ESTONIA

Physical geography

Estonia is situated in the North of Europe. The neighbouring countries of Estonia are Latvia in the South and Russia in the East (the river Narva marks the border). Estonia is lined by the Baltic Sea on the West and in the North. The coastline is 3,800 km long. Estonia is one of the most maritime countries of Europe. There are approximately 1520 islands. The main islands are: Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, Muhu, Vormsi. The total surface of Estonia is 45,227 km², among which 9,2 % of islands and 4,8 % of lakes. Estonia is the smallest Baltic country, but it is bigger than Switzerland, Denmark, The Netherlands or Belgium. It is 240 km long and 350 km large. Estonia is situated in a zone of transition between the oceanic climate and the continental climate: summers are very hot and the winters are relatively cool. The Estonian geomorphology is characterized by low hills and low gradients.

An iconic place

The Freedom Monument: Vabadussõja is located on Freedom Square in Tallinn in Estonia. It was inaugurated on 23 June 2009. It’s a memorial to remind citizens of the war for Estonian independence. The monument is 23.5 meters high and made of glass. The memorial includes the Cross of Freedom.

An iconic object

Black pudding, generally eaten with jam, is one of the best-known Estonian specialties.

Something the country has done for the world

Skype was created in Estonia. Wi-Fi is free everywhere in Estonia; the Internet is almost considered a social right.

Famous historical figure

Friedrich Reinhold Kreutzwald (1803-1882), Estonian writer, is considered the father of national literature.

Important living person

The cyclist Jaan Kirsipuu has won numerous stages of the Tour de France.

History before 2000

1219: After the Danish foundation of Tallinn, Estonia entered in the sphere of influence of Denmark, which christianized the region. The Estonian cities traded with the cities of the Hanse.

1561: Estonia became part of Sweden which introduced Lutheranism.

1721: following the Great War of the North, the Estonian territory was annexed for two centuries by Russia. Russification occurred in the 19^th century, which affected the Estonian farming community.

1917: the Provisional Government stemming from the Russian Revolution of 1917 granted its independence to Estonia. The following year, the Bolsheviks tried to invade the country.

1920: the Estonian Republic proclaimed its independence, recognized by Moscow by the Treaty of Tartu.

1939: the secret protocol of the German-Soviet pact concluded between Hitler and Stalin, attributed Estonia to the Soviet Union. The country was annexed by the USSR in 1940.

1988: beginning of the movement that lead to independence.

1991: the declaration of independence by Estonia was opposed by the Russian government.

History after 2000

2004: membership of NATO and membership of the European Union

2010: Estonia adheres to the OECD

2011: Estonia becomes the 17^th country to adopt the Euro

Human geography (demography, wealth distribution, social problems, etc.)

The capital is Tallinn. There are limited unemployment benefits, but the elderly receive social security payments. Pensioners consider their benefits inadequate.

Doctors and modern medicine are beginning to be trusted. For common illnesses, people rely on traditional remedies.

                       

Language(s) and culture(s)

All people speak Estonian, a Ouralic language. The Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church is the principal religion. The other two are the Estonian Orthodox Apostolic Church and the Russian Orthodox Church.

Politics, place in the EU, economy

There is parliamentary democracy with a state assembly (the Riigikogu) of 101 members. The government is headed by a prime minister. The president is the ceremonial head of state and is elected by the assembly.

Local production, including agriculture, is augmented by imports, primarily from the European Union. Only 11 percent of the labor force is employed in agriculture and forestry. While residents may produce enough to be self-sufficient, most citizens are urbanized and purchase food and other necessities.

Youth
Very small children usually do not leave the home but are taken for walks to get fresh air, which is considered healthy. Crying babies are picked up and calmed by their parents. Children are allowed to explore and play on their own. Education is highly valued, and a child is expected to learn how to read, write, and do simple math at home. A university education is prized and confers a high status.

Article by Louison MONLOR