Estonia Learning

Estonia is located in Northern Europe, bordered by the Baltic Sea to the west and the Gulf of Finland to the north. It shares land borders with Latvia to the south and Russia to the east. The geographic coordinates of Estonia range from approximately 57° N to 59° N latitude and 21° E to 28° E longitude.

Geography

Climate:

Estonia has a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild summers and cold winters. The country experiences four distinct seasons, with temperatures ranging from an average of 20°C (68°F) in summer to -5°C (23°F) in winter. Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year, with the wettest months typically occurring in late summer and autumn.

Fauna:

Estonia’s diverse ecosystems support a wide variety of fauna, including mammals such as elk, wild boar, and brown bear. The country’s extensive forests are home to numerous bird species, including eagles, owls, and woodpeckers. Estonia’s coastal waters teem with marine life, including seals, fish, and migratory birds.

Longest Rivers:

The longest river in Estonia is the Emajõgi, which flows for approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) through the southeastern part of the country. Other major rivers include the Narva River, which forms part of the border with Russia, and the Pärnu River, which flows through the southwestern region.

Highest Mountains:

Estonia is characterized by its low-lying terrain, with no significant mountain ranges. The highest point in the country is Suur Munamägi, standing at just 318 meters (1,043 feet) above sea level. Despite its modest elevation, Suur Munamägi offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

History

Prehistory:

Estonia has been inhabited since ancient times, with evidence of human settlement dating back thousands of years. The region was home to various indigenous peoples, including the Estonians, Livonians, and Setos, who engaged in farming, fishing, and trade.

Medieval Period:

Estonia’s history is closely intertwined with that of the Baltic states and Northern Europe. In the Middle Ages, Estonia was ruled by various Baltic German and Scandinavian powers, including the Teutonic Order and the Livonian Confederation. The city of Tallinn, founded in the 13th century, became a vital center of trade and culture.

Swedish and Russian Rule:

Estonia came under Swedish rule in the 16th century before being annexed by the Russian Empire in the early 18th century. Russian rule brought significant social and economic changes to Estonia, including the abolition of serfdom and the expansion of industry and education.

Independence and Soviet Occupation:

Estonia declared independence from Russia in 1918 following the Russian Revolution, but its sovereignty was short-lived. The country was occupied by Soviet forces in 1940 during World War II and subsequently annexed into the Soviet Union. For nearly five decades, Estonia endured Soviet rule, characterized by repression, censorship, and economic hardship.

Restoration of Independence:

Estonia regained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 following the collapse of the communist regime. The restoration of independence marked a new chapter in Estonia’s history, paving the way for democratic reforms, economic liberalization, and integration into the European Union and NATO.

Modern Age:

Since regaining independence, Estonia has undergone rapid transformation and modernization, emerging as a dynamic and innovative nation in the fields of technology, education, and governance. Today, Estonia is celebrated for its digital infrastructure, e-governance initiatives, and commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation.

Demographics

Estonia has a population of approximately 1.3 million people, making it one of the least populous countries in the European Union. The majority of the population is ethnic Estonian, with significant minorities of Russians, Ukrainians, and other ethnic groups. Estonian is the official language, although Russian and other languages are also spoken.

Ethnicity and Language:

Ethnic Estonians make up approximately 68% of the population, followed by Russians at 25% and Ukrainians at 2%. Estonian is the official language and is spoken by the majority of the population, while Russian is widely spoken, particularly in urban areas and regions with large Russian-speaking communities.

Religion:

Estonia is predominantly secular, with no official state religion. The majority of the population identifies as non-religious or atheist, although Christianity, particularly Lutheran Protestantism, has a significant presence. Other religious groups, such as Orthodox Christianity and other denominations, are also represented.

Education:

Education in Estonia is free and compulsory for children ages 7 to 16, comprising primary, secondary, and vocational education. The country has a well-developed education system, with high literacy rates and a strong emphasis on digital literacy and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education. Estonia is home to several universities and higher education institutions, including the University of Tartu and Tallinn University.

