV's invasion, Sweden gradually secured control of northern Estonia, formalizing it as the Duchy of Estland by 1629. Swedish governance brought relative stability and notable cultural advances, including the founding of Tartu University in 1632 and the establishment of the first Estonian-language parish schools in the 1680s. Decades of prior warfare had devastated the population, though recovery began under Swedish suzerainty even as the Baltic German nobility retained its privileged status.
Tsarist Russian Rule
1710 – 1918
Peter the Great's victory in the Great Northern War delivered Estland and Livland to the Russian Empire in 1710, inaugurating nearly two centuries of tsarist dominion. The Baltic German nobility preserved its legal privileges under Russian rule, while Estonian national consciousness gradually awakened in the nineteenth century, accelerated by the abolition of serfdom between 1816 and 1819 and a cultural renaissance known as the National Awakening. Revolutionary upheaval in 1905 and tsarist repression of Baltic demands sharpened independence aspirations, which came to fruition when Tsar Nicholas II abdicated in 1917.
First Independence
1918 – 1940
Estonia proclaimed independence on 24 February 1918 and successfully defended it in the War of Independence (1918–1920) against both Bolshevik and German forces, securing recognition through the Treaty of Tartu with Soviet Russia in 1920. A democratic constitution was adopted in 1920, land reform redistributed the estates of the Baltic German nobility, and Estonia joined the League of Nations in 1921. Political instability led to an authoritarian turn when Konstantin Päts declared a state of emergency in 1934, though Estonia retained nominal constitutional governance until Soviet occupation extinguished independence in 1940.
Soviet Occupation & Restored Independence
1940 – present
The Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact enabled the Soviet Union to forcibly annex Estonia in 1940; Nazi occupation followed from 1941 to 1944, after which Soviet rule resumed and mass deportations reshaped the country's demography and culture. The Singing Revolution of the late 1980s galvanized peaceful mass resistance, and Estonia restored full independence on 20 August 1991 following the collapse of the USSR. The last Russian troops withdrew in 1994, and Estonia joined NATO and the European Union in 2004, firmly anchoring itself in the Western political and economic order.

Overview

Estonia’s struggles for independence during the twentieth century were in large part a reaction to nearly 700 years of foreign rule. Before 1200 the Estonians lived largely as free peasants loosely organized into parishes (kihelkonnad ), which in turn were grouped into counties (maakonnad ). In the early 1200s, the Estonians and the Latvians came under assault from German crusaders seeking to impose Christianity on them. Although the Estonians’ resistance to the Teutonic Knights lasted some twenty years, the lack of a centralized political organization as well as inferior weaponry eventually brought down the Estonians in 1227. The Germans, moving from the south, were abetted by Danish forces that invaded from the north and captured Tallinn. Together with present-day Latvia, the region became known as Livonia; the Germans and Danes settled down as nobility, and the Estonians were progressively subordinated as serfs. During 1343-45 an Estonian peasant uprising against the German and Danish nobility prompted the Danes to relinquish their control of northern Estonia to the Germans. After this resistance was crushed, the area remained generally peaceful for two centuries. Commerce developed rapidly because Estonia’s larger urban centers at the time--Tallinn, Tartu, Pärnu, and Narva--were all members of the Hanseatic League, an organization established by merchants of various, mostly German, cities to protect their mutual trading interests. Still, foreign rivalries over the strategic Livonian region began to reemerge in the mid-sixteenth century as the fighting capacity of the Germans diminished and that of neighboring Muscovy began to increase. The ensuing twenty-five-year struggle for control of Livonia was precipitated by an invasion by Ivan IV (the Terrible) (r. 1533-84) in 1558. The advancing Russians wiped out the disintegrating forces of the Teutonic Knights and nearly succeeded in conquering the whole area. However, Swedish and Polish intervention reversed the Russian gains and forced Ivan eastward, back behind Lake Peipsi. Peace between Sweden and Poland in Livonia was also slow in coming, with Sweden eventually winning most of the territory by 1629. By this time, decades of war had caused huge population losses (in some areas, over 50 percent), affecting urban and rural areas alike. Under Swedish rule, northern Estonia was incorporated into the Duchy of Estland. The southern part, together with northern Latvia, became known as Livland. This division of Estonian lands would last until 1917. The German-based nobility in both areas retained and even strengthened its position under Swedish suzerainty. Meanwhile, the Estonian peasants saw their lot worsen as more and more of their land and output were appropriated by seigniorial estates. Still, during the Swedish era, Estonian education got its start with the founding of Tartu University in 1632 and the establishment of the first Estonian parish schools in the 1680s. Although the population also began to grow during this period of peace, war and suffering once again were not far away. Swedish hegemony during the late seventeenth century had become overextended, making the Swedes’ holdings a prime target for a newly expansionist Russia. In his first attempt to conquer Estland and Livland, during the Great Northern War (1700-09), Peter I (the Great) (r. 1682-1725) met with defeat at Narva at the hands of Sweden’s Charles XII (r. 1697-1718). A second campaign in 1708 saw Peter introduce a scorched-earth policy across many parts of the area. The outcome was victory for Russia in 1710 and acquisition of a "window to the West." In taking control of Estland and Livland for what would be the next 200 years, tsarist Russia recognized the rights and privileges of the local German nobility, whose members amounted to only a small fraction of the population. Although the extent of the nobles’ autonomy in the two areas was always contested, especially under Catherine II (the Great) (r. 1762-96), the Baltic Germans did develop a strong loyalty to the Russian tsars as guarantors of their landed privileges. German control over the Estonian peasantry reached its high point during the eighteenth century. Labor overtook taxes-in-kind as the predominant means of controlling the serfs. The first real reforms of serfdom, which gave peasants some rights, took place in 1804. In 1816 and 1819, the serfs were formally emancipated in Estland and Livland, respectively. By the mid-nineteenth century, the Estonians were fast developing into an independent society and nation. The number of urbanized Estonians had grown considerably, overtaking what had been German majorities in the cities. Industrialization was also breaking down the old order. An Estonian cultural awakening began in the 1850s and 1860s (see Religion; Language and Culture, this ch.). Tsarist reaction and a fierce Russification campaign in

