Estonia is a country situated in Northern Europe, in the Baltic region, and making up one of the members of the Baltic States (along with Latvia and Lithuania). It stands bordered by Finland in the north (across the Gulf of Finland), by Sweden in the west, by Latvia in the south and by the Russian Federation in the east. A democratic parliamentary republic, the country has been divided into fifteen counties. Estonia is the place where natural beauty blends perfectly with architectural splendor, to provide its visitors with numerous tourist attractions. Its sandy beaches, scenic lakes, magnificent cathedrals and medieval castles are enough to keep them busy throughout their stay. Read on to know more about the country.
Fun & Interesting Facts about Estonia
- The official name of Estonia is the ‘Republic of Estonia’.
- Estonia is situated in the Baltic region of Northern Europe and spreads over an area of approximately 45,226 sq km.
- The capital of Estonia is Tallinn, while its currency is Estonian kroon. Tallinn is also the largest city in the country.
- Majority of the population in Estonia is Evangelical Lutheran, followed by Russian Orthodox and Eastern Orthodox.
- The official language of Estonia is Estonian, while Russian is also spoken widely.
- Estonia follows the system of ‘Parliamentary Republic’.
- Estonia is the smallest of all the Baltic States, being only slightly bigger than Switzerland or Denmark.
- Tartu is the cultural capital of Estonia, while Parnu is its summer capital.
- Estonia gained independence from Soviet Union in the year 1991.
- Munamagi (Egg Mountain) is the highest point in Estonia, measuring 318 m. It is also the highest point in the entire Baltic region.
- The first, public Christmas tree in Estonia was placed in the old town square in Tallinn, in the year 1441.
- Each year, on 24th December, the President of Estonia, proclaims Christmas peace and takes part in a mass.
- Estonia is a member of the World Trade Organization and the European Union.
- Estonia has been named after ‘Ests’, the people who lived in the region in first century AD.
- The Republic of Estonia is one of three countries commonly known as the ‘Baltic States’, the other two being Latvia and Lithuania. However, there is as such no political unity between the states.
- Lake Peipsi, the largest lake in Estonia, is also the fourth largest and the biggest transboundary lake in Europe.
- Estonia has the highest number of meteorite craters per land area in the world.
- Estonia is one of the most sparsely populated countries in Europe.
- Estonia converted to Christianity only in the thirteenth century.
