Republic - a state in the northwest 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
A state in the northeastern part of Europe, on the southern coast of the 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. The total area of 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 occupy unique 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 common 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. Big species diversity The flora is different: mosses (507 species), lichens (786 species), mushrooms (about 2500 species), algae (more than 1700 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 home to foxes, pine martens, badgers, and squirrels. Wood ferret, ermine, weasel are common, and European mink and otter are common 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 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.
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
Currency unit- 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.
The official name is the Republic of Estonia (Eesti Vabariik). Located in northeastern Europe. Area 45.2 thousand km2, population 1.423 million people. (2001). The official language is Estonian. The capital is Tallinn (500 thousand people, 2001). Public holiday - Independence Day February 24 (1918). The monetary unit is the crown (equal to 100 centimes).
Member of the UN (since 1993), Council of Europe (since 1993), EU (since 2004), NATO (since 2004), etc.
Sights of Estonia
Geography of Estonia
Located between 22° and 28° east longitude and 60° and 58° north latitude, on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland, washed by the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga. The length of the land border is 637 km, in the south with Latvia (343 km), in the east with the Russian Federation (294 km). The closest northern neighbor is Finland. Coastline heavily indented - 3794 km. More than 1,500 islands, the largest are Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, Muhu.
Estonia is located within the East European Plain, which gradually rises from the coasts of the Gulf of Riga and the Gulf of Finland in the eastern and southeastern directions. The average height is 50 m above sea level, the highest point is 318 m - Suur Munamägi hill in the south of the country.
Estonia has a dense river network. Rivers: Narva, Pirita, Kazari, Pärnu, etc. The longest river - Pärnu (144 km) flows into the Gulf of Riga. The most abundant rivers are the Narva and Emajõgi.
There are more than 1,150 lakes (mostly of glacial origin) and St. 250 ponds. The lakes occupy approx. 4.8% of the territory. The largest of them, Chudskoye (or Peipsi), is located in the east and forms a natural and historical border with the Russian Federation (of the lake's area of 3555 km2, 1616 km2 belong to E.). The largest inland body of water is Lake Võrtsjärv (266 km2).
More than 48% of the territory is covered with mixed coniferous-deciduous forests (pine, spruce, warty and downy birch, aspen, as well as oak, maple, ash, elm, linden). The low-lying coastal strip is occupied by coastal meadows with specific flora that tolerate soil salinity.
Counts approx. 1560 species of flowering, gymnosperm and pteridophytes. A wide variety of mosses (507 species), lichens (786), fungi (approx. 2500), algae (more than 1700). Available approx. 60 species of mammals. These are: moose, roe deer, hares, wild boars, foxes, pine marten, badger, squirrels, etc. More than 70 species of fish live in fresh reservoirs and coastal waters (carp, salmon, burbot, trout, crucian carp, tench, carp, herring, sprat , cod, flounder, whitefish, eel, etc.).
Estonia has a fairly variegated soil cover from sod-podzolic, carbonate to podzolic stony. In general, wetlands occupy more than half of the country's area, and swamps - approx. 22%.
Minerals: shale tar (kukersite), oil shale and phosphorites (explored reserves are estimated at 3.8 billion tons, projected reserves are approximately 6 billion tons), peat, amber, limestone, clay, phosphates, dolomite.
The climate is transitional from maritime to continental, the average July temperature is approx. +17°C, February from –4°C on Lake Saaremaa to –8°C in Narva.
Population of Estonia
According to estimated national statistics, at the beginning of 2003 the population of Estonia was 1356 thousand people, decreased by 20.7 thousand people. compared to 2000 census data.
The population in Estonia is decreasing due to both negative natural growth and emigration. From 1995-2001, the mortality rate steadily increased (from 11.9 to 13.5‰), and the birth rate decreased (from 13.9 to 8.7‰), while the infant mortality rate also decreased (from 18.7 to 12 .6 people per 1000 newborns). Average life expectancy is 69.7 years, men 63.7, women 76 years. In 2001, 17% of the population was under 15 years old, 15% were over 15 years old, 68% were St. 65 years old. Men make up 47% of the population, women - 53%. 67.1% of the population lives in cities. The retirement age since 2002 is 65 years for men, 60 years for women.