Timeline of Key Events

1 – 100
Early Baltic peoples experience rapid cultural progress.
Early Baltic peoples experience rapid cultural progress and expansion of trade with Roman Empire and Germanic tribes.
701 – 1300
Scandinavian Vikings and, subsequently, Slavic tribes engage in trade and war with Baltic peoples.
Scandinavian Vikings and, subsequently, Slavic tribes engage in trade and war with Baltic peoples.
1343 – 1345
Estonian peasant uprising prompts Danes to relinquish control of northern Estonia to Germans.
Estonian peasant uprising prompts Danes to relinquish control of northern Estonia to Germans.
1584
Northern Estonia incorporated into Sweden’s Duchy of Estland.
Northern Estonia incorporated into Sweden’s Duchy of Estland.
1710
Russian tsar Peter I (the Great) succeeds in wresting control of Estland and Livland.
Russian tsar Peter I (the Great) succeeds in wresting control of Estland and Livland (southern Estonia and northern Latvia) from Sweden.
1816 – 1819
Serfdom formally abolished in Estland and Livland.
Serfdom formally abolished in Estland and Livland.
1905
Tsarist Russian authorities respond with violence and repression to Baltic demands.
Tsarist Russian authorities respond with violence and repression to Baltic demands for radical political change during Revolution of 1905.

View full timeline (43 events)

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Interesting Facts

Estonia has the world's most rented housing with 81.5% of property being rented.

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Geography and Environment

Estonia is the northernmost of the three Baltic States. Its capital, Tallinn, lies about 80 kilometers south of Helsinki, Finland across the gulf of Finland. West of Estonia is the Baltic Sea, and to the east is Russia. Estonia borders Latvia on the south. The smallest of the Baltic States, Estonia covers 17,462 square miles (45,226 square kilometers) Estonia is located on the Great Northern European Plain. Its topography is typically flat in coastal regions and hilly in the inland southeastern part of the country. The elevation in northwestern Estonia averages 160 feet (49 meters) but rises to 320 feet (98 meters) in the southeast. The highest point in Estonia, at 1,040 feet (317 meters) above sea level, is a hill called "Suur Munamägi" ("Big Egg Mountain") in the southeast. Estonia’s inland waters include 1,400 lakes and many shallow rivers. The largest lakes are Lake Peipsi in eastern Estonia on the Russian border and Lake Võrtsjärv in south-central Estonia. Estonia’s two major rivers are the Emajõgi, running east-west from Lake Võrtsjärv to Lake Peipsi, and the Narva, that connects Lake Peipsi to the Gulf of Finland. Estonia has substantial areas of bogs and wetlands, particularly in western regions. Forest and woodland, which are usually a mixture of coniferous spruce, pine, white birch, ash, maple, and aspen, cover 47.4% of Estonia. Off the coast of Estonia sit 1,520 islands that account for nearly 8% of the country’s total land area. The largest islands are Saaremaa and Hiiumaa.

