Estonia territory. Estonia. Largest cities in Estonia

The Republic is a state in the north-west of Eastern Europe. In the north it is washed by the Gulf of Finland, in the west by the Baltic Sea. In the east the country borders with Russia, including Lake Peipsi, and in the south with Latvia. Estonia owns more than 1,500 islands, the largest of which are Saaremaa and Hiiumaa.

The name of the country comes from the ethnonym of the people - Estonians.

Official name: Republic of Estonia

Capital:

The area of ​​the land: 45,226 sq. km

Total Population: 1.3 ml. people

Administrative division: Estonia is divided into 15 maakunds (counties) and 6 centrally subordinate cities.

Form of government: Parliamentary republic.

Head of State: President, elected by parliament for a 5-year term.

Population composition: 65% are Estonians, 28.1% are Russians, 2.5% are Ukrainians, 1.5% are Belarusians, 1% are Finns, 1.6% are others.

Official language: Estonian. The language of communication of most non-Estonians is Russian.

Religion: 80% are Lutherans, 18% are Orthodox.

Internet domain: .ee

Mains voltage: ~230 V, 50 Hz

Country dialing code: +372

Country barcode: 474

Climate

Moderate, transitional from sea to continental: along the Baltic coast - sea, far from the sea - closer to temperate continental. The average air temperature in January is -4-7 C, in July +15-17 C. Precipitation falls up to 700 mm. per year, mainly in the autumn-winter period (late summer is also often rainy). Due to the influence of sea air masses, the weather is quite changeable and can often change several times a day, especially in spring and autumn.

Thanks to the shallow water, the water in the sea and lakes quickly warms up and reaches +20-24 C in July; the beach season lasts from the beginning of June to the end of August. The best time to visit the country is from early May to mid-September.

Geography

State in the north-eastern part of Europe, on south coast Gulf of Finland Baltic Sea. It borders with Latvia in the south and Russia in the east. In the north it is washed by the Gulf of Finland, in the west by the Gulf of Riga of the Baltic Sea.

The country's territory includes more than 1,500 islands (10% of Estonia's territory), the largest of which are Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, Muhu, Vormen, Naisaar, Aegna, Prangli, Kihnu, Ruhnu, Abruka and Vilsandi.

The relief is predominantly flat. Most of the country is a flat moraine plain, covered with forests (almost 50% of the territory), swamps and peatlands (almost 25% of the territory). Only in the north and in the central part of the country does the Pandivere hill stretch (up to 166 m on the town of Emumägi), and in the south-eastern part of the country there is a narrow strip of hilly hills (up to 318 m on the town of Suur-Munamägi). The lake network is also extensive - more than 1 thousand moraine lakes. total area the country is about 45.2 thousand square meters. km. is the northernmost and smallest of the Baltic states.

Flora and fauna

Vegetable world

Estonia is located in a zone of mixed coniferous-deciduous forests. Few indigenous forests remain. The most fertile soddy-carbonate soils, on which broad-leaved forests once grew, are now occupied by arable land. In total, about 48% of the country's area is under forests. The most typical forest-forming species are Scots pine, Norway spruce, warty and downy birch, aspen, as well as oak, maple, ash, elm, and linden. The undergrowth includes mountain ash, bird cherry, and willow. Less commonly, mainly in the west, yew berry, wild apple tree, Scandinavian rowan and aria, blackthorn, and hawthorn are found in the undergrowth.

Forests are most widespread in the east of the country - in central and southern Estonia, where they are represented by spruce forests and mixed spruce-broadleaf forests. Pine forests grow on sandy soils in the southeast of the country. In western Estonia, large areas are occupied by distinctive landscapes - a combination of dry meadows with areas of sparse forests. Meadow vegetation is widespread in the north-west and north of the country. The low-lying, periodically flooded coastal strip is occupied by coastal meadows. Specific flora that tolerate soil salinity are widespread here.

The territory of Estonia is very swampy. Swamps (mostly lowland) are common in the valleys of the Pärnu, Emajõgi, Põltsamaa, Pedya rivers, along the shores of lakes Peipus and Pskov. Raised bogs are confined to the main watershed of Estonia. North of Lake Peipsi Swampy forests are widespread.

The flora of Estonia includes 1,560 species of flowering plants, gymnosperms and ferns. Of these, approximately three quarters of the species are concentrated in the western coastal regions and islands. The flora of mosses (507 species), lichens (786 species), mushrooms (about 2500 species), and algae (more than 1700 species) is distinguished by a great diversity of species.

Animal world

The species diversity of wild fauna is low - approx. 60 species of mammals. The most numerous species are moose (about 7,000 individuals), roe deer (43,000), hares, and wild boars (11,000). In the 1950s–1960s, the deer, red deer, and raccoon dog were introduced. The largest forest areas in many parts of Estonia are home to brown bear (approx. 800 individuals) and lynx (approx. 1000 individuals). The forests are also inhabited by foxes, pine martens, badgers, and squirrels. Wood ferret, ermine, weasel are common, and European mink and otter are found along the banks of reservoirs. The hedgehog, shrew, and mole are very common.

Coastal waters abound with game animals such as the ringed seal (in the Gulf of Riga and the West Estonian archipelago) and the long-snouted seal (in the Gulf of Finland).

The most diverse avifauna. It contains 331 species, of which 207 species breed permanently in Estonia (approx. 60 live all year round). The most numerous are capercaillie and hazel grouse (in coniferous forests), woodcock (in swamps), black grouse (in forest clearings), coot, bittern, rail, warblers, mallards and other ducks (on lakes and the sea coast), as well as tawny owl, woodpeckers, larks, kestrel.

Rare bird species such as the white-tailed eagle, golden eagle, short-eared snake eagle, greater and lesser spotted eagle, osprey, white and black stork, and gray crane are protected. The common eider, tufted duck, shoveler, merganser, scoter, gray goose, and gulls nest on the islands of the western archipelago. Birds are especially numerous during spring and autumn mass flights to summer nesting sites or wintering in tropical countries.

There are 3 species of lizards and 2 species of snakes, including the common viper.

More than 70 species of fish live in fresh reservoirs and coastal waters (carp, salmon, smelt, vendace, whitefish, bream, roach, perch, pike perch, burbot, trout, crucian carp, tench, carp, herring, sprat, cod, flounder, whitefish, eel, etc.). Many of them are of commercial importance.

In general, Estonia is characterized by a careful attitude towards nature. In order to study it, preserve the gene pool and protect landscapes, several national parks and state reserves and reserves. In total, approximately 10% of Estonia's territory is protected. In 1995, parliament adopted a law on the country's sustainable development, and in 1996 the government approved a strategy for environmental protection.

Attractions

Tourists come to Estonia primarily to get acquainted with the ancient and unique culture of this country, attend the wonderful song performances for which this land is so famous, and also relax at the seaside resorts of the Baltic coast.

Banks and currency

The monetary unit is the euro (coins 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 euro cents, 1 and 2 euros; banknotes 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 euros).

Banks are open on weekdays from 9:00 to 18:00 and on Saturday mornings.

Currency exchange offices are open on weekdays from 9:00 to 18:00, on Saturdays - from 9:00 to 15:00. Some exchange offices are also open on Sunday.

Useful information for tourists

Of interest to tourists are primarily the numerous shops selling folk art, handicrafts, jewelry, leather goods, souvenirs, and antiques. These stores are located mainly in the old parts of cities and are usually open from 9.00 to 18.00. In large cities, department stores and supermarkets are open until 20.00. Many shops are also open on Sundays. Recently, chain stores with 24-hour opening hours have appeared.

In restaurants, hotels and taxis, tips are included in the cost of services. But you have the right to reward the service staff additionally for good service.

Tallinn (Estonia) - the most detailed information about the city with photos. The main attractions of Tallinn with descriptions, guides and maps.

City of Tallinn (Estonia)

Tallinn is the capital of Estonia, one of the largest and most beautiful cities in the Baltic states, located in the north- east coast Baltic Sea. Is major port and the most interesting city in Estonia. Tallinn is an amazing combination of antiquity and modernity. Particularly impressive is the well-preserved old town, which is included in the list of sites World Heritage UNESCO. The historical center of Tallinn is a charming atmosphere of the Middle Ages and the old Hanseatic city: a city wall with towers, an interweaving of winding cobbled streets, ancient houses, interesting sights, historical and architectural monuments.

Tallinn can be roughly divided into two parts: the new and the old city. Old city includes:

• Toompea hill (Vyshgorod) - a medieval fortress with old streets covered with paving stones, medieval houses and historical and architectural monuments that surround fragments of the city wall
• lower city - adjacent to the city wall and lies at the base of the hill.

The new city contrasts strongly with the historical center, representing classic Soviet buildings, diluted with modern high-rise buildings made of glass and concrete.

Practical information about the city

1. The population of Tallinn is about 450 thousand inhabitants. Of these, more than 50% are Estonians and almost 40% are Russians.
2. The official language is Estonian. Russian is very common. English and German are also in use.
3. Currency - euro. Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere.
4. Among the religious denominations, Orthodox and Lutherans predominate.
5. Time: winter +2, summer +3.
6. Visa - Schengen.

Best time to visit

Despite the fact that Tallinn is beautiful and interesting in any weather, we consider summer and early autumn (until October) to be the best time to visit. At this time it is quite warm and usually good weather. Another magical time is New Year and Christmas. At this time, a fabulous atmosphere reigns in Tallinn, with Christmas fairs and bazaars taking place.

Geography and climate

Tallinn is geographically located in Northern Europe in the southern part of the Gulf of Riga, which is part of the Baltic Sea, 80 km from the capital of Finland - Helsinki. The relief is quite flat. The highest point of Tallinn (64 m) is located in its southwestern part. Within the city there are several large lakes, the largest of which is Ülemiste.

Tallinn's climate is temperate maritime with high humidity. The Tallinn climate is characterized by: fairly mild winters with slight frosts and thaws, cool springs, warm summers and rainy autumns. The average temperature in July-August is 15-20 degrees.

Story

Tallinn is a fairly old city. Its history goes back more than 8 centuries. The first written mentions of the city date back to 1154. There was a market and a fishing harbor here back then. In the first half of the 13th century, Tallinn was captured by the Danes. They destroyed the old settlement and began building a new one. At that time the city was called Revel. At the same time, Tallinn was constantly subject to raids by Estonians and German knights. In 1227, German knights captured the city, but it returned to Denmark in 1238 and belonged to the Danish kingdom for over 100 years. The foundation of the coat of arms of Tallinn dates back to approximately this time.

In 1346, Revel was sold by Denmark along with part of Estland to the Teutonic Order. From the 14th to the 16th centuries, the heyday of ancient Tallinn occurred. In 1347, Revel received city privileges and soon joined the Hanseatic League. Membership in the Hansa turned Tallinn into one of the richest cities in the Baltic states.

During the Livonian War, the order of the same name ceased to exist. In 1561, Revel swore allegiance to the Swedish king. At the same time, Tallinn turned into one of the main trading cities in Sweden, surpassing even the Swedish capital - Stockholm. During the Livonian War, the city was besieged by the Poles and Danes, and Russian troops stood near it for 3 months. The result of this military campaign was a decline in trade and Tallinn lost its importance. In 1583, the city became the center of the Duchy of Estonia within Sweden. The era of Swedish rule lasted until the 18th century. During this period, fortress walls were erected.