Ethnic composition: Estonians - 65.1%, Russians - 28.1%, Ukrainians - 2.5%, Belarusians - 1.5%, Finns - 1%. 75.1% of the permanent population (almost all Estonians) have Estonian citizenship, 6.2% have Russian citizenship, and do not have any St. 12%.
The Estonian language belongs to the Baltic-Finnish branch of the Finno-Ugric family of languages.
Among believers, Lutherans predominate (80-85%), there are Orthodox (including Estonians), Baptists, Methodists, Seventh-day Adventists, Catholics, and Pentecostals. 8 churches, 8 parish unions and 66 private parishes are registered.
History of Estonia
The scattered Estonian tribes inhabiting the territory of modern Estonia were mainly engaged in agriculture, cattle breeding and fishing. German advance eastward in the 12th century. influenced the fate of the Estonians in the 13th-16th centuries. their lands were conquered by German crusaders and included in Livonia. The southern part of the country in 1224 was divided between the Livonian Order, Dorpat and Ezel bishops, the northern part belonged to Denmark in 1238-1346. The country was dominated by the Teutonic knights, the landowning aristocracy and local bishops of the Catholic Church, who were supported by city merchants. As a result of the war (1558-83), the Livonian Order collapsed: the northern part of Estonia came under the rule of the Swedes, the southern part - the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The island of Saaremaa remained with Denmark. Since 1645, the entire territory of Estonia became part of Sweden. In the beginning. 18th century Russia's interests in the Baltic region collided with the interests of Sweden. After Sweden's defeat in the Northern War (1700-21), Estonia was annexed to Russia and divided into two provinces. The Estonian province was formed on the territory of northern Estonia, and the southern part (Pärnu, Viljandi and Tartu) became part of the Livonia province.
Influenced by events February Revolution 1917 Councils of Workers' and Soldiers' Deputies were created in Tallinn and other cities. In April 1917, the Estonian lands became an autonomous province. The first elections to the Estonian parliament took place on July 7-8, 1917. On February 24, 1918, the Provincial Land Council declared the independence of Estonia. The units of the Red Army and Estonian riflemen who entered contributed to the proclamation of the Estonian Soviet Republic (Estonian Labor Commune) on November 29, 1918, which existed until June 5, 1919, and on May 19, 1919, the Constituent Assembly proclaimed the formation of the independent Estonian Republic. On February 2, 1920, a peace treaty was signed with the RSFSR. In 1934 it was completed coup d'etat, a dictatorship was established, parliament was dissolved and political parties were banned.
On September 28, 1939, Estonia and the USSR signed an agreement on mutual assistance, which provided for the deployment of part of the Soviet troops on the territory of Estonia, and on June 17, 1940, in connection with the threat of fascist aggression, they were introduced. On June 14-15, elections to the State Duma were held, and on July 21, 1940, the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic was proclaimed, and in August 1940 it became part of the USSR. In 1941-44, England was occupied by Nazi troops. In the fall of 1944, after heavy fighting, Estonia was liberated by units of the Red Army.
In December 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, led by communist reformers, adopted the Declaration of Sovereignty of the Estonian SSR. On May 8, 1990, the Republic of Estonia was proclaimed, and on September 6, 1991, the independence of Estonia was recognized by the State Council of the USSR.
State structure and political system of Estonia
Estonia is a parliamentary republic. The Constitution of 1992 is in force. Administrative division - 15 counties (maakonds), 207 volosts, 47 cities. Largest cities (thousand people): Tallinn, Tartu (115), Narva (68.5), Kohtla-Jarve (55), Pärnu (45).
State power in accordance with the Constitution is exercised by the Riigikogu, the President and the Government.
The highest legislative body is the Riigikogu (unicameral parliament), consisting of 101 deputies elected by universal, direct, secret ballot for 4 years on the basis of proportional representation (over 20 parties and political organizations are registered in Estonia). The Riigikogu elects the president, discusses legislation, approves or rejects the prime minister appointed by the president, and forms the government of the country.
