Estonia

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Kalmeväli

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Old Estonian counties

Medieval Livonia 1260

Estonia, officially known as the Republic of Estonia (Eesti Vabariik), is a country 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 across from Sweden, to the south by Latvia, and to the east by Lake Peipus and Russia. With a territory of 45,227 square kilometers, Estonia is one of the smaller sovereign states in Europe but boasts a diverse and picturesque landscape, featuring numerous lakes, forests, and islands. Its capital and largest city is Tallinn, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture.

History

Estonia's history is deeply intertwined with the histories of the surrounding regions. It has been inhabited since at least 9000 BC, with the region's early history characterized by various tribes and cultures. Throughout the centuries, Estonia found itself under the rule of the Danish Empire, the Swedish Empire, and the Russian Empire, before declaring independence on February 24, 1918, during the aftermath of World War I. However, this independence was short-lived, as Estonia was subsequently occupied by the Soviet Union, then Nazi Germany, and again by the Soviet Union. It regained independence from the Soviet Union on August 20, 1991, following the dissolution of the latter.

Geography

Estonia is characterized by its flat terrain, with over 1,500 islands, the largest being Saaremaa. The country is also home to many lakes, the largest of which is Lake Peipus. Its climate is temperate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Estonia's diverse ecosystems support a wide variety of wildlife, including numerous bird species, mammals, and marine life.

Government and Politics

Estonia is a parliamentary republic, with its political system defined by the principle of separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The President of Estonia serves as the head of state, while the Prime Minister of Estonia acts as the head of government. The Riigikogu, Estonia's unicameral parliament, exercises legislative power. Estonia is known for its advanced digital society, with e-government services and digital voting being notable examples of its innovation.

Economy

Estonia's economy is considered high-income and is among the fastest-growing in the EU. It has a modern market-based economy and is recognized for its high level of innovation, particularly in the fields of information technology and telecommunications. Key sectors include electronics, telecommunications, and information technology. Estonia has one of the highest per capita income levels in Eastern Europe, supported by a liberal business environment.

Culture

Estonian culture is a blend of indigenous heritage, with influences from German, Russian, Swedish, and Latvian cultures due to its history of foreign rule. The Estonian language, belonging to the Finno-Ugric family, is closely related to Finnish and distantly to Hungarian. Estonia has a rich tradition in folklore, music, literature, and the arts. The country celebrates its national identity through various festivals and traditions, such as the Song Festival (Laulupidu), which is recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Education and Science

Estonia places a strong emphasis on education and science, with a highly educated population and advanced research institutions. The country is recognized for its achievements in information technology and e-services, including e-government and e-education systems. Estonia's education system is consistently ranked among the top in the world for quality and innovation.

See Also

• History of Estonia
• Geography of Estonia
• Economy of Estonia
• Culture of Estonia
• Education in Estonia