After the end of the Northern War, Revel became part of the Russian Empire. At this time, the city became one of the central ports of the Russian Baltic along with St. Petersburg and Riga. Tallinn was part of the Russian Empire until 1918.

In 1918, the independence of Estonia was proclaimed in Reval. In 1919 the city was renamed Tallinn. In 1940, Estonia became part of the USSR. In 1941, Tallinn was occupied by the Germans. In 1944 the city was liberated. During the liberation, the city was bombed, during which 40% of the old city was damaged. Since 1991, Tallinn has been the capital of independent Estonia.

How to get there

Tallinn International Airport is located 5 km from the historical center. Flights fly here from Moscow, Amsterdam, Berlin, Munich, Bremen, Oslo, Copenhagen, Kyiv, Istanbul, London, Milan, Bergamo and many other European cities. From the airport to the center there is a bus ✓ 2 (every half hour, ticket costs 2 euros) and tram ✓ 4 (ticket also costs 2 euros). A taxi to the center will cost about 10 euros.

A ferry service connects Tallinn with Helsinki. You can also reach the capital of Estonia by sea from Stockholm and St. Petersburg.

You can get to Tallinn from almost all places by bus. major cities Baltic states, Finland, St. Petersburg, etc. Buses arrive at Central Bus Station, located on the street. Lastekodu, 46. From the bus station you can get to the center by buses 17, 23, 2, 54, 15 and trams 4, 2.

Trains arrive at the Baltic station, located near the old town. Railroad connections have been established with Moscow and St. Petersburg. Highways connect Tallinn with Russia and Latvia.

Getting around the city

To get around the city you can use buses, trolleybuses and trams. Tallinn public transport operates from 6.00 to 23.00 (although some lines may operate until 24.00). The public transport diagram can be viewed/downloaded below. The old town is quite compact, so it is easy to get around on foot. The fare when paying in cash is 2 euros. Tickets can be purchased from the driver. You can also use a TallinCard, which gives you the right to free travel on public transport for the entire period of its validity or a single travel card. In this case, the card must be validated immediately after the start of the trip.

Shopping and purchases

Tallinn is one of the shopping centers in the Baltics. The main shopping area is Rotermann, where you can find many shops and restaurants. Many shops and shops with souvenirs and more can be found in the old town.

Shopping centers and large supermarkets in Tallinn:

• Viru Keskus , Viru väljak 6
• FoorumKeskus, Narva maantee
• Kristiine, Endla 45
• Stockmann, Liivalaia 53
• Solaris, Estonia pst. 9
• Norde Centrum, Lootsi 7
• WW Passaaž, Aia 3 / Vana-Viru 10
• Sikupilli, Tartu mnt 87

Where to eat

Many restaurants and cafes are located in the old town. Excellent food (including traditional Estonian cuisine) can be found in the area around Raekoja Square ( Town Hall Square). Although the food in the restaurants in this square is expensive by Estonian standards. Unusual and inexpensive establishments can be found in the Kalamaja and Kopli areas.

Night life

In terms of entertainment, Tallinn is in no way inferior to the most fashionable European capitals. Therefore, even avid party-goers will not be bored here. Usually Tallinn clubs are open on Friday and Saturday and holidays, although you can always find a fun place here. Clubs open from 22.00 - 23.00 and are open until 3.00 - 4.00. The advantage of Tallinn is its compactness, so if you don’t like it in one place, you can walk to another.

Sights of Tallinn

The main attraction and symbol of Tallinn is the old town. It is amazing a nice place with a wonderful atmosphere, which has been surprisingly well preserved despite all the wars and hardships. Old winding cobbled streets, medieval architecture, Gothic church spiers and street lamps introduce us to the history and culture of Tallinn and give it some mystical charm.

The historical center of Tallinn was formed between the 13th and 15th centuries during the Hanseatic era. The old town has largely retained its original layout and even buildings. It was surrounded by a powerful fortress wall, fragments of which have survived to this day. This is a place of atmospheric red tiled roofs, old stone houses, cozy courtyards and historical and cultural monuments.

Initially, the old city was divided into Upper (Toompea or Vyshgorod) and Lower. In Upper lived the nobility and rich residents of Tallinn, in Lower lived artisans and other poor people. Upper town was divided with the Lower Gate. Now these two parts form a single historical and architectural ensemble.

The main attraction of the Upper Town is Toompea Castle, which rises on a cliff above all of Tallinn. This ancient place city ​​founded by German knights in the first half of the 13th century. Throughout the history of Tallinn, Toompea Castle has been the seat of power. Nowadays the parliament is located here. Over almost 8 centuries of its history, the castle was rebuilt many times, but in many respects it retained its original structure of the fortress of the 13-14th century. On the south side of the castle you can see the Long Hermann Tower. This 46-meter high stone mass is an Estonian national symbol. The Estonian flag is raised on it every morning.

The heart of the old city is the Town Hall Square, which is almost the same age as Tallinn. The perimeter of the square is surrounded by ancient houses. In summer there are street cafes here, and in winter there is a Christmas tree. Interestingly, the Christmas tree has been installed on Town Hall Square since the first half of the 15th century.

The main attraction of the square, as it should be, is the town hall, which is a beautiful Gothic building built in the early 15th century. Interestingly, Tallinn Town Hall is the only one completely preserved in all of Northern Europe. The most keen-eyed can see the symbol of the town hall on the weather vane - the figurine of Old Thomas. In summer, the most physically fit tourists can climb the 64-meter tower and enjoy the wonderful view of Tallinn.

Next to the town hall is the oldest pharmacy in Europe, which has been operating since the 15th century.

In Old Tallinn you can find many beautiful, romantic and atmospheric places. One of the most picturesque streets is Katharina Lane. The most famous souvenir market is located here. Enough interesting place is the Masters' Courtyard, located on the street. Vene tn 6. Some of the oldest medieval buildings have been preserved here.

On the eastern side of Toompea there is one of the most photogenic places in Tallinn - the Kohtuotsa lookout. Here you can not only enjoy the beautiful view of the old city, but also take great photos.

City wall

The real symbol of Tallinn is the city wall. Previously, the Lower City was surrounded by a 4-kilometer wall with 46 towers. About 2 km of the wall and 20 towers have survived to this day. Construction of the wall began in the 13th century. But most of it dates back to the 16th century during the heyday of Tallinn as trading city Hanseatic League. The height of the wall is 14-16 meters, and the thickness reaches 3 meters.

In the northwestern part of the old city, part of the city wall with three towers has been preserved. Here you can climb the wall and even walk along it. A beautiful view of the city walls opens from observation deck on Vyshgorod (Toompea) and Tower Square, located near the railway station. Some towers of the city wall are open to the public and contain interesting exhibitions.

Sacred architecture

In Tallinn you can find several masterpieces of sacred architecture.

Church of St. Nicholas - a 13th century church dedicated to the patron saint of sailors. It is a powerful building, built by order of German settlers even before the fortress walls. Interestingly, this religious building is the only one in the Lower City that was not damaged during the Reformation. Church of St. Nicholas was damaged during World War II and later restored. Now it is a museum. Here you can admire the unique altar, ancient tombstones and masterpieces of sacred art.

Church of St. Olava

Church of St. Olava is one of the most famous churches in the Baltic states. This is a beautiful Gothic structure, famous for its high tower, which in the 15th-16th centuries was tallest building in the world. The church was built in the 13th century for Scandinavian merchants. It acquired its modern appearance in the 15-16th century. At that time, the height of the spire reached 159 meters. The church spire became not only a symbol of Tallinn, but even served as a landmark for ships. The spire has been damaged by lightning several times throughout history. Now the height of the tower is 124 meters.

The Dome Cathedral is one of the oldest religious buildings in Tallinn and Estonia. The exact date of construction of the church is not known. But there is evidence of its existence already in the first half of the 13th century. The church was built for the German community. The oldest part dates back to the 14th century. The 69-meter baroque tower was built in the 18th century. The famous navigator I.F. is buried in the church. Krusenstern.

Church of St. Spirit (center)

Church of St. Dukha is an old church from the 14th century. In ancient times, this religious building was the main temple for ordinary townspeople. The church is distinguished by the interesting wooden decoration of the interior and the 17th century clock on the façade.

Alexander Nevsky Temple - the main one Orthodox church Tallinn. The church was built at the beginning of the 20th century. It features rich interior decoration. There are 11 bells installed under the domes.

Tallinn is a city rich in interesting and original places. Here are some of them:

• Kadriorg is a Baroque masterpiece, wonderful palace complex, built by Peter I for his wife Catherine. Nowadays there is an art museum here. Kadriorg Palace boasts many paintings from the 16th to 20th centuries. And, of course, it is one of the largest and most interesting art museums in the Baltic states.
• The Great Guild building, which houses the State Historical Museum. This house dates back to the 15th century and was the residence of the guild of the most influential merchants.
• The Kiek in de Kök Tower is a 38 meter high medieval tower built in the 15th century. Here you can look at interesting exhibitions on the topic of city fortifications and weapons.
• Lookout Patkuli, located in the northern part of Vyshgorod (Toompea).
• Tallinn Zoo is one of the largest in the Baltics, located in Veskimetsa Park. Perfect place For family vacation. Ticket prices are very reasonable: adults - 5 euros, children - 3 euros.

• Tallinn TV tower. You can climb it and look at the city from a height of 170 meters.
• Freedom Square is one of the symbols of independent Estonia. Located on the edge of the historical center.
• Helemann Tower is a 14th century watchtower that you can climb and walk along the city wall.
• The Maiden's Tower is a medieval tower from the 14th century with a museum and a distinctive cafe.
• Keismäe Tower is a medieval stone tower from the 14th century that can be rented for various events.
• Viru Gate is the city gate to the Old Town, located on Viru Street. The gate was built in the 14th century. Although most of The gate was destroyed, but two watchtowers remained, which are one of the most recognizable symbols of Tallinn.
• Kaarli Church on Toompea Hill is one of the most beautiful "new" churches in Tallinn, built in the neo-Romanesque style in the 19th century.
• Kalamaja is a fishing area adjacent to the historical center. This is an area of ​​old colorful wooden houses, street cafes, youth and bohemians.

Of course, the interest of Tallinn is not limited to these places. This is a city rich in discoveries, where you can always find something new!

Video - Tallinn

Useful information for tourists about Estonia, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, currency of Estonia, cuisine, features of visa and customs restrictions in Estonia.

Geography of Estonia

Estonia is a country in northeastern Europe, on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. It borders with Russia and Latvia. In the north it is washed by the Gulf of Finland, in the west by the Baltic Sea. Estonia owns more than 1,500 islands, the largest of which are Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. The relief is predominantly flat with an extensive network of lakes.

State

State structure

The form of government is a republic. The head of state is the president, the legislative body is the State Assembly.

Language

Official language: Estonian

Widely spoken are English, Russian, Finnish and German.

Religion

The majority of believers are Lutherans (70%) and Orthodox (20%).

Currency

International name: EUR

From 1992 to 2010, the country used the Estonian kroon. The transition to the euro took place on January 1, 2011.

History of Estonia

Territory modern Estonia was inhabited approximately two and a half thousand years before the birth of Christ. Profitable geographical position at the crossroads of trade routes from East to West and from North to South, it caused great interest in this piece of land, inspired many kings to go on military campaigns and gave rise to many strife.