The elections of the next (10th) Riigikogu, held on March 2, 2003, demonstrated the previous tendency towards the predominance of right-wing conservative, nationally oriented forces. In total, approx. took part in the elections. 58% of the Estonian electorate, or 40% of the country's residents. Almost 25% of the population, mostly Russian-speaking residents who do not have the status of citizens, were not allowed to participate in the elections. Of the 11 registered parties, only 6 entered parliament. Russian-speaking parties - the United People's Party of Estonia and the Russian Party of Estonia did not receive the required minimum votes. The center-right party "Res Publica" won (28 seats), in second place was the social democratic Center Party, led by the mayor of Tallinn E. Savisaar (28), in third place was the Reform Party with leader S. Kallas (19), the only party from " triple alliance" (reformists, moderates and the Fatherland Union), which has broad support after the right-wing government, since it managed to move away from the unpopular decisions of this government and actively condemned its partners, then the People's Union (13), the Isamaalit Fatherland Union (7) and the Party moderates (6 seats).
The head of state is the president, elected by the Riigikogu for 5 years, but not more than two consecutive terms, approves laws, appoints a candidate for the post of prime minister, and performs representative functions. Arnold Rüütel won the presidential election on September 21, 2001, replacing Lennart Mary.
The highest body of executive power - the Cabinet of Ministers - is formed by the Riigikogu. The composition of the country's new coalition government was approved on April 7, 2003. The ruling coalition included representatives of the Res Publica party, the Reform Party and the People's Union. The leader of the Res Publica party, Juhan Parts, became the new Prime Minister of Estonia, replacing the leader of the reformist party, Siim Kallas.
The primary tasks of the new government were: continuation of the active campaign against corruption (rejection of personal and expensive cars of ministers and other officials), reduction of expenses for the maintenance of the state apparatus; the fight for a balanced budget, reducing income tax to 20% and establishing a tax-free level of personal income up to 2,000 thousand crowns per month from January 1, 2004; tougher penalties for drug-related crimes. In area foreign policy- Estonia’s accession to the EU (in the referendum held on September 14, 2003, 66.9% of voters who took part voted for joining the EU) and NATO, further development of Estonian-Russian relations, cross-border cooperation between Estonia and Leningrad, Pskov and other regions of the Russian Federation, as well as cooperation within the framework of projects of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS).
NATO membership is one of the main goals of Estonia's foreign and defense policy. In 2002, 2% of GDP was spent on defense. Preparation and reform national system defense is carried out in accordance with NATO standards. The regular Armed Forces number approx. 4500 people All of Estonia is divided into 4 military districts and 14 defense regions. The ground forces consist of 8 battalions: reconnaissance, security, peacekeeping and 5 infantry, as well as an artillery unit. They are armed with 32 armored personnel carriers, up to 60 mortars of various calibers, approx. 20 towed artillery guns and St. 400 recoilless rifles, 100 anti-aircraft guns and approx. 15 anti-tank guided missile launchers. The Air Force has 110 personnel. and consist of 2 An-2 aircraft and 3 Mi-2 helicopters. The country's Navy - 300 people, one frigate, 2 patrol boats, 4 mine-sweeping ships, 2 auxiliary vessels. There is also a border guard, consisting of approx. 300 people on 30 patrol boats.
Estonia has diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation (established on October 9, 1991).
Economy of Estonia
Estonia is a state with an industrial-agrarian economy. Industry employs 33% of the economically active population. The main industries: oil shale mining and processing, light industry, food processing, woodworking, metalworking, mechanical engineering and construction materials production. Industrial enterprises in the country are concentrated in large cities. Tallinn is home to metalworking, machine-building and instrument-making factories, and light industry enterprises. In Narva there is a famous large cotton mill (Krenholm Manufactory), in Sillamae there is a plant for the production of rare metals (Silmet). The cities of Kohtla-Jarve, Sillamäe and Narva have the main fuel and energy complexes. Small enterprises in the food and wood processing industries are evenly distributed throughout the country. The industry is experiencing crisis phenomena associated with structural changes and reorientation towards the production of competitive products that meet the requirements of the world market.
