Looking to boost your knowledge of the countries of Europe? Take a look at these 15 fun facts about Estonia!
1. Estonia is actually a cluster!
Despite including around 1,500 islands, Estonia is a small country in Northern Europe. It is bordered by Russia to the east and Latvia to the south.
To explore this beautiful country and all that it has to offer, follow the coordinates of 59.0000° N, 26.0000° E.
2. Estonia has a varied landscape
The terrain here ranges throughout the country, with hills in the south, flat plains in the north and marshy lowlands in the centre; forests cover around half of this incredible country.
3. Estonia is gorgeous to look at!
Estonia boasts more than 1,000 lakes and 7,000 rivers!
4. Estonia is surprisingly large, but sparse
The total land area of Estonia is 17,462 square miles (45,227 square kilometres) – that’s just over twice the size of Wales.
Estonia’s population was 1.349 million in 2022 – that’s less than half the population of Wales and makes it one of the least densely populated countries in Europe!
5. Estonia has an intriguing city scene
The capital is Tallinn; it covers an area of 61 square miles (159 square kilometres) and had a population of 426,538 in 2017.
6. Estonian weather is akin to the seaside!
Estonians enjoy a maritime climate with wet and moderate winters, followed by cool summers.
7. Estonia has a complex history with Russia
Estonia gained independence from the former Soviet Union in 1991, although it did experience independence on and off between 1918 and 1940.
8. It’s worth brushing up on local lingo and currency
The official language of Estonia is… Estonian!
If you’d like to sip some local beer or purchase a few local handicrafts, you’ll need to exchange your spending money for Euros. I’m sure many of us have a few of those lying around the house!
9. Estonians have an impressively long life expectancy
Estonians live for an average of 78.24 years (2018).
10. Estonia’s capital is free to travel across
In 2013 Tallinn became the first city in the EU to offer free public transport to residents of the city!
11. Voting is easier in Estonia than anywhere else on the planet
Estonia is the only country in the world to offer online voting for political elections!
12. Online messaging has Estonian roots
Skype, the internet-based video calling software, was actually created by three Estonians, Ahti Heinla, Priit Kasesalu, and Jaan Tallinn!
13. Estonians are masters at wife carrying!
Estonians won every Wife Carrying World Championship from 1998 to 2008 – the unusual sport where a man must carry his female partner through an obstacle course in the shortest possible time!
14 .Estonia has a varied food production industry
Estonia grows potatoes and vegetables; they also rear cattle, catch fish and produce dairy products.
15. However, Estonia produces more than food
Its industry includes engineering, wood and wood products, electronics and textiles.
The main exports consist of wood and paper, machinery and equipment, furniture, food products and textiles.
FAQs about Estonia
Is Estonia an expensive country to visit and live in?
Estonia has become one of the most expensive places in the eastern bloc to visit - get saving those pennies!
Can I speak English in Estonia?
Yes - many people speak English in Estonia, as well as a variety of other European languages.
Is Estonia a religious country?
No - in fact, it is regarded as being fairly secular, meaning there is no dominating religion.
Do you know any fun facts about Estonia? Share them in the comments below!