Terrain: marshy, lowlands; flat in the north, hilly in the south
Climate: The climate is northern continental, with long winters and short summers. Winter begins in October and lasts often well into April. Snowcover is common from mid- or late November to the latter half of March. Cloud cover and slate gray skies are typical between October and early February, when drier and sunnier days arrive. Mean January temperatures are 22°F–25°(-4°C–6°C). The Gulfs of Finland and Riga only freeze over during the coldest winters. In addition to being cold and snowy, winter months are characterized by shortened daylight, a result of Estonia’s northern latitude (59°N). When days are at their shortest, daylight is present only between 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Prevailing gray skies from November through January make daylight seem even more fleeting. The sun, when it shines, hugs the horizon, thus giving the impression that it is early morning or late afternoon even at midday. It is often difficult to say exactly when winter ends and spring begins. After the Vernal Equinox (March 21), daylight increases dramatically. Most days in late March, April, and May are sunny. Daytime temperatures, however, may still remain in the 30°F–45°F range into late April, and it is not safe to put winter clothing into storage until late May. Occasional snow flurries and light snow are possible even through May. Summer in Estonia is a short, magical season. July and August temperatures are the warmest, averaging 67°F–75°F (19°C–24°C). Mornings are cooler and the late afternoon can warm up to the low-80’s F. The surface water temperature in the Baltic Sea is from 60°F–78°F (16°C–26°C). The heaviest rains occur in July and August, but they are usually passing showers. During summer months, Estonia benefits from its northern latitude, with daylight extending long into evening hours and reappearing well before earliest risers are out of bed. From early June to mid-July, there is no real "nighttime." The short autumn can start as early as late August and is generally cool and rainy.
Natural Hazards: sometimes flooding occurs in the spring
Current Environmental Issues: air polluted with sulfur dioxide from oil-shale burning power plants in northeast; however, the amount of pollutants emitted to the air have fallen steadily, the emissions of 2000 were 80% less than in 1980; the amount of unpurified wastewater discharged to water bodies in 2000 was one twentieth the level of 1980; in connection with the start-up of new water purification plants, the pollution load of wastewater decreased; Estonia has more than 1,400 natural and manmade lakes, the smaller of which in agricultural areas need to be monitored; coastal seawater is polluted in certain locations

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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

Estonian (official), Russian, Ukrainian, Finnish, other

Estonian
Russian
Ukrainian

Population

Population: 1,291,170
Population in Major Urban Areas: TALLINN (capital) 400,000
Nationality Noun: Estonian(s)
Ethnic Groups: Estonian 68.7%, Russian 24.8%, Ukrainian 1.7%, Belarusian 1%, Finn 0.6%, other 1.6%, unspecified 1.6%

Education

Literacy Definition: Age 15 and over can read and write

Health Information

Major Infectious Diseases — degree of risk: Intermediate

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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name: Estonia
Full Country Name: Republic of Estonia
Local - Long: Eesti Vabariik
Local - Short: Eesti
Former Name: Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic

Government Structure

Government Type: parliamentary republic
Legal System: based on civil law system; no judicial review of legislative acts
Executive Branch: chief of state: President Alar KARIS (since 11 October 2021) head of government: Prime Minister Kristen MICHAL (since 23 July 2024) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament elections: president elected by Parliament for a five-year term; if a candidate does not secure two-thirds of the votes after three rounds of balloting in Parliament, then an electoral assembly (made up of Parliament plus members of local governments) elects the president, choosing between the two candidates with the largest share of votes; election last held on 31 August 2021 (next to be held in 2026); prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament election results: Alar KARIS elected president on 31 August 2021; he was nominated by several parliamentary parties as a consensus candidate and elected by Parliament in the first round of voting, having secured the required two-thirds majority; KARIS, a former head of the National Audit Office and rector of the University of Tartu, took office on 11 October 2021, succeeding Kersti KALJULAID, who had served since 2016
Legislative Branch: unicameral Parliament or Riigikogu (101 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) elections: last held 2 March 2003 (next to be held NA March 2007) election results: percent of vote by party - Center Party of Estonia 25.4%, Res Publica 24.6%, Estonian Reform Party 17.7%, Estonian People's Union 13%, Pro Patria Union (Fatherland League) 7.3% People's Party Moodukad 7%; seats by party - Res Publica 26, Center Party 20, Reform Party 19, Estonian People's Union 13, Pro Patria Union 7, Social Democrats (formerly People's Party Moodukad) 6, non-affiliated (Social Liberals and independents) 10
Judicial Branch: National Court (chairman appointed by Parliament for life)
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal for all Estonian citizens
Constitution: adopted 28 June 1992
Independence: regained on 20 August 1991 (from Soviet Union)
National Holiday: Independence Day, 24 February (1918); note - 24 February 1918 is the date Estonia declared its independence from Soviet Russia; 20 August 1991 is the date it declared its independence from the Soviet Union

Capital City

Capital Name: Tallinn
Capital - geographic coordinate: 59 26 N, 24 43 E
Capital Time Difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

The Estonian name is generally believed to be derived from "Taani-linn" (originally meaning "Danish castle", now "Danish town") after a stronghold built in the area by the Danes; it could also have come from "tali-linn" ("winter castle" or "winter town") or "talu-linn" ("home castle" or "home town")

Military

Branches: Estonian Defense Forces (Eesti Kaitsevagi): Land Force (Maavagi), Navy (Merevagi), Air Force (Ohuvagi), Defense League (Kaitseliit)

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

U.S. Embassy Tallinn

Kentmanni 20 (postal code 15099).

Telephone: 372-668-8128 (please see our dialing instructions, below).

Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 372-668-8169

Facsimile: 372-668-8267;

E-mail: ACSTallinn@state.gov

Dialing instructions: Where you see the “ ” sign, you must begin by dialing the prefix required for international calls. If you are in the United States, you should start by dialing “011.” If you are calling from most other countries, you begin by dialing “00.” Thus, if you are in the United States, you can reach the embassy’s switchboard by dialing 011-372-668-8100. If you are calling from within Estonia, you can omit the country code ( 372).

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Economy

Estonia has developed into a modern, high-income market economy and is one of the most digitally advanced nations in the world. A member of the European Union since May 2004 and the eurozone since January 2011, Estonia uses the euro as its official currency. The country also joined NATO in 2004 and the OECD in 2010. Its economy is driven by strong information technology, electronics, telecommunications, and services sectors, with a globally recognized startup ecosystem that has produced multiple unicorns. Estonia's main trading partners include Finland, Sweden, Germany, Latvia, and Lithuania, making the economy sensitive to conditions in the Nordic and Baltic regions. Following a contraction tied to the energy crisis and reduced demand after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Estonia has faced inflationary pressures and a prolonged recession, though public debt remains the lowest in the European Union. The government continues to prioritize fiscal discipline, digital innovation, and integration with Western markets.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code: Euros (EUR)
GDP — official exchange rate: $12,190,000,000 (USD)
GDP Real Growth Rate: 9.6%
Gini Index: 37.2

Banknotes

Budget & Public Finance

Fiscal Year: calendar year
Annual Budget: $5,017,000,000 (USD)
Public Debt (% of GDP): 3.8%
External Debt: $10,090,000,000 (USD)
Investment (% of GDP): 27.6%
Economic Aid: $108,000,000 (USD)
Current Account Balance: -$1,403,000,000 (USD)
Reserves of Foreign Exchange: $1,852,000,000 (USD)