St. is involved in agriculture. 12% of the economically active population, agricultural land area 2.57 million hectares. The main directions are meat and dairy farming, bacon production. They grow potatoes, vegetables, grains and fruit crops. Agriculture remains the most backward sector of the economy, despite the measures taken. Estonia has lost the market for agricultural products in the east, and exports of products to the west are limited by various quotas. Only 1/3 of livestock and pig products are exported. The slow pace of privatization also had a negative impact on the state of the industry. In the last decade, the area of arable land has been declining; arable land occupies 25% of the country's territory, pastures - 11%.
Industry in 2002 accounted for 19.7% of GDP (including manufacturing - 18.6%), transport and communications - 15.9, trade - 14.6, services - 12.6, construction - 6.4 , other areas of activity - 30.8%.
There is a fairly developed and extensive transport network. The total length of the broad-gauge railway is 1018 km (privatized in 2001), highways - 49,480 km (10,935 km paved, 38,545 km unpaved), navigable waterways - 320 km, gas pipelines - 420 km. There are year-round sea (ports and harbors: Haapsalu, Kunda, Muuga, Tallinn) and air connections (5 airports, the largest in Tallinn).
Estonia consistently carries out coordinated efforts by the IMF and the World Bank economic reforms and is a market economy country seeking EU membership to strengthen economic security. One of the main conditions for joining the EU is membership in the WTO (Estonia joined this organization in 1999). Another important condition is macroeconomic stability.
Over the years of its sovereign existence, the country has experienced a fairly long (5 years) and deep economic recession. In 2000, GDP in Estonia was 85% of the 1990 level, industrial production decreased by 35%. The development of the Estonian economy was negatively impacted by the Russian monetary and financial crisis of 1998. The reorientation of foreign economic relations to the West to some extent mitigated its consequences, but could not completely replace the vast Russian market. Every sixth company, exporting primarily food, chemical products, building materials, and computers, was affected. Many Estonian enterprises were forced to reduce production volumes by almost 2 times (in the processing industry - by 40%, in the electronics industry - by 55%). The volume of exports to the Russian Federation decreased by 59%, and to EU countries increased by 10%. The sharp decline in food exports to the Russian Federation led to the development of a crisis of food overproduction in Estonia. Unemployment has increased. Slow growth in industrial and agricultural production began in 2000.
GDP dynamics in Estonia in the 1990s. followed a trend common to all transition economies: a strong decline was replaced by unsustainable growth. At the same time, exports and foreign investment remained the main sources of growth in conditions of limited domestic demand.
The volume of GDP (in constant prices) in 2002 amounted to 96.9 billion crowns, an increase compared to 2001 - 5.8%. Industrial output increased by 4.5%. The volume of production in the mining and processing industries amounted to 939.7 million crowns (an increase of 10.6%), in the manufacturing sector - 16,746.4 million crowns (9.8%). The largest growth was observed in the production of computers, office equipment (24.7%), electrical machines (20%), paper (20.3%) and textile (14.7%) industries.
The volume of construction work increased by 14.7% and amounted to CZK 5,551 million, and the volume of retail and wholesale trade increased by 10.1% (CZK 12,896 million). Revenues from the service sector increased (restaurant and hotel services - by 12.7%, financial activities - by 8.5%).
In agriculture and hunting in 2002, a decrease in production of 4.7% was recorded. In the livestock industry, 92 thousand tons of meat were produced, 1% more, eggs (247.3 million pieces) - 11% less, milk (620.7 thousand tons) - 9% less. In crop production: 543.7 thousand tons of grains were collected (a decrease of 2.7%), potatoes - 285.7 thousand tons (6.7% less).
The volume of Estonia's foreign trade turnover in 2002 compared to 2001 increased by 3%, amounting to 136.4 billion kroons; exports accounted for 42% (56.9 billion kroons), imports - 58% (79.8 billion kroons). Exports of Estonian goods decreased by 2.1%, imports increased by 6%. Estonia's foreign trade deficit amounted to 39.7% of exports (in 2001 - 33%). EU countries accounted for 68% of exports and 58% of imports, CIS countries - 5 and 10%, respectively. The main export partners were: Finland (24.8%), Sweden (15.3%), Germany (9.9%), Latvia (7.4%), Great Britain (4.8%), Denmark (4. 4%), and for imports - Finland (17.2%), Germany (11.2%), Sweden (9.5%), Russia (7.4%), China (5.2%), Italy ( 4.6%). The negative balance in trade with the EU countries amounted to 5.6 billion crowns, the CIS - 5.1 billion crowns.
