Estonia : Country overview

Geography

• Official name: Republic of Estonia
• Population: 1.3 million
• Border countries: Russia and Latvia
• Climate: humid-temperate climate with a temperature range of -2°C to +20°C and extremes of -20°C to +30°C.
• Terrain: forests cover over half of Estonia’s 45,000 square kilometre area. The highest point is Suur Munamägi (Great Egg Hill) at 318m. Estonia is a country of thousands of lakes, the largest being Lake Peipse and V'rtsjärv.
• Natural hazards: occasional flooding occurs in spring.

Living in Estonia

• Cost of living: the cost of living is generally lower than in the UK, but more than other new EU states. The University of Tartu estimates that you will need 3,000 - 3,500 EEK (€190 - 225) a month to cover basic needs on top of housing costs. Rent can be up to 5,000 EEK per month (€320) in a private flat but as little as 1,250 EEK in student accommodation.
• Utilities: roughly two-thirds of the population of Estonia are internet users. There are more than 1,100 free wireless zones around the country and all Estonian towns and villages are covered by the network of public internet access points. All of Estonia is covered by digital mobile phone networks.
• Internet domain: .ee
• Health: EU citizens receive the same healthcare as Estonians through the Health Insurance Fund, which is paid for by social tax. The system operates like the NHS, with a GP or a family practitioner being your first point of contact.
• Laws and customs: alcohol sales are banned in Tallinn (capital) and Harju county from 8pm until 8am in shops and street cafés. This does not include bars and restaurants. It is illegal to be found with any alcohol in your blood whilst driving.

Economy and finance

• Currency: the Kroon (EEK). Estonia will adopt the Euro in 2011.
• Type of economy: Western capitalist.
• Health of economy: Sound fiscal policies have resulted in a relatively balanced budgets but he country was hit by the global recession. It suffered an investment and construction slump after a massive drop in the real estate market. Its GDP dropped by 15% in 2009, one of the world’s highest rates.
• Unemployment rate: 14%.
• Main exports: machinery, appliances and mineral products.

Culture

• People: ethnic Estonians account for around 70% of the population, with the largest minority being Russians at 26% and the remainder a mixture of mostly Ukrainians, Belarusians and Finns.
• Major religion:  Evangelical Lutheran, 14%; Orthodox, 13%; other Christian (including Methodist, Seventh Day Adventist, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal), 1.4%l 32% of Estonians say they are not religious.
• History: for a historical overview, visit BBC Timeline: Estonia.
• Local etiquette: Estonians are very reserved, which may be mistaken for aloofness or rudeness. They keep their emotions hidden and their personal lives private. They are polite and courteous, respect elders and value reputation. Family values are also highly regarded. A good source of information on behaviour and customs is available at Kwintessential.

Politics

• Type of government: parliamentary democracy.
• Major political parties: Estonian Reform Party, Centre Party of Estonia, Social Democratic Party, Estonian Greens, People's Union.

Travel advice

Find the latest travel advice and a traveller's checklist on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website.