Labor, Industry & Trade

Labor Force by Occupation: industry 20%; agriculture 11%; services 69%
Household Income — highest 10%: 29.8%
Industries: engineering, electronics, wood and wood products, textile; information technology, telecommunications
Agriculture Products: potatoes, vegetables; livestock and dairy products; fish
Export Commodities: machinery and equipment 33%, wood and paper 15%, textiles 14%, food products 8%, furniture 7%, metals, chemical products
Export Partners: Finland 20.4%, Sweden 12.4%, Russia 10%, Germany 8.3%, Latvia 7.7%, UK 4.2%, Lithuania 4.1%
Import Commodities: machinery and equipment 33.5%, chemical products 11.6%, textiles 10.3%, foodstuffs 9.4%, transportation equipment 8.9%
Import Partners: Finland 15.6%, Russia 12%, Germany 11.1%, Sweden 8.4%, China 4.6%, Italy 4.1%

Energy

Oil Production: 6,100 bbl/day
Oil Consumption: 25,000 bbl/day
Oil Reserves: 0 bbl/day
Natural Gas Production: 0 cu m
Natural Gas Consumption: 1,410,000,000 cu m
Natural Gas Imports: 1,270,000,000 cu m
Natural Gas Exports: 0 cu m
Natural Gas Reserves: 0 cu m

Communications

Telephone System: General assessment: foreign investment in the form of joint business ventures greatly improved telephone service with a wide range of high-quality voice, data, and Internet services available Domestic: substantial fiber-optic cable systems carry telephone, TV, and radio traffic in the digital mode; Internet services are widely available; schools and libraries are connected to the Internet, a large percentage of the population files income-tax returns online, and online voting was used for the first time in the 2005 local elections International: country code - 372; fiber-optic cables to Finland, Sweden, Latvia, and Russia provide worldwide packet-switched service; 2 international switches are located in Tallinn
Internet Country Code: .ee

News & Weather

Current Weather

Latest News

News via Google News

Climate Overview

The climate is northern continental, with long winters and short summers. Winter begins in October and lasts often well into April. Snowcover is common from mid or late November to the latter half of March. Cloud cover and slate gray skies are typical between October and early February, when drier and sunnier days arrive. Mean January temperatures are 22°-25°F(-4°-6°C). The Gulfs of Finland and Riga only freeze over during the coldest winters.

In addition to being cold and snowy, winter months are characterized by shortened daylight, a result of Estonia's northern latitude (59°N). When days are at their shortest, daylight is present only between 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Prevailing gray skies from November through January make daylight seem even more fleeting. The sun, when it shines, hugs the horizon, thus giving the impression that it is early morning or late afternoon even at midday.

It is often difficult to say exactly when winter ends and spring begins. After the Vernal Equinox (March 21), daylight increases dramatically. Most days in late March, April, and May are sunny. Daytime temperatures, however, may still remain in the 30°-45°F range into late April, and it is not safe to put winter clothing into storage until late May. Occasional snow flurries and light snow are possible even through May.

Summer in Estonia is a short, magical season. July and August temperatures are the warmest, averaging 67°-75°F (19°-24°C). Mornings are cooler and the late afternoon can warm up to the low-80”™s. The surface water temperature in the Baltic Sea is from 60°-78°F (16°-26°C). The heaviest rains occur in July and August, but they are usually passing showers. During summer months, Estonia benefits from its northern latitude, with daylight extending long into evening hours and reappearing well before earliest risers are out of bed. From early June to mid-July, there is no real "nighttime."

The short autumn can start as early as late August and is generally cool and rainy.

Videos

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Estonia?

The population of Estonia is approximately 1.3M.

How do people greet each other in Estonia?

Estonians usually shake hands when meeting and departing, maintain eye contact and often talk with their hands. Younger people greet elders first and men greet women first. Do: Shake hands when meeting and departing Maintain eye contact when speaking Let young people greet elders first, and men greet women first Say 'teie' when meeting someone for the first time Don't: Don't use first names until invited to do so Don't chew gum in public as an adult

What are Estonian eating customs like?

Lunch is the biggest meal of the day, typically meat and potatoes with gravy and a salad. Most Estonians are health conscious and try to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Sult is often eaten as part of Christmas dinner Pizza and hamburgers are becoming popular lunchtime favorites

What etiquette should I know in Estonia?