The unstable dynamics of the global economy and negative trends in the development of EU countries (slowdown of economic growth) have had an impact on the Estonian economy in recent years. This is directly related to the shrinking export opportunities and the constant increase in imports. Estonia managed to partially compensate for losses in the EU markets by entering the markets of the CIS countries, mainly in the Russian Federation. In 2002, exports to the Russian Federation increased by 39.5% compared to 2001. Major export items are mechanical engineering products (approx. 60%), food products. Almost 50% of imports from the Russian Federation are mineral products (oil, petroleum products, gas, mineral fertilizers). Large import items are metals (mainly ferrous and aluminum) and products made from them, as well as chemical products, forest and paper products, primarily wood for the production of lumber exported to the West.
There are no large investments from the Russian Federation in Estonia; shareholders from legal entities and individuals are registered in 266 Estonian companies. RAO Gazprom made relatively large investments in the petrochemical enterprise Nitrofert in Kohtla-Jarve. On the basis of the Nitrofert gas processing enterprise, with the participation of large Western companies and banks, work is underway on a project to create a modern high-tech chemical production facility. The products of this enterprise (fertilizers, methanol, etc.) will be exported to the markets of Western countries.
Transit of Russian cargo remains important element national economy of Estonia. The volume of these services significantly exceeds commodity exports to the Russian Federation in value terms. The Russian Federation is provided with services for the transportation and transshipment of oil and petroleum products, fertilizers, metals and a number of other goods. Revenues from the transit of these goods account for up to 25% of the Estonian budget.
The reduction in demand in foreign markets had a downward impact on the dynamics of consumer prices. The deficit has increased noticeably trade balance. The increase in the balance of payments deficit was counteracted by a very significant influx of investment from abroad. Volume accumulated at the beginning 2002 foreign direct investment (FDI) amounted to $2.7 billion, or $1.8 thousand per capita. The largest foreign investors - Finland and Sweden - invested St. 2/3 of all foreign investments, Germany - 10%.
Estonia's economic development in 2003 will continue to be determined by the dynamics of demand on the domestic market. Some growth in consumption will be possible due to an increase in wages and expanded opportunities for obtaining loans from commercial banks.
The Estonian banking system consists of the Bank of Estonia and a network of commercial banks (7), whose assets amounted to USD 3.78 billion (September 2002). Hansapunk is one of the largest banks in the country. According to the Bank of Estonia, the country's balance of payments deficit in 2002 amounted to 13.3 billion kroons ($930 million), or 12.5% of GDP, 2 times more than in 2001. The increase in the deficit is caused by the constantly increasing import of services, indicating for active investment activities. Estonia's external debt is at stake. 2002 amounted to 12.3 billion crowns, or 11.6% of GDP (in 2001 - 9.2 billion crowns, or 10% of GDP, respectively).
In 2002, GDP per capita reached 5 thousand euros, which is 37% of the EU average. The average monthly wage was $337, the minimum wage was $103, the average pension was $92, and the average family income per person was $131. Food accounted for 32% of all expenses.
The number of employees in 2002 amounted to 586 thousand people, increased by 1.4% compared to 2001. 67.2 thousand unemployed were registered (in 2001 - 83.1 thousand). The unemployment rate remains quite high, but there is a downward trend from 13.6% in 2000 to 10.6% in 2001 and 10.3% in 2002.
Science and culture of Estonia
In Estonia, the share of those with primary, basic (9 grades) and secondary education in the economically active population is 35.6%, secondary specialized (vocational) education - 35.3% and higher education - 29.1% (2000).
At the beginning of the 2001/02 school year, 207.6 thousand people were studying in general education schools in Estonia. (26.2% - in Russian), in professional educational institutions- 29.8 thousand people. (35.3%) and in universities - 60.4 thousand people. (11