Since the 13th century, Estonia has been under the influence Teutonic Order. Knight's castles, which have survived to a greater or lesser extent to this day, are one of the most important tourist sites.

In 1285 Tallinn became part of the Hanseatic League. German merchants conducted mainly trade business. Subsequent generations of Germans, who finally settled in Estonia, built family estates throughout the country. The Germans were the first wave in a long line of conquerors. Danes, Swedes, Poles and Russians all marched across Estonia, imposing their will, erecting cities and castles, exporting goods through Estonian ports.

At the end of the 19th century, a wave of national liberation movement arose in Estonia. On February 24, 1918, Estonia declared its independence. True, Estonia did not remain free for long. In 1940, Estonia was annexed to the Soviet Union, and only in 1991 (August 20) was it able to regain independence by separating from the USSR peacefully. Today the country is a member of the UN and the IMF.

The territory of modern Estonia was inhabited approximately two and a half thousand years before the birth of Christ. The advantageous geographical position at the crossroads of trade routes from East to West and from North to South led to great interest in this piece of land, prompted many kings to go on military campaigns and gave rise to many disputes....

Popular attractions

Tourism in Estonia

Where to stay

All of Estonia is one huge resort. Hotels and sanatoriums are located here wherever there are suitable conditions for this. After the country gained independence, the number of hotels increased from several dozen to several hundred. Estonia has a fairly developed tourism industry, which is reflected in the breadth and quality of the hotel stock, as well as a really high level of service in hotels.

The country's hotels have a standard five-star classification plus a separate classification of motels from one to three stars - everything is strictly controlled at the state level.

In one-star hotels in Estonia, the reception is open from 7.00 to 23.00. In rooms ranging from 9 sq. m and above there is a bath, toilet and towels. Breakfast is included in the price. Unlike one-star rooms, two-star rooms have a telephone and at least 10% of these rooms are non-smoking.

IN three star hotels The reception is open 24 hours a day. Guests have access to computers with the Internet, and each room has a TV. Breakfast, if desired by the guest, is served in the room. Daytime and evening meals are provided at the hotel restaurant.

Four-star hotels in most cases have an elevator. The rooms are equipped with comfortable furniture, TV with international channels, minibar and computer with Internet access. Hot meals can be served in your room at least 16 hours a day. In addition to this range of services, five-star hotels are distinguished by round-the-clock service, the presence of their own restaurant, swimming pool and fitness center.

For more budget-conscious tourists in Estonia, there is always a choice between small private hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, hostels and campsites (as tent camps, and caravan parks).

Many old sanatoriums and boarding houses have been completely converted into modern medical and health complexes, where tourists are offered a variety of health programs and SPA services.

Popular hotels

Excursions and attractions in Estonia

Estonia is a small charming country on the Baltic Sea coast. Its centuries-old history, rich cultural heritage and magnificent natural landscapes will fill your holiday with unforgettable impressions. Here you will find the picturesque shores of the Gulf of Finland and Riga, many beautiful islands, dense forests, lakes, nature reserves and National parks. It will be a great pleasure to get acquainted with ancient cities and colorful fishing villages, as well as visit magnificent medieval castles, most interesting museums, ancient churches and monasteries.

The capital of Estonia, Tallinn, is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. The historical center of Tallinn, the Old Town, certainly deserves special attention. Its narrow winding streets, remains of fortress walls, medieval towers, ancient houses with red tiled roofs and numerous weather vanes create a magical atmosphere and unique flavor. It is definitely worth visiting Toompea Castle, Tallinn Town Hall, St. Olav and St. Nicholas Churches, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Glen Castle, Kadriorg Palace, Church of the Holy Spirit, Niguliste Church, Maarjamägi Castle, Estonian Maritime Museum, Art Museum, Botanical Garden and Zoo. In the vicinity of Tallinn, the Estonian Museum under open air Rocca al Mare and the ruins of the monastery of St. Brigid.

Tartu is the second largest city in Estonia and its Cultural Center. Among the many attractions of the city of Tartu, the most interesting are Toomemägi Hill (Domberg) with the ruins of the Cathedral of Peter and Paul (Dome Cathedral), the Tartu Observatory and the Old Anatomicum, the Town Hall and Town Hall Square, St. John's Church, Estonian National Museum, National Gallery, Toy Museum, Oscar Lutz House Museum, Angel's and Devil's Bridges, Botanical Garden and St. Anthony's Metochion.

Very popular among tourists ancient city Narva and its main attraction is Hermann's Narva Castle. Also worth visiting in Narva are the Alexander Church, the Town Hall, the Resurrection Cathedral, the Narva Museum, the Art Gallery and oldest park Narva - Dark Garden. Of particular interest is the complex of buildings of the Krenholm manufactory, located on the island of the same name.

Estonia includes more than one and a half thousand islands and Saaremaa is not only the largest of them, but, perhaps, the most interesting. Its main attraction, the Bishop's Castle in Kuressaare (the largest settlement on the island), is considered the only medieval castle, completely preserved to this day in the Baltic countries. Today the castle houses the Saaremaa Museum and Art Gallery. Among the natural attractions of the island, lakes Kaali (meteor crater) and Karujärv should be noted. Lovers of nature and silence will have a lot of fun taking a walk through the Viidumäe nature reserve. The island of Saaremaa is also famous for its excellent mud baths. Definitely worth a visit and picturesque islands Hiiumaa and Vormsi.

Republic, state in East Europe, washed by the Gulf of Finland and Riga of the Baltic Sea. Name after the ancient name of the indigenous population of Estia (presumably balt. "living by the water") , which is first mentioned by Tacitus, I V. Already in work IX V. The country of the Aestians is called Estland. Apparently, initially this ethnonym referred to the Prussians, then to others balt. tribes, and later moved to the Baltic states. Finns - Estonians.

Geographical names of the world: Toponymic dictionary. - M: AST. Pospelov E.M. 2001.

Estonia

(Eesti Vabariik), state in the NE. Europe, on the Baltic Sea coast, between Finnish And Gulf of Riga and Lake Peipus Pl. 45.1 thousand km², capital Tallinn ; other major cities: Tartu , Narva , Kohtla-Jarve , Parnu . Population 1.4 million people. (2001): Estonians 64%, Russians 29%, Ukrainians 2.6%, Belarusians 1.6%. The non-Estonian population dominates in the NE. E., in particular in the city of Narva (96%). Official language – Estonian. B.h. believers - Lutherans. By the beginning of the 13th century. On the territory of Estonian there were 8 large lands inhabited by Estonians (in Rus' they were called Chud). In the XIII–XVI centuries. - under German rule (called Livonia ), then Sweden. Since 1721, part of Russia. On February 24 (national holiday), 1918, the independence of Estonia was proclaimed. Since July 1940, it has been part of the USSR as the Estonian SSR. Since 1991 – independent Republic of Estonia . Parliament (Sejm) elects the president.
Moraine plain with isolated hilly hills. (Suur-Munamägi town, 318 m). The banks are heavily indented; zap. - lowland, northern – steep, abruptly drop to the sea, forming a ledge Glint , cut by rivers with waterfalls and rapids. Over 1500 islands (9.2% area); Moonsundsky arch. (the largest islands are Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, Muhu, Vormsi). The climate is temperate, transitional from maritime to continental. Winters are mild, summers are moderately warm. The main rivers are Pärnu, Emajõgi, Narva . Lakes (mostly glacial) and reservoirs. occupy 4.8% of the area. Unique lake Kaali of meteorite origin on the island. Saaremaa. Swamps – 22% area. Forests (mainly coniferous) - over 1/3 square. Reserves: Viidumäe , Vilsandi, Matsalu, Nigula, Endla; 15 landscape reserves, national a park Lohemaa. Historical and architectural monuments in the cities of Tallinn, Valga, Viljandi , Võru, Kohtla-Järve, Narva, Narva-Joesuu, Otepää , Paide, Parnu , Rakvere , Suure-Jaani, Tartu , Haapsalu. Academy of Sciences, universities (including universities in Tartu and 2 in Tallinn, a conservatory, a rural economic academy). Annual singing (Singing Field in Tartu) and sports (sailing regatta center in Pirite) festivals. 2.7 million tourists (1997). Resorts: Pärnu, Haapsalu, Narva-Joesuu, Kuressaare (climatic and mud); resort areas and recreation areas: Võru, Värska (Värska mineral water, therapeutic mud), Laulasmaa, Otepää, Kabli, Klooga (sandy beaches, dunes), Aegviidu (skiing). Oil shale mining and processing; machinery (radio and electrical engineering, instruments, ship repair); metals, chemicals, forestry and woodworking, furniture, cellulose paper, text, food industry; production of building materials. Molly-meat live, bacon pork and poultry (1/3 of products are exported). Grains and fodder crops, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, and berries are grown. Fish (herring, Baltic herring, sprat). Animal husbandry (silver fox, arctic fox, nutria, etc.). Artist crafts: making carpets, knitted items, fabrics, processing wood, leather, metal, glass, ceramics, amber. Dense transport net. Court (on the Emajõgi river). Seaport – Tallinn; ferry connections with Helsinki and Stockholm. Intl. airport. Cash unit – Estonian kroon.

Dictionary of modern geographical names. - Ekaterinburg: U-Factoria. Under the general editorship of academician. V. M. Kotlyakova. 2006 .

Republic of Estonia, a state in the northwestern part of Europe. Estonia is washed by the Gulf of Finland from the north, the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga from the west, borders Latvia in the south and Russia in the east. The length of the coastline is 3794 km. Estonia includes 1,521 islands in the Baltic Sea with a total area of ​​4.2 thousand square meters. km. The largest of them are Saaremaa and Hiiumaa.
NATURE
Terrain. Estonia is located within the East European Plain. The surface height gradually increases from the coasts of the Gulf of Riga and the Gulf of Finland in the eastern and southeast directions. Average surface heights are 50 m above sea level. Western regions and islands have average altitudes of less than 20 m above sea level. In post-glacial times, there is a stable rise of the surface at a rate of approx. 1.5 m per 100 years, the coastal zone is shallowing, some islands have connected with each other or with the mainland.
In western Estonia, marine, abrasive, moraine and swampy plains are common. The activity of Pleistocene glaciers played a particularly important role in the formation of the relief of Estonia. In the central and southern regions, along with moraine plains, terminal moraine ridges, chains of eskers and drumlin ridges can be traced. In the southeast, outcrops of Devonian sandstones are dominated by hilly-moraine terrain with the Haanja Upland, where the most high point country - Mount Suur-Munamägi (318 m above sea level). To the south of it, an outwash plain can be traced, formed as a result of the activity of melted glacial waters. In the north, Ordovician and Silurian limestone bedrocks come to the surface, exposed in steep ledges (clints) along the entire coast of the Gulf of Finland.
Climate Estonia is transitional from maritime to continental. Winter is relatively mild, summer is moderately warm. Average July temperature approx. 16°C on the coast and approx. 17°C in the interior of the country; average temperature February varies from -4°C on Saaremaa to -8°C in Narva, in the northeast. Annual precipitation varies from 510 mm to western islands up to 740 mm in the most elevated areas of the southeast.
Soils. Thanks to the diversity of parent rocks, hydrological regimes and relief conditions, a variegated soil cover has formed in Estonia. Thus, in the south, sod-podzolic and sod-gley soils predominate, in the northern half - typical sod-carbonate, leached sod-carbonate and podzolized sod-carbonate soils, alternating with areas of podzolic, podzolic-bog and bog soils. In the far north and northeast there are areas of podzolic rocky soils. In general, wetlands occupy more than half of Estonia's area, and true bogs occupy approx. 22%.
Water resources. Estonia has a dense river network. The rivers of northern and western Estonia (Narva, Pirita, Kazari, Pärnu, etc.) flow directly into the bays of the Baltic Sea, and the rivers of eastern Estonia flow into inland reservoirs: Lake Võrtsjärv in the south (Põltsamaa river) and Peipus (Emayõgi river) ) and Pskovskoe in the east. The longest river, Pärnu, is 144 km long and flows into the Gulf of Riga in the Baltic Sea. Most high-water rivers– Narva, through which the flow of Lake Peipus is directed to the Gulf of Finland, and Emajõgi. Only the Emajõgi river is navigable, and below the city of Tartu. During spring floods, the water level in rivers rises significantly (up to 5 m).
There are more than 1,150 lakes and over 250 artificial ponds in Estonia. The lakes are mainly of glacial origin and occupy approx. 4.8% of the territory. Largest lake of the country Chudskoe (or Peipsi) is located in the east and forms a natural and historical border with Russia. The area of ​​Lake Peipsi is 3555 sq. km, of which 1616 sq. km belong to Estonia. The largest inland body of water in Estonia is Lake. Võrtsjärv – has an area of ​​266 sq. km.
Vegetable world. Estonia is located in a zone of mixed coniferous-deciduous forests. Few indigenous forests remain. The most fertile soddy-carbonate soils, on which broad-leaved forests once grew, are now occupied by arable land. In general, under the forests there is approx. 48% of the country's area. The most typical forest-forming species are Scots pine, Norway spruce, warty and downy birch, aspen, as well as oak, maple, ash, elm, and linden. The undergrowth includes mountain ash, bird cherry, and willow. Less commonly, mainly in the west, yew berry, wild apple tree, Scandinavian rowan and aria, blackthorn, and hawthorn are found in the undergrowth.
Forests are most widespread in the east of the country - in central and southern Estonia, where they are represented by spruce forests and mixed spruce-broadleaf forests. Pine forests grow on sandy soils in the southeast of the country. In western Estonia, large areas are occupied by distinctive landscapes - a combination of dry meadows with areas of sparse forests. Meadow vegetation is widespread in the north-west and north of the country. The low-lying, periodically flooded coastal strip is occupied by coastal meadows. Specific flora that tolerate soil salinity are widespread here.
The territory of Estonia is very swampy. Swamps (mostly lowland) are common in the valleys of the Pärnu, Emajõgi, Põltsamaa, Pedya rivers, along the shores of lakes Peipus and Pskov. Raised bogs are confined to the main watershed of Estonia. To the north of Lake Peipsi, swampy forests are widespread.
The flora of Estonia includes 1,560 species of flowering plants, gymnosperms and ferns. Of these, approximately three quarters of the species are concentrated in the western coastal regions and islands. The flora of mosses (507 species), lichens (786 species), mushrooms (about 2500 species), and algae (more than 1700 species) is distinguished by a great diversity of species.
Animal world. The species diversity of wild fauna is low - approx. 60 species of mammals. The most numerous species are moose (about 7,000 individuals), roe deer (43,000), hares, and wild boars (11,000). In the 1950s–1960s, the deer, red deer, and raccoon dog were introduced. The largest forests in many parts of Estonia are home to brown bears ( OK. 800 individuals) and lynx (approx. 1000 individuals). The forests are also inhabited by foxes, pine martens, badgers, and squirrels. Wood ferret, ermine, weasel are common, and European mink and otter are found along the banks of reservoirs. The hedgehog, shrew, and mole are very common.
Coastal waters abound with game animals such as the ringed seal (in the Gulf of Riga and the West Estonian archipelago) and the long-snouted seal (in the Gulf of Finland).
The most diverse avifauna. It numbers 331 species, of which 207 species breed permanently in Estonia (about 60 live all year round). The most numerous are capercaillie and hazel grouse (in coniferous forests), woodcock (in swamps), black grouse (in forest clearings), coot, bittern, rail, warblers, mallards and other ducks (on lakes and the sea coast), as well as tawny owl, woodpeckers, larks, kestrel. Rare bird species such as the white-tailed eagle, golden eagle, short-eared snake eagle, greater and lesser spotted eagle, osprey, white and black stork, and gray crane are protected. The common eider, tufted duck, shoveler, merganser, scoter, gray goose, and gulls nest on the islands of the western archipelago. Birds are especially numerous during spring and autumn mass flights to summer nesting sites or wintering in tropical countries.
There are 3 species of lizards and 2 species of snakes, including the common viper.
More than 70 species of fish live in fresh reservoirs and coastal waters (carp, salmon, smelt, vendace, whitefish, bream, roach, perch, pike perch, burbot, trout, crucian carp, tench, carp, herring, sprat, cod, flounder, whitefish, eel, etc.). Many of them are of commercial importance.
In some areas of Estonia there is an unfavorable environmental situation. In the northeast of the country, where thermal power plants operating on oil shale operate, the air is polluted with sulfur dioxide. Small bodies of water located in agricultural areas are polluted by animal waste products. Coastal waters are also polluted in many places.
In general, Estonia is characterized by a careful attitude towards nature. In order to study it, preserve the gene pool and protect landscapes, several national parks and state reserves and wildlife sanctuaries have been created. In total, approximately 10% of Estonia's territory is protected. In 1995, parliament adopted a law on the country's sustainable development, and in 1996 the government approved a strategy for environmental protection.
POPULATION
As of July 2003, the population of Estonia was 1408.56 thousand people.
The Second World War and the subsequent decades of Soviet rule had a strong impact on demographic processes. During the war and in the immediate post-war years, Estonia lost a quarter of its population, mainly as a result of deportations to other areas of the Soviet Union and emigration. The main source of population growth in the post-war decades was the mass immigration of non-Estonians, a process encouraged by the centralized system of government and a planned economy with the aim of increasing the labor force and the Sovietization of Estonia. From 1945 to 1970, the birth rate fell steadily, but by July 2003 it had stabilized at 9.24 per 1,000 inhabitants. The death rate was 13.42 per 1000 inhabitants. The infant mortality rate in 2003 was approx. 12.03 per 1000 births. The emigration rate is estimated at - 0.71% per 1000 inhabitants. The average life expectancy for women is 76.57 years, for men - 64.36 years. In 2003, approximately 15.8% of the population was under 15 years of age, 15.4% was over 65 years of age, and 68.8% were in the age group of 15 to 65 years.
The greatest concentration of the population is observed in the urbanized industrial areas of the country, with almost a third of the population living in Tallinn and its environs, 10% in industrial centers Narva and Kohtla-Jarve in the northeast of the country. In the southeast is the large university city of Tartu, and in the southwest is the resort town of Pärnu. There is a constant outflow of population from rural areas.
Ethnic composition. In 1945, the share of Estonians in the republic’s population reached 93%; by 1989 it had dropped to 62%. In the last decade, the share of Estonians has been growing (65.3% in 2000), while the share of Russians has been decreasing (28.1%). Among the national minorities, Ukrainians (2.5%), Belarusians (1.5%), Finns (1%), others (1.6%) stand out. Estonians are evenly distributed throughout the country. Russians and other non-Estonians are concentrated mainly in industrial cities such as Tallinn, Narva, Kohtla-Jarve, Sillamae.
Languages. The official language is Estonian, which belongs to the Baltic-Finnish branch of the Finno-Ugric family of languages. The language of communication of the majority of non-Estonians is Russian.
Religion. In Soviet Estonia, the authorities actively interfered in church affairs, the activities of religious organizations were extremely limited, although services were held in some churches, including Orthodox ones. Founded in 1898, the Pyukhtitsky Uspensky convent. From 1946 to 1982, the publication and import of religious literature was strictly prohibited. There are currently no restrictions on religious activities. Among the believers, Lutherans predominate (80–85%), there are also Orthodox (including Estonians), Baptists, Methodists, Seventh-day Adventists, Catholics, and Pentecostals. In 1993, a special law was adopted on the activities of churches and parishes. Currently, 8 churches, 8 parish unions and 66 private parishes are registered in Estonia. In 1993, the activities of the Estonian Orthodox Church were restored, which since 1996 has been subordinate to the Patriarchate of Constantinople. The Russian Orthodox Church, subordinate to the Moscow Patriarchate, also operates. The relationship between the two Orthodox churches are one of the reasons complicating the Estonian-Russian political dialogue.
Cities. In 2000, three cities in Estonia had a population of over 50 thousand people: Tallinn (400.4 thousand), Tartu (101.2), Narva (68.7). Tallinn is the political, economic and cultural center of the country. Tartu is a university center where almost half of Estonia's students study. Narva and Kohtla-Jarve are industrial cities in the northeast, specializing in the extraction and processing of oil shale. In the southwest, on the coast of the Gulf of Riga, is Pärnu, a port and popular resort city. In 1934, only 30% of the population of Estonia lived in cities; by 1953, due to the accelerated pace of industrialization in the USSR, 53% of the population was concentrated in them. Currently, 67.1% of the country's population lives in Estonian cities (2000 data).
STATE STRUCTURE
Public administration. Estonia had its first experience of a parliamentary political system in the 1920s and early 1930s. This was followed by six years of a closed conservative dictatorship (1934–1940) and 50 years of one-party rule within the USSR.
Since June 28, 1992, a new constitution adopted by referendum has been in force in Estonia. Currently, Estonia is a parliamentary republic. Legislative power is vested in a unicameral parliament, the Riigikogu (State Assembly), consisting of 101 deputies who are elected by universal secret ballot for a term of four years. All Estonian citizens who have reached the age of 18 have the right to vote. Parliament develops laws, ratifies and denounces international treaties, elects the president of the country, gives the candidate for prime minister the authority to form the government of the country, adopts the state budget, and, on the proposal of the president of the country, appoints such senior officials as the chairman of the State Court and (on the proposal of the latter) members of this court, the Chancellor of Justice, the State Comptroller, the chairman of the board and members of the board of the Bank of Estonia, the Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Forces.
The head of state - the president - is elected by parliament, by a qualified majority (2/3) of votes, for a term of 5 years. If three rounds of voting fail, the president is elected by the Electoral College. According to the constitution, the president represents the state at the international level, proposes a candidacy for the prime minister, can influence the legislative activities of parliament, and proposes to parliament candidates for the highest posts of the state apparatus.
Executive power belongs to the government, headed by the prime minister, who is appointed by the president after approval of his candidacy by a majority of members of parliament.
Judicial system. The Constitution provides for an independent judicial system, including three instances: county, city and administrative courts (first instance); district courts (second instance) and the State Court (highest authority). Legal proceedings are carried out in the courts of first instance; County courts act primarily as appellate courts. The State Court is vested with cassation functions and is a court of constitutional review. Direct constitutional supervision is carried out by the Judicial Collegium of Constitutional Supervision of the State Court. The Chancellor of Justice performs the function of general supervision over the compliance of legal acts of legislative and executive authorities, as well as local authorities, with the constitution and other laws of the country.
The Minister of Justice supervises the activities of the prosecutor's office, which oversees the legality of registration and preliminary investigation of crimes, the legality of the activities of the police in solving crimes, the legality of deprivation of liberty, and the presentation of public prosecution.
Local control. Administratively, the territory of Estonia is divided into 15 counties - maakondas (divided into volosts) and 6 cities of central subordination. Local councils in cities and counties are elected by popular vote for three-year terms. The prerogative of these councils is local administration and tax collection. In October 1993, the first local elections were held after the restoration of independence. Only Estonian citizens had the right to vote. In Tallinn, candidates of two moderate Russian parties received 42% of parliamentary seats, which roughly corresponds to the share of Russians in the city's population.
Political parties and movements. In the 1920s and 1930s, five main political parties were created: the Peasant Party and the Union of Agrarians (these parties were respectively on the right and in the center of the parliamentary spectrum); People's Party and Labor Party (both centrist); Social Democratic Party (left). The initial process of party formation was marred by the failed communist putsch on December 1, 1924. During the conservative dictatorship of Konstantin Päts (1934–1940), all political parties were banned. Under Soviet rule, the only legal political organization became the Estonian Communist Party as part of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU).
In 1987, during the era of perestroika and glasnost, the formation of new parties and political movements began. In 1988–1991, mass political movements began to play a particularly important role in the political process: the Estonian People's Front (a centrist political organization that demanded first autonomy and then independence from the USSR) and the Committee of Estonian Citizens, which organized the election of delegates to the Congress of Non-Communists of Estonia to restore independence in based on the principle of legal continuity of the first republic.
The parliament, elected on September 20, 1992, was represented by nine parties and electoral alliances, including the Fatherland Union (30 of 101 seats), the Safe House (17 seats), the Popular Front (15 seats), the Moderates (Social Democrats and members of the Rural Center Party - 12 seats) and the Independence Party (11 seats). In March 1995, opposition parties won the parliamentary elections: the Coalition Party (41 seats out of 101), the Reform Party (19 seats) and the Estonian Center Party (16 seats). For the first time, the party of the Russian population, Our Home – Estonia, received representation in parliament (6 seats).
In 2000, the following major political parties and associations operated in Estonia: Center Party of Estonia, Reform Party, Fatherland Union, Moderate Party, Coalition Party of Estonia (liquidated in 2001), United People's Party of Estonia, Estonian People's Union. The vast majority of them are represented in the country's parliament. In 2001, a new large party, the Republic, was created.
Police and military forces. Until 1940, Estonia had an effective police system, a small but well-trained army (16 thousand people) and a civil guard of 60 thousand people. All these forces were disbanded after the annexation of the country by the Soviet Union, and their command staff were repressed.
In the fall of 1991, after regaining independence, Estonia began creating an internal security and defense system. The constitution provides for military service, but also includes alternative service for persons who refuse to serve in the army for religious or other reasons. Estonia has created a land army, a naval coast guard, an air defense force, and a naval Border Service, security service (internal and border). Military expenses amount to approx. 2% of the budget. Estonia actively participates in UN peacekeeping activities and regional organizations. In 1994, Estonia joined the NATO Partnership for Peace program.
Foreign policy. During the 1920s and 1930s, Estonia was a member of the League of Nations. After regaining independence in September 1991, the country became a member of the UN and OSCE. On May 13, 1993, it was admitted to the Council of Europe, and in June 1995 it signed a preliminary agreement on joining European Union(EU). The government's priority plan for the coming years is Estonia's accession to NATO.
The Republic of Estonia has close ties with the Scandinavian countries, especially Finland, and is a founding member of the Council of the Baltic States, established in 1992.
ECONOMY
By the end of the 1930s, Estonia became an industrial-agrarian country. Subsequently, already in the post-war years, the accelerated industrialization of Estonia was carried out, which was facilitated by its favorable geographical location. In the 1980s, a new Tallinn large sea ​​port Muuga. Since the beginning of the 1990s, Estonia has begun to form a market economy, diversify its economy and revise its foreign trade priorities.
Estonia has the largest deposits of oil shale and phosphorites in Europe (explored reserves are estimated at 3.8 billion tons, predicted - about 6 billion tons), rich forest resources and large reserves building materials. Shale began to be mined during the First World War. The volume of their production by 1980 increased 9 times compared to 1950 (from 3.5 million tons per year to 31.3 million tons), but by 2001 it decreased to 10 million tons. By the mid-1970s, Estonia became the world's largest shale producer, however, due to the low level of production technology, the development of their deposits was accompanied by severe environmental pollution. In the 1980s, approx. 80% of the extracted shale was used as fuel for thermal power plants and approx. 20% - in the chemical industry.
Industrial enterprises in the country are concentrated in the largest cities. Thus, mechanical engineering, metalworking and instrument making predominate in Tallinn, and light industry is developed. In Narva there is a large cotton mill (Krenholm Manufactory), and in Sillamäe there is a plant for the production of rare metals (Silmet). The main fuel and energy complexes are concentrated in the cities of Kohtla-Jarve, Sillamäe and Narva. Small enterprises in the food and wood processing industries are evenly distributed throughout the country. The least industrialized areas of Estonia are two large islands in the Baltic Sea - Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, where agriculture, meat and dairy farming and fishing predominate.
National income. The growth rate of industry and agriculture in Estonia declined in the 1970s and 1980s, and by 1990 their growth had stopped altogether. In 1990, GDP amounted to 5.5 billion rubles. and continued to decline in the early 1990s. Its growth began in 1994 and reached 5.5% in 1998. The Russian financial crisis of 1998 also affected the Estonian economy. In 1999, she had to make budget cuts and largely redirect foreign trade from the Russian market to EU countries. There was a recession in the economy and a decline in GDP by 1.1% in 1999. In November 1999, Estonia was admitted to the World Trade Organization. Due to the economic recovery in 2000, GDP increased by 6.4%, and the same growth is projected to continue in the coming years. The economic success achieved is partly due to the almost complete privatization of large state-owned companies.
In 2002, Estonia's GDP was estimated at 15.52 billion dollars, or 11 thousand dollars per capita. The share of agriculture in the GDP structure is 5.8%, industry – 28.6%, services – 65.6%.
Currently, employment in different sectors of the economy is distributed as follows: in the manufacturing, gas industry, energy, water supply, construction - 34.7%, in agriculture, hunting, forestry, fisheries - 7%, in the service sector - 58.3 % (including in education - 7.8%, in the government apparatus and defense - 5.6%).
Extractive industry. In addition to oil shale, peat is mined in Estonia, the industrial reserves of which amount to 1.5 billion tons. Peat is used as fuel and fertilizer in agriculture. Limestone, dolomite, sand, gravel and clay are also mined.
Energy. Estonia fully covers its energy needs from its own resources and exports excess electricity. Soviet Estonia sent a significant part of the fuel and electricity produced to Leningrad. The energy complex is based almost entirely on the use of fossil fuels. In 1999, 7782 million kWh of electricity was produced. Part of the generated electricity is exported.
Manufacturing industry. In 1988, light industry accounted for 27% of total gross output, the food industry - 24%, mechanical engineering - 15%, logging, timber processing and pulp and paper industries - 9%, chemical industry - 9%, other industries - 16%. In the early 1990s, production volume decreased, but already in the second half of the same decade its growth began, which in 1998–1999 was estimated at 5–7%. The main types of manufacturing products: ships, electric motors, excavators, chemicals, pulp, paper, furniture, building materials, appliances, textiles, clothing, shoes, food.
Agriculture. Historically, the main specialization of Estonian agriculture was meat and dairy farming.
The collectivization carried out in the late 1940s had catastrophic consequences: wealthy peasants were dispossessed and exiled to Siberia, and industry productivity dropped sharply. In the 1950s and 1960s, Estonian agriculture was largely restored. Estonia later became a kind of experimental laboratory for Soviet agriculture, especially in the area of ​​self-government. In 1977, the average size of collective or state farm land was 5178 hectares. In the mid-1970s, two-thirds of agricultural production came from livestock, one-third from grains, vegetables, and hay (with most of the grains being used as livestock feed).
Despite the measures taken, agriculture remains the most backward sector of the economy. Estonia has lost the market for agricultural products in the east, and exports of products to the west are limited by various quotas. Only a third of livestock and pig products are exported. The slow pace of privatization of agricultural land also had a negative impact on the state of the industry. By 1998, approx. 35 thousand private farms, the average farm size was 23 hectares. In the last decade there has been a reduction in the area of ​​arable land, and currently there is approx. 25%, under pastures – 11% of the country’s territory. The structure of agriculture is dominated by meat and dairy farming and bacon production. In addition, potatoes, vegetables, grains and fruit crops are grown.
Forestry and fishing industry. In Estonia, the area occupied by forests has doubled since 1940 and currently accounts for 47.8% of the territory. In 1998, roundwood, industrial timber and pulp and paper products accounted for 9% of exports.
IN Soviet time When most of the fish caught and processed was sent to the vast domestic market of the USSR, fishing took a more important place in the republic's economy. Due to the declining fish resources of the Baltic Sea, international quotas are now strictly observed and the annual fish catch is approx. 130 thousand tons
Transport. A dense network of roads was created in Estonia under Russian rule in the late 19th century, and then expanded in the 20th century. Currently 29.2 thousand km highways have a hard coating. The number of cars in personal use is rapidly increasing: if at the beginning of 1994 in Estonia there were 211 passenger cars per 1000 inhabitants, then in 1997 there were 428 cars per 1000 inhabitants.
The broad-gauge railway network has a length of 1018 km (not counting the tracks providing specialized industrial transportation), of which only 132 km of track are electrified. In 2001, Estonian railways were privatized by local and foreign capital.
On the territory of Estonia there is a gas pipeline with a length of more than 400 km, connecting the shale gas production plant in Kohtla-Jarve with Tallinn, Tartu and other cities, as well as with the Russian gas pipeline network.
Estonia has developed year-round maritime traffic. The main ports of the country: 6 ports in Tallinn, including the new cargo port of Tallinn-Muuga, Paldiski, Pärnu, Haapsalu and Kunda. Regular ferry service from Helsinki and Stockholm. The Estonian merchant fleet consists of 44 vessels with a displacement of more than 1,000 gross register tons each (total displacement of 253,460 gross register tons). In summer, navigation along Lake Peipus and the lower reaches of the Emajõgi River from the mouth to Tartu opens. In 2002, a service was opened on the route Tartu - Pskov.
Both domestic and international air services are developed. Flights to many European capitals and CIS cities operate through Tallinn Airport.
International trade. Estonia's main trading partners in the 1920s and 1930s were Germany and Great Britain. The country exported food, gasoline, wood and lumber, and imported machinery, metals, cotton, cotton fabrics and yarn. In 1990, approximately 96% of exports went to the RSFSR and other republics of the USSR and only 4% to foreign countries. 89% of imports came from Soviet republics, 11% from abroad.
At the end of the 1990s, the structure of foreign trade underwent fundamental changes. IN last years Trade turnover is rapidly increasing. Thus, in 2000 compared to 1999, exports increased by 52%, imports by 43%. The main exports are machinery and equipment (37.4% in the 2000 export structure), wood and woodworking products (13.4%), metals and metalworking products (7.1%), textiles and textile goods (11.3% ), agricultural products (7.5%), chemical raw materials and chemical industry products (3.7%), vehicles (2.6%), mineral raw materials (2.5%). In 1999 and 2000, exports by country were distributed as follows: Finland - 23.4 and 32.4%, Sweden - 22.7 and 20.5%, Germany - 8.5 and 8.5%, Latvia - 8.3 and 7.1%, Great Britain – 5.6 and 4.4%, Denmark – 4.7 and 3.4%, Lithuania – 3.4 and 2.8%, Netherlands – 2.6 and 2.5%, Russia – 3.4 and 2.4%, Norway – 2.6 and 2.4%.
They import into Estonia machinery and equipment (38.5% of the import structure in 2000), agricultural products (8.6%), metals and metalworking industry products (8.1%), textiles and textile products (7.5%), means of transport (6.9%), chemical raw materials and chemical industry products (6.6%), mineral raw materials (6.1%), wood and wood processing industry products (1.8%). The share of the main import partners in its structure in 1999 and 2000: Finland - 26.0 and 27.4%, Sweden - 10.7 and 9.9%, Germany - 10.4 and 9.5%, Russia - 8, 0 and 8.5%, Japan – 5.4 and 6.1%, China – 1.3 and 3.6%, Italy – 3.6 and 2.9%, Latvia – 2.4 and 2.6% , Denmark – 2.8 and 2.5%, Great Britain – 2.6 and 2.3%.
Currency and money circulation. In the 1920s and 1930s, the currency of Estonia was the mark, and since 1928 the kroon. The Bank of Estonia, founded in 1919, served as the main state financial institution. In 1940, Estonian banks were nationalized, and the Soviet ruble became the means of payment. In June 1992, Estonia was the first of the former Soviet republics to introduce its own currency, the Estonian kroon.
SOCIETY AND CULTURE
A characteristic feature of Estonian society for many centuries was the absence of a national aristocracy. Estonians lived in villages and farmsteads or constituted the lower classes of the urban population. Only at the end of the 19th century. the intelligentsia and middle class appeared. Until 1940, the population in Estonia was dominated by peasants.
Unions. The first trade union associations appeared in Estonia in the 1920s and 1930s, but their activities were largely regulated by the state. During the Soviet period, trade unions began to play an important role in the life of the republic, especially in organizing workers' leisure. Trade unions had a developed network of sanatoriums, holiday homes, boarding houses, and tourist centers. In the mid-1990s, the independent Confederation of Estonian Trade Unions was created in Estonia.
Religious life. In the 13th and 14th centuries, during the reign of the Danish kings and the Teutonic crusaders, Estonians were converted to Catholicism. In the 16th century Estonia (Estonia) became a Lutheran country, and the church was headed by Germans until 1918. Since the 18th century, after Estonia was included in Russia, Orthodoxy also became widespread. Since 1925, the church was separated from the state. During World War II, the church suffered large personnel losses: approximately 85% of Lutheran pastors were deported to Siberia. During Soviet times, despite official propaganda of atheism and state control, religious communities managed to survive. In the late 1980s they played a positive role in the revival of Estonian identity.
CULTURE
Estonian culture was formed under strong Scandinavian and German influence. The proximity to St. Petersburg, where many prominent Estonian cultural figures were educated, also had a great influence.
Education system. An important achievement of the first republic was the creation of a national education system, including higher education, with instruction in the Estonian language. During Soviet times, this helped Estonians avoid assimilation into the Russian-speaking population.
In 1997, 224 thousand children and adolescents were studying in primary and secondary schools in Estonia, and 18.6 thousand students were studying in vocational schools. In schools, 67% of students preferred teaching in Estonian, and 33% in Russian.
In 1998, 34.5 thousand students studied at 10 state higher education institutions in Estonia (52% of them were women). The largest and most famous universities in the country are the University of Tartu (founded in 1632 - 7.4 thousand students), Tallinn Technical University (6.8 thousand students), Tallinn Pedagogical Institute (3.1 thousand students), Estonian Agricultural Academy in Tartu (2.8 thousand students), Tallinn University of the Arts (500 thousand students) and the Estonian Academy of Music in Tallinn (500 thousand students). 80% of students studied in Estonian, the rest in Russian. Over the years of independent development, dozens of private educational institutions have appeared in the country.
Literature and art. The origins of Estonian national literature date back to the beginning of the 19th century. A significant event in the development of Estonian literature is considered to be the publication of the national epic in 1857–1861 by F. Kreutzwald Kalevipoeg (Son of Caleb). In the second half of the 19th century. poetry developed. Among the poets, the most famous were L. Koidula (who is also the founder of Estonian drama), A. Reinwald, M. Veske, M. Under and B. Alver. At the beginning of the 20th century. poet G. Suits led the cultural movement “Young Estonia”. During the Soviet period, poetry played a particularly important role (poets P.E. Rummo and J. Kaplinsky), because was less censored. In prose of the 20th century. biggest achievement is Truth and justice A. Tammsaare (written 1926–1933) is a five-volume epic novel about the life of Estonians in the 1870s–1920s. The most famous Estonian writer is J. Cross, whose historical novels reveal the moral problems of Estonian society. During the era of glasnost, much attention began to be paid to the fate of deported Estonians. In the dramaturgy of the 1960s, the theater of the absurd, in particular the play Cinderella game P.E.Rummo.
Folklore plays an important role in the new Estonian culture. Most of the oral folklore was published at the end of the 19th century, and scientific research and analysis began at the beginning of the next century. Folklore themes inspired Estonian writers, artists, sculptors, and musicians.
Among the founders of the Estonian national visual arts include the artist J. Köhler (since 1861 - member of the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts) and sculptor A. Weizenberg, who received artistic education outside the country. Professional art training in Estonia itself became possible after the founding of the Pallas Art School in Tartu in 1919. In the 1960s, Estonian graphic artists such as T. Vint, V. Tolly and M. Leis gained recognition outside the USSR.
The Estonian tradition of song festivals—regular gatherings of choirs from all over the country to perform in Tartu and Tallinn—had both cultural and political significance. Since 1869, 22 national festival folk song (so-called singing holidays); in recent decades, the number of performers reached 30 thousand people, and listeners and spectators - 200-300 thousand. Among Estonian composers of the 20th century. the most famous is E. Toobin (1905–1982). In the next generation, A. Pärt (b. 1935) is especially talented. The world-famous conductor N. Järvi (b. 1937), who actively promotes Estonian music abroad, emigrated to the USA in 1980.
Museums, libraries and science. The Estonian National Museum, established in 1909 in Tartu, has a rich collection of ethnographic materials and is the largest among the country's 114 museums. In Estonia there are approx. 600 libraries. The largest of them are the Tartu University Library (5 million volumes), National Library in Tallinn (4.1 million volumes) and the Estonian Academic Library in Tallinn (3.4 million volumes).
In the 1920s and 1930s, the country's leading scientific center was the University of Tartu, where special attention was paid to research in the fields of Estonian philology and literature, history, ethnography and medicine. IN Soviet years The main research centers were the institutes of the Academy of Sciences of the Estonian SSR in Tallinn and Tartu. Currently, the Academy of Sciences has been reorganized into a personal academy, and its institutes have been transferred to universities.
Facilities mass media. In 1930, 276 newspapers and magazines were published in Estonia; by 1980, their number had decreased to 148. In 1990, censorship was abolished printed publications and the media. In modern Estonia, of the 15 daily newspapers (11 in Estonian), the most popular are Postimees (The Postman, published in Tartu since 1891), Eesti Päävaleht (Estonian Daily Newspaper, published in Tallinn since 1905) and Ykhtulekht" ("Evening newspaper", published in Tallinn since 1944).
The National Estonian Radio began broadcasting in 1924, and the Estonian Television in 1955. The Estonian Telegraph Agency has been operating since 1918.
Sport. Estonia has a long-standing sports culture. Already in the 1920s and 1930s, the country took part in the Olympic Games, performing most successfully in wrestling and weightlifting. Thus, Kristjan Palusalu became the winner in freestyle and classical wrestling at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. International grandmaster Paul Keres was a multiple champion of the USSR and winner of chess Olympiads. In 1992, the Estonian team again took part in the Olympic Games for the first time since 1936.
Holidays. National holiday: Independence Day - February 24. In addition, such holidays as New Year, Spring Day - May 1, Victory Day (celebrating the victory in the 1919 War of Independence) - June 23, Midsummer's Day - June 24, as well as religious holidays: Christmas and Easter are widely celebrated.
STORY
Many have been discovered on the territory of Estonia archaeological sites. The most ancient settlements belong to the Kunda culture (Pulli site on the bank of the Pärnu River, near the city of Sindi, etc.). Representatives of this culture later mixed with the Finno-Ugric tribes who came here in the 3rd millennium BC. from the south, and then with the Baltic tribes. Subsequently, Scandinavians, Germans, and Slavs took part in the formation of the Estonian nation. Despite numerous invasions from the west, south and east, the Estonian lands (Maakonda) remained independent until the 13th century.
Foreign domination. From the 1220s to 1918, Estonia was under foreign rule. The southern part in 1224 was divided between the Livonian Order, the bishops of Dorpat and Ezel. The northern part belonged to Denmark from 1238 to 1346. The country was dominated by the Teutonic knights, the landowning aristocracy and local bishops of the Catholic Church, who were supported by city merchants. The Estonians, conquered by the Danes and the Teutonic Knights, remained peasants and became increasingly enslaved. The Catholic faith was poorly spread among Estonians, as the church showed no interest in their language and culture. The attitude towards religion among Estonians began to change only in connection with the penetration of the Reformation into Estonia (1521) and the subsequent involvement of the population into the fold of the Lutheran Church.
As a result of the Livonian War (1558–1583), the Livonian Order collapsed: the northern part of Estonia came under the rule of the Swedes, the southern part - under the rule of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The island of Saaremaa remained with Denmark. Since 1645, the entire territory of Estonia became part of Sweden. At the beginning of the 18th century. Russia's interests in the Baltic region collided with the interests of Sweden. The Northern War (1700–1721) between Russia and Sweden, accompanied by a devastating plague epidemic, ended with the victory of Russia and the annexation of Estonia and Latvia.
From the end of the 17th century. became widespread schooling in Estonian, in 1739 the Bible was published for the first time in Estonian. By 1790, the population of Estonia numbered approx. 500 thousand people. The abolition of serfdom in 1816–1819 was an important step towards the liberation of Estonian peasants from German dependence, but several more decades passed before they received the right to acquire land as their own.
Estonian national movement. Agrarian reforms and the development of the educational system under Emperor Alexander II (reigned 1855–1881) contributed to the emergence of the Estonian national movement. In the 1880s–1890s, the tsarist government pursued a policy of administrative and cultural Russification in Estonia. Under the influence of the revolutionary movement of 1905 in Russia, a wave of mass worker strikes swept across Estonia. The national bourgeoisie demanded liberal reforms. Organized worker protests resumed in 1912 and especially since 1916.
Under the influence of the events of the February Revolution of 1917 in Petrograd, workers and soldiers in Estonia began to remove tsarist officials from power. In March, Councils of Workers' and Soldiers' Deputies were created in Tallinn and other cities. The governor was replaced by a representative of the Provisional Government of Russia, the mayor.
Almost simultaneously with the October Revolution of 1917 in Petrograd, the Soviets of Workers' and Military Deputies came to power in the largest industrial centers of Estonia, dissolved the Provincial Zemstvo Council and began to nationalize banks, industrial enterprises, means of transport and landowners' lands.
Formation of the independent Republic of Estonia. Soviet power in Estonia lasted until February 18, 1918, when its territory was occupied by German troops. Taking advantage of the situation, the leaders of the Estonian intelligentsia K. Päts, J. Vilms and K. Konik published a manifesto “On the Independence of Estonia” on February 24, 1918. During the German occupation, Soviet regulations were abolished, and previously expropriated lands were returned to the landowners. In mid-November 1918, Germany transferred the administration of Estonia to the hands of the Provisional Government under the leadership of Päts. At the end of the same month, Red Army troops were sent to the Baltic states to restore Soviet power. As a result, Narva was conquered on November 28, 1918, and the next day the state of the Estonian Labor Commune was proclaimed, headed by the chairman of the Council of the Commune, J. Anvelt, and the head of the Department of Internal Affairs, V. Kingisepp. At the same time, an armed struggle against units of the Red Army began throughout Estonia, with the support of the United States and Great Britain. On June 5, 1919, the government of the Estonian Labor Commune ceased to exist.
After a 13-month war of liberation against Soviet Russia (November 28, 1918 – January 3, 1920), the Tartu Peace Treaty was signed on February 2, 1920 between the RSFSR and Estonia. According to the first constitution, Estonia was proclaimed democratic republic, in which power belonged to a unicameral parliament. In December 1924, the Estonian Communist Party, acting in accordance with the instructions of the Chairman of the Comintern G.E. Zinoviev, raised an armed uprising, which was suppressed. The rise of the national movement, which coincided with the global economic crisis of the early 1930s, contributed to the spread of conservative ideas in Estonia. On March 12, 1934, a coup d'état was carried out. The national bourgeoisie, led by K. Päts and I. Laidoner, came to power. By the fall, parliament was dissolved, and subsequently all active political parties were banned. In fact, a dictatorship was established. In 1937, a new constitution was developed, which came into force in 1938. It returned Estonia to parliamentarism, and it became possible to elect opposition deputies (although the activities of political parties were still prohibited). The post of president was introduced, and Päts was elected the first president in April 1938.
In the second half of the 1930s, Estonia experienced rapid economic growth. The most developed industries - oil shale, cellulose, phosphate - were reoriented to the German market. At the end of the 1930s, Germany became Estonia's main export partner, where most of its agricultural products were supplied.
The further fate of Estonia was decided in August 1939, when the Soviet-German non-aggression pact was signed with secret protocols, according to which Estonia fell into the sphere of interests of the Soviet Union. On September 28, 1939, Estonia concluded a forced mutual assistance agreement with the USSR, according to which military bases of the Soviet Union were located on the territory of Estonia. On June 17, 1940, the Soviet government presented an ultimatum, which was followed in August of the same year by the entry of Soviet troops and the annexation of the entire territory of the country.
Soviet Estonia. On June 21, 1940, the Estonian government was overthrown and was replaced by the Popular Front government with the support of the Soviet Army. On July 21, 1940, the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic was proclaimed, and on August 25, its constitution was adopted. The main efforts of the Soviet government were aimed at the rapid Sovietization of the former independent republic; arrests and executions began. In September 1941, Nazi German troops invaded Estonia and occupied the country.
In the autumn of 1944, after heavy fighting, Estonia was occupied by units of the Red Army. During the war, about half of the industrial enterprises were destroyed, most of the livestock were destroyed, approx. 80 thousand inhabitants, at least 70 thousand Estonians emigrated. At the end of the war, the authorities launched massive repressions (many specialists, public figures and wealthy peasants were arrested and deported). Private property was abolished in the industrial sector in 1945, and in trade in 1947. The forced collectivization of agriculture provoked armed resistance by partisans (the so-called “forest brothers”), which lasted until 1953.
During the Khrushchev "thaw" the Estonian Communist Party gained a certain degree of independence from the CPSU in governing the republic. However, in the subsequent period, especially after 1968, there was a rollback from the liberalization policy. The response was the spread of political dissent, expressed in demands for Estonia's independence and the restoration of the role of the Estonian language in education and public life. In 1980, forty representatives of the intelligentsia, including liberal-minded members of the CPSU, sent “Letter 40” - essentially a manifesto against Sovietization - to central government bodies and the newspaper Pravda.
Restoring independence. The mass movement for independence in Estonia began in 1987 with public protest against the barbaric mining of phosphorites, which was causing serious environmental damage to the country. In 1988, the Popular Front of Estonia was created, as well as a number of other political organizations (including the Independence Party), which put forward demands for separation from the USSR. In November 1988, the Supreme Council of Estonia, headed by communist reformers, adopted the Declaration of Sovereignty of the Estonian SSR by 254 votes to 7. In 1989, the desire to achieve full independence intensified, the Committee of Estonian Citizens carried out a campaign to register Estonian citizens. In March 1990, the newly elected Supreme Council of Estonia announced the beginning of the transition to full independence, and on May 8, 1990, the Republic of Estonia was proclaimed, soon recognized by many states. On September 6, 1991, the independence of Estonia was recognized by the USSR and then by the USA.
The main political milestones after August 1991 were the adoption of a new constitution in June 1992 and the parliamentary and presidential elections in September and October 1992. After the first parliamentary elections held in September 1992, a center-right coalition led by Mart Laar formed the cabinet. In October 1992, parliament elected the first president of Estonia, Lennart Meri, a writer and former foreign minister, who was re-elected to this post in September 1996.
Introduction in June 1992 of the new monetary unit– the Estonian kroon, pegged to the German mark, stopped inflation and allowed the economy to stabilize. Thanks to a balanced budget and price liberalization, Estonia has achieved significant economic success over several years.
The parties that supported the Laar government failed in the parliamentary elections in March 1995, when a new coalition led by Tiit Vähi, consisting of representatives of the Coalition Party, the Agrarian Union and the Estonian Center Party, won. The ruling coalition continued its policy of economic liberalization and integration with Western European countries. However, the Vähi government lasted only two years and was replaced by a minority government under the leadership of Mart Sijman. Political confrontation began to intensify as the 1999 elections approached.
Although the new electoral law aims to reduce the number of parties, politic system Estonia remains fragmented. According to the results of the elections held in March 1999, the parliament included representatives of the Center Party of Estonia (28 seats), the Fatherland Union (18), the Reform Party (18), the Moderate Party (17) and the Coalition Party of Estonia (7), the Union of Agrarians ( 7), United People's Party of Estonia (6).
In August 1994, units of the Russian army were withdrawn from Estonia. The Estonian government, in turn, has adopted the principle of “social guarantees” in relation to approximately 10 thousand former Soviet officers living in the country, now pensioners, and members of their families. The problem of citizenship of non-Estonians who moved to Estonia during the years of Soviet power has not yet been fully resolved.
In October 2001, the parliament of the republic elected the former chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the Estonian SSR, Arnold Ruutel, as president of the country.
On March 29, 2004, Estonia officially became a member of NATO.
LITERATURE
Soviet Union:. M., 1967
Soviet Estonia: Encyclopedic Reference. Tallinn, 1979
Wanatoa E. Estonian SSR: Directory. Tallinn, 1986
Kahk Y., Silivask K. History of the Estonian SSR. Tallinn, 1987
– Eesti: Quick reference. Tallinn, 1999

Encyclopedia Around the World. 2008 .

ESTONIA

REPUBLIC OF ESTONIA
State in the north-west of Eastern Europe. In the north it is washed by the Gulf of Finland, in the west by the Baltic Sea. In the east the country borders with Russia, in the south with Latvia. Estonia owns more than 1,500 islands, the largest of which are Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. The area of ​​the country is about 45,100 km2.
The population of Estonia (1998 estimates) is approximately 1,421,300 people. Ethnic groups: Estonians - 61.5%, Russians - 30.3%, Ukrainians - 3.2%, Belarusians - 1.8%, Finns - 1.1%, Jews, Latvians. Language: Estonian (state), Russian. Religion: Lutheran, Orthodox. The capital is Tallinn. Largest cities: Tallinn (502,000 people), Tartu (114,239 people), Narva (87,000 people), Pärnu. State structure- republic. The head of state is President Lennart Meri (re-elected on September 20, 1996). The head of government is Prime Minister T. Vähi (in office since April 17, 1995). The monetary unit is the Estonian kroon. Average life expectancy (as of 1998): 64 years for men, 75 years for women.
Estonia declared independence on August 20, 1991. The country is a member of the UN and the IMF.
Among the country's many attractions, one can note: in Narva - a medieval castle, in Tartu - the town hall building and one of the oldest universities in Eastern Europe. In Tallinn there is an ensemble of the Old Town with numerous cathedrals, fortress walls and medieval towers. The upper city was built in the XIII-XIV centuries. Lower town - in the XIV-XVI centuries.

Encyclopedia: cities and countries. 2008 .
Natural conditions
Most of the territory is moraine plain. In the southeastern part, a strip of hilly hills begins (height up to 318 m); The northern and central parts are occupied by the Pandivere Hill (height up to 166 m). The climate is transitional: from maritime to continental. Average temperatures in February are -6 °C, in July - 17 °C. Precipitation is up to 700 mm per year. Latvia is rich in beautiful clean lakes. The largest are Chudsko-Pskovskoye and Vyrtsjärv. The Narva Reservoir is famous. The soils are predominantly soddy-podzolic, soddy-carbonate, and swampy. Forests occupy over 40% of the territory (two thirds of them are coniferous). Nature reserves: Viidumäe, Vilsandi, Matsalu, Nigula. Lahemaa National Park.

Economy
Estonia is an industrial-agrarian country. Leading industries: mechanical engineering and metalworking (electrical and radio engineering industry, instrument making and ship repair), chemical (production of mineral fertilizers, sulfuric acid, benzene, detergents, etc.), light (textile, etc.) and food (meat and dairy , fish, confectionery, etc.). The country has established production of building materials, pulp, and paper. Applied arts became widespread: leather goods, metal goods, textiles and knitted items.
Agriculture mainly specializes in dairy and beef cattle breeding and bacon pig farming. In crop production, preference is given to grain (42.2%; barley, rye, wheat) and feed crops (50.5%). They grow potatoes and vegetables. Main seaports: Tallinn, Novotallinsky. Navigation on the river Emajõgi. Latvia exports products from the electrical and radio-electronic industries, industrial equipment, chemicals, food and consumer goods. Main foreign trade partners: Russia, Eastern countries. and Sev. Europe. Resorts: Pärnu, Haapsalu, Narva-Joesuu, Kuressaare.
Story
By the 1st millennium AD The main groups of Estonian tribes formed; during this period, contacts between the Estonians (Chud in Russian chronicles) and the Eastern Slavs were established. arise shopping centers on the site of modern Tallinn, Tartu, large settlements - Otepää, Valjala, Varbla, etc. In the 11th century. The Estonians made a number of campaigns in Russian and Scandinavian lands. In the 11th-12th centuries. unsuccessful attempts were made to annex the Estonians to the ancient Russian principalities. In the 13th century territorial associations-maakondas emerged.
From the 13th century Estonia was the object of German and then Danish aggression. In the 2nd quarter of the 13th - mid-16th century. the territory of Estonia, conquered by the German crusaders, was part of Livonia. At the end of the 16th century. Estonia is divided between Sweden (north), the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth (south) and Denmark (Saaremaa island); in the middle of the 17th century. the entire territory is under Swedish rule. According to the Treaty of Nystadt in 1721, Estonia became part of Russia. The abolition of serfdom in the Estland (1816) and Livonia (1819) provinces accelerated socio-economic development. At the end of October 1917, Soviet power was established. From November 29, 1918 to June 5, 1919, the Estonian Soviet Republic existed (name Estonian Labor Commune). On May 19, 1919, the Constituent Assembly proclaimed the creation of the Estonian Republic; in March 1934, a coup d'état was carried out in Estonia, a dictatorship was established, parliament was dissolved, and in 1935 all political parties were banned. In June 1940, Soviet troops were brought into Estonia. On July 21, 1940, the Estonian SSR was formed. On August 6, 1940, it was annexed by the USSR, and some Estonians were deported. By December 1941, Estonia was occupied by Nazi troops; released in 1944. In 1991, the Supreme Court of the Republic of Estonia adopted a resolution on the state independence of Estonia. In 2004, the country joined the EU and NATO.
Tourism and rest
Tourism in Estonia is the third source of budget revenue. Tourism traditions generally date back to the middle of the last century. It was then that the northern and western coasts became a favorite place for recreation and restoration of health among the Russian nobility and intelligentsia. Nowadays more and more services are offered resort towns Pärnu, Haapsalu, Narva, Iyesuu. A large number of tourists visit another beautiful city in Estonia - Tartu. Lovers of a calm and measured holiday are attracted by the small resort town of Ust-Narva, located 14 km from Narva.

Cities
Paldiski is a small cozy town in the Harju region of Estonia, located 49 km from Tallinn and 80 km (by sea) from Finland on the shores of the Gulf of Finland. The city was founded by Peter I in the 17th century. Since then, many attractions have remained, but the most important is the Peter's Fortress. The town is ideal for a quiet family holiday: beautiful uncrowded beaches, sea air and virgin nature- will provide a good mood.
Viljandi is a county center in Estonia, located on the high shore of the low lake Viljandi, which stretches for more than 10 km. Population - 23 thousand inhabitants. The city has been known since 1211. Dense spruce forests on one bank and a steep, steep bank on the other gave it an advantageous position.
In 1224, the Crusaders built the Order Castle here, which is considered one of the largest in the Baltic. The city was part of the Hanseatic League and was in the possession of Russia, Poland, and Sweden. Before 1917 official name town of Fellin. Despite the fact that the city is not large, it is full of various attractions and architectural monuments. For example, the city has preserved a beautiful medieval castle (13th century), across a deep moat there is a picturesque suspension bridge connecting the Castle with the city. The Church of St. Paul has been preserved - a striking example of the neo-Gothic architectural style. You can see many wonderful modern monuments.
Haapsalu (until 1917 the official name was Gapsal) is a tiny town on west coast Estonia, 100 km from Tallinn. Population - 12.5 thousand inhabitants. Considered the sunniest resort in Estonia, it is washed on three sides by the sea. Until 1917, the city was called Gaspal. City attractions, beautiful nature, clean air and coastal silence pine forests, a warm bay and picturesque reed thickets, sea bathing and healing mud of the bays - all this attracts people to Haapsalu. The city was founded in 1279. For several centuries, Haapsalu was the center of the Catholic bishopric and was a fairly influential city. Here is an ancient bishop's castle from the 16th century. Subsequently, Haapsalu experienced the rule of the Swedes and Russians.
In 1825 he became seaside resort, which was visited by members of the imperial family. Today, the preserved walking path along the seaside and the wooden Kursaal located there remind us of the rise of Haapsalu as a resort. It is interesting to see the sights of the town: the ruins and 38-meter watchtower of the bishop's castle, an alley with a memorial bench made of dolomite with a portrait of P. I. Tchaikovsky, the Town Hall building, the Dome Church with a round chapel of the 14th century. It is interesting to listen to the legend about the ghostly vision of the White Lady, who appears in the window of the sacristy of the Dome Church on a full moon night in August as a symbol of eternal love.

National cuisine
In the assortment of Estonian national cuisine many dishes from pork (pork legs, pea soup from pork legs, boiled pork with vegetables, etc.), fish (pickled herring, herring soup, pickled herring, dishes from pike perch, flounder, etc.). Such national dishes as kama flour made from rye, peas, wheat and barley, consumed with milk or curdled milk, mulgikapsad - cabbage cooked with pork and cereals, blood sausage, blood dumplings, are very popular. Dairy products occupy a special place in Estonian cuisine. Milk, cottage cheese, yogurt, whipped cream, and homemade cheese are included in the daily diet. We recommend trying sour oatmeal jelly.

National holidays
January 1 - New Year
February 24 - Independence Day
March/April - Easter
May 1 - Spring Festival
May/June - Trinity
June 23 - Victory Day (anniversary of the battle of Võnnu)
June 24 - Midsummer's Day Illustrated encyclopedic dictionary Modern encyclopedia

The largest shale mine in Europe. Production capacity 5.4 million tons of commercial oil shale per year. It is located in the middle part of the Estonian oil shale deposit, 20 km from the town of Kohtla Järve. Commissioned in 1972 together with enrichment, f... ... Geological encyclopedia

- (Estonia), state in the east. coast of the Baltic Sea. Annexed by Russia in 1709, it regained its independence in 1918 during the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia. The most important event in the history of Egypt in the 1920s. agrarian reform has become paradise... ... The World History

Most residents Western Europe, and especially Asia and the United States, are unlikely to be able to find Estonia on the world map. But so much the worse for them, because Estonia is not easy small country in the Baltics. Estonia has amazing Baltic nature, medieval fortresses, numerous museums, amber, the Baltic Sea, as well as balneological and beach resorts.

Geography of Estonia

Estonia is located in the Baltic States, Northern Europe. In the south, Estonia borders on Latvia, in the east on Russia. In the north and west, Estonia is washed by the Baltic Sea. The total area of ​​this country is 45,227 square meters. km., including islands, and the total length of the border is 1,450 km.

55% of Estonia's territory is covered by forests. The highest point in the country is Mount Suur Munamägi on the Haanja Hills, whose height is only 318 meters.

There are a lot of lakes in Estonia, the largest of which are Lake Peipus in the east and Võrtsjärv in the south of the country.

Capital

The capital of Estonia is Tallinn, which is now home to more than 420 thousand people. Archaeologists believe that the first human settlements on the territory of modern Tallinn appeared approximately 2 thousand years ago.

Official language

The official language in Estonia is Estonian, which belongs to the Finnish branch of the Uralic language family.

Religion

About 14% of the population of Estonia belongs to the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church, and another 10% of Estonians are Orthodox Christians. The rest of Estonia does not believe in God.

State structure of Estonia

According to the 1992 constitution, Estonia is a parliamentary republic, the head of which is the President, elected by the country's Parliament.

The Estonian Parliament consists of 101 members who are elected for a 4-year term. Executive power belongs to the President, Prime Minister and the Cabinet of Ministers.

Climate and weather

The climate in Estonia is temperate, transitional from maritime to continental. The average annual air temperature is +5.2C. In general, the determining influence on the Estonian climate is Atlantic Ocean and the Baltic Sea. The average annual precipitation is 568 mm.

Average air temperature in Tallinn:

• January – -5C
• February - -6C
• March - -3C
• April - +3C
• May - +8C
• June - +13C
• July - +16C
• August - +15C
• September - +11C
• October - +6C
• November – +1C
• December - -3C

Sea in Estonia

In the north and west, Estonia is washed by the waters of the Baltic Sea (Gulf of Finland). The length of the Estonian coast of the Baltic Sea is 768.6 km. There are more than 1,500 islands in Estonia, the largest of which are Saaremaa, Hiiumaa and Muhumaa (Muhu).

The temperature of the Baltic Sea near the Estonian coast reaches +17C in summer. In the bays, the water warms up better in summer and exceeds +20C.

Rivers and lakes

There are 200 rivers and about 1,500 lakes in Estonia. Rivers in northern Estonia form picturesque rapids and waterfalls. The highest Estonian waterfall is Valaste (30.5 m).

Several beautiful rivers flow through the territory of southern Estonia - Piusa, Ahja and Võhandu. By the way, Vyhandu is the most long river in Estonia (162 km).

There are a lot of lakes in Estonia, the largest of which are Lake Peipsi in the east and Võrtsjärv in the center of the country. In general, lakes occupy 6% of Estonia's territory. On the shores of Lake Peipsi there is the longest Estonian sand beach– 30 km.

History of Estonia

People appeared on the territory of modern Estonia approximately 11 thousand years ago. The first state formations in Estonia began to appear in the 1st century AD. In the 9th-11th centuries, Scandinavian Vikings (mainly Swedes) often attacked the territory of modern Estonia.

Before the adoption of Christianity, Estonians were pagans who believed in a supreme being - Tharapita.

From 1228 to the 1560s, Estonia was part of the Holy Roman Empire (it was conquered by the Livonian Order).

In 1629, most of Estonia came under Swedish rule. The first university in Estonia was founded in 1632 in Dorpat (Tartu).

In 1721, according to the Treaty of Nystadt, Estonia was included in the Russian Empire. It was only after the First World War in 1918 that Estonia's independence was declared.

According to the 1939 agreement between Germany and the USSR, Estonia was included in the zone of interests of Joseph Stalin. On August 6, 1940, Estonia was incorporated into the USSR as the Estonian SSR.

Estonia's independence was restored on August 20, 1991. Since 2004, Estonia has been a member of the European Union.

Culture

Estonians, like other peoples, are very proud of their culture. The country's government is making efforts to preserve not only archaeological, historical and architectural monuments, but also intangible monuments. Thus, in Estonia there are currently 7 government programs for the preservation of intangible traditional culture (we are talking about songs, music, dances, etc.).

Back in 1869, the first Estonian folk music and dance festival took place in Tartu. Now the tradition of this festival continues. The Estonian Music and Dance Festival in Tartu is now listed as intangible cultural heritage UNESCO.

The most popular holidays among Estonians are New Year, Independence Day, Easter, Midsummer's Day, Restoration of Independence Day and Christmas.

Estonian cuisine

Estonian cuisine is quite simple, it does not have any fancy dishes. But now Estonian cuisine already includes the most popular dishes of international cuisine. However, in Estonia the most typical products are still brown bread, pork, potatoes, fish and dairy products.

We advise tourists in Estonia to try the following traditional Estonian dishes: beer soup, bean soup, soup with dumplings and meat, brawn, blood sausage, Baltic herring in vinegar, pike in oil, stewed pike with horseradish, herring casserole, mulgi porridge "with sauerkraut, honey cake, cabbage pie, baked apples.

In Estonia, the traditional non-alcoholic drink is kali made with yeast, to which juniper berries are added.

Concerning alcoholic drinks in Estonia, this is, of course, beer and vodka. Estonians began making vodka around the 15th century, but it still cannot compete in popularity with beer.

Sights of Estonia

Estonians have always been sensitive to their history. Therefore, we advise tourists to Estonia to definitely see:

Cities and resorts

The largest Estonian cities are Tartu, Pärnu, Kohtla-Jarve, Narva, and, of course. Tallinn.

Estonia has several good beach resorts on the Baltic Sea coast. By the way, the beach season in Estonia usually begins in mid-May and lasts until mid-September. The most popular Estonian beach resorts are Pärnu, Narva-Jõesuu, Haapsalu, Toile and Kuressaare. There are also beaches on the shores of Lake Peipsi.

But tourists come to Estonia not only to swim in the Baltic Sea and see local attractions. There are several excellent balneological resorts in Estonia. The most famous of them are Pärnu, Värska, Kuressaare, Pyhajärve and Vimsi.

Souvenirs/shopping