Administrative Divisions

Estonia is divided into 15 counties (maakonnad), each with its own local government and administrative structure. The counties, along with their respective populations, are as follows:

Harju County – Population: 590,000
Hiiu County – Population: 9,000
Ida-Viru County – Population: 138,000
Järva County – Population: 31,000
Jõgeva County – Population: 29,000
Lääne County – Population: 21,000
Lääne-Viru County – Population: 58,000
Pärnu County – Population: 90,000
Põlva County – Population: 25,000
Rapla County – Population: 34,000
Saare County – Population: 33,000
Tartu County – Population: 150,000
Valga County – Population: 29,000
Viljandi County – Population: 49,000
Võru County – Population: 35,000

10 Largest Cities by Population

The largest cities in Estonia by population include:

Tallinn – Population: 440,000
Tartu – Population: 93,000
Narva – Population: 55,000
Pärnu – Population: 40,000
Kohtla-Järve – Population: 34,000
Viljandi – Population: 17,000
Rakvere – Population: 16,000
Maardu – Population: 16,000
Kuressaare – Population: 14,000
Sillamäe – Population: 13,000

Education Systems

Transportation

Airports:

Estonia is served by several airports, with the main international airport located near the capital city of Tallinn. Other airports include Tartu Airport, Pärnu Airport, and Kuressaare Airport. These airports provide domestic and international flights, connecting Estonia with major cities across Europe and beyond.

Railways:

Estonia has a well-developed railway network operated by the state-owned company Estonian Railways. The total length of railways in Estonia is approximately 1,200 kilometers (750 miles), with major routes connecting Tallinn with Tartu, Narva, and Pärnu. High-speed rail services are available on certain routes, offering efficient transportation for both passengers and freight.

Highways:

Estonia has an extensive road network consisting of highways, expressways, and local roads. The total length of paved roads in Estonia is approximately 17,000 kilometers (10,500 miles), with major highways connecting the capital city of Tallinn with other urban centers and regions across the country. The E67, also known as the Via Baltica, is a key international highway linking Estonia with Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland.

Ports:

Estonia has several major ports along its coastline, including the Port of Tallinn, the largest port in the country. Other significant ports include the Port of Muuga, the Port of Paldiski, and the Port of Sillamäe. These ports serve as vital hubs for maritime trade and transportation, facilitating the import and export of goods to and from Estonia.

How to Verify a Chinese Company when importing to Estonia from China

Verifying a Chinese company when importing shoes to Estonia requires a multi-step approach to ensure reliability and compliance with both local and international standards. Start by researching the company’s legitimacy through official business registration databases. In China, companies are required to register with local government authorities, and you can request their business license number to verify their registration. Use platforms like the Chinese government’s National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System, which allows you to check the company’s registration and tax status. Additionally, trade platforms like Alibaba, Made-in-China, and Global Sources offer verification services, such as factory audits and customer reviews, which can give you insight into the company’s track record. Make sure the company is listed with a reputable trade platform and has verified credentials such as a Gold Supplier status or verified Trade Assurance. You can also ask the supplier for references from other international clients who have imported products to Europe, specifically Estonia, to assess the supplier’s experience with the European market.

Another key step in verifying a Chinese company is conducting a factory audit or hiring a third-party inspection service (such as TangVerify), especially if you cannot visit the company in person. These inspection companies can verify the company’s operational capacity, product quality, and adherence to relevant safety and environmental standards. As Estonia is part of the European Union, it is crucial that the supplier complies with EU import regulations, including product safety and labeling laws, as well as quality standards like CE certification for shoes, especially if they are to be sold to consumers in the EU. Additionally, ensure the supplier has export experience with EU countries and is familiar with customs procedures in Estonia to avoid shipping delays or issues. Requesting certificates such as ISO 9001 for quality management and ISO 14001 for environmental management will help confirm the supplier’s commitment to high standards. These steps collectively minimize risks associated with counterfeit products, non-compliance with regulations, and unreliable delivery, ensuring a smooth importing process to Estonia.

Country Facts

Population: 1.3 million
Capital: Tallinn
Official Language: Estonian
Religion: Predominantly secular; Lutheran Protestantism
Ethnic Groups: Estonian, Russian, Ukrainian
Currency: Euro (EUR)
ISO Country Code: EE
International Calling Code: +372
Top-Level Domain: .ee