Estonia

Quick Facts

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Capital

Tallinn

Population

1,420,000

Government

Parliamentary Republic

Religions

Christianity (Protestant, Orthodox)

Languages

Estonian, Russian

Calling Code

+372

Nationality

Estonian

Local name

Eesti

Introduction

Tallinn - Old City Gateway

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Estonia is a small nation, but a proud one. When it achieved its independence from the Soviets in 1991, seven centuries of foreign domination drew to a close. Now, the country busily endeavours to adapt to modern society; while for other Western states this has come to mean a loss of heritage, Estonia has kept its traditional look. This is nowhere more obvious than at Tallinn, the capital, where architectural designs from six centuries ago survive proudly, as people stroll down cobbled streets, with spires shooting upwards overhead.

Estonians also take considerable care of their environment, making this one of Europe's most interesting places for nature lovers. Whilst geographically unspectacular, this is more than made up for by extensive forestation, a lengthy coastline and numerous islands. These provide a home for several species of protected eagles, as well as the quirky flying squirrel.

Estonia shares international borders with Russia and Latvia. There is also regular ferries to Finland and Sweden.

Counties

Estonia is divided into 15 counties.

• Harju County (Harjumaa)
• Hiiu County (Hiiumaa)
• Ida-Viru County (Ida-Virumaa)
• Järva County (Järvamaa)
• Jõgeva County (Jõgevamaa)
• Lääne County (Läänemaa)
• Lääne-Viru County (Lääne-Virumaa)
• Pärnu County (Pärnumaa)
• Põlva County (Põlvamaa)
• Rapla County (Raplamaa)
• Saare County (Saaremaa)
• Tartu County (Tartumaa)
• Valga County (Valgamaa)
• Viljandi County (Viljandimaa)
• Võru County (Võrumaa)

Cities

• Tallinn
• Tartu
• Narva
• Pärnu
• Kohtla-Järve

Red Tape

If you are a European Union (EU) citizen, you may enter without any restriction as per your EU citizenship rights. If you are not an EU citizen and Estonia is the first stop on your visit, you will need to obtain a Schengen Visa. This visa is valid for any country in the Schengen zone.

Getting there

Plane

Estonian Air is the national airline of Estonia with its base at Tallinn Ülemiste Airport (TLL). It operates flights throughout Europe with main destinations being Paris, London and Brussels. Other airlines, among others, serving Tallinn are Air Baltic, KLM to Amsterdam, Lufthansa to Frankfurt and Berlin, and LOT to Warsaw.
Lowcost airline easyJet has budget flights to and from Berlin and London.