Estonians value orderliness, punctuality and efficiency; they can be shy and withdrawn but are quite hospitable among friends. Do: Be on time — call ahead if you'll be late Look people in the eyes Don't: Don't arrive 30 minutes late, as it is considered a social error The half hour is counted before the hour, not after it

How should I dress in Estonia?

Western-style clothing is typically worn. Men dress conservatively with an optional tie, while women dress sharply, valuing quality over fashion. For men, wearing a tie is optional For women, the quality of clothing impresses more than the fashion

What gestures matter in Estonia?

Estonians talk with their hands and consider it polite to look people in the eyes. Do: Look people in the eyes

What is family life like in Estonia?

It is common for both husband and wife to work, so school children often get home earlier than their parents and spend that time home alone.

What do Estonians do for recreation?

Estonians enjoy basketball, skiing, soccer and yachting, and many, especially women, like gardening. There are many yachting clubs

What is the capital of Estonia?

Tallinn is the capital and largest city of Estonia, situated on the northern coast along the Gulf of Finland. Its remarkably well-preserved medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflects centuries of Hanseatic trade influence and Danish, Swedish, and German rule. Today Tallinn serves as the country's political, economic, and cultural hub, and has emerged as one of Europe's leading digital innovation centers.

Where is Estonia located?

Estonia is located in Northern Europe, on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea. It is the northernmost of the three Baltic states and sits across the Gulf of Finland from Finland to the north. After regaining independence in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Estonia reoriented firmly toward Western Europe, acceding to both the EU and NATO in 2004.

What countries border Estonia?

Estonia shares land borders with two countries: Latvia to the south and Russia to the east. To the north, the Gulf of Finland separates Estonia from Finland, while the Baltic Sea lies to the west. The country also encompasses more than 2,000 islands, including the larger islands of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, which extend into the Baltic.

What is the predominant religion in Estonia?

Unaffiliated is the largest religious category in Estonia, accounting for approximately 33% of the population, with a further 32% describing their religious affiliation as unspecified. Lutheranism, introduced during the Reformation in the 16th century under German and Swedish influence, represents the most historically significant organized faith at roughly 14%. Estonia is consequently one of the least religiously observant countries in Europe.

What currency does Estonia use?

Estonia uses the Euro (EUR) as its official currency, having adopted it in January 2011 when it joined the Eurozone, replacing the Estonian kroon. The transition marked a significant milestone in the country's post-Soviet economic integration with Western Europe. Estonia's economy is widely regarded as one of the most open and digitally advanced in the EU.

What language is spoken in Estonia?

Estonian is the sole official language of Estonia and is spoken by the majority of the population. It belongs to the Finno-Ugric language family, making it closely related to Finnish and distantly related to Hungarian. Russian is widely spoken as a first language by a significant minority, a legacy of Soviet-era migration, while Finnish and Ukrainian are also present among smaller communities.

What is Estonia known for?

Estonia is internationally recognized as a pioneer in e-governance and digital innovation — it was among the first countries to offer online voting, digital residency, and government services almost entirely online. The country is the birthplace of Skype and has one of the highest numbers of tech startups per capita in Europe. Culturally, the Estonian Song and Dance Celebration, a mass choral festival held every five years, is a UNESCO-recognized tradition central to national identity. Estonia also holds a remarkable distinction in housing, with an estimated 81.5% of property being rented — one of the highest proportions in the world.

Last reviewed 2026

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How do people greet each other in Estonia?

What are Estonian eating customs like?

What etiquette should I know in Estonia?

How should I dress in Estonia?

What gestures matter in Estonia?

What is family life like in Estonia?

What do Estonians do for recreation?

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Leavened Rye Bread

Brawn (Jellied Pork Leg)

Rossolye (Estonian Vinaigrette with Herring and Beets)

Sult (Jellied Veal)

Leavened Rye Bread

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Early Baltic peoples experience rapid cultural progress.

Scandinavian Vikings and, subsequently, Slavic tribes engage in trade and war with Baltic peoples.

Estonian peasant uprising prompts Danes to relinquish control of northern Estonia to Germans.

Northern Estonia incorporated into Sweden’s Duchy of Estland.

Russian tsar Peter I (the Great) succeeds in wresting control of Estland and Livland.

Serfdom formally abolished in Estland and Livland.

Tsarist Russian authorities respond with violence and repression to Baltic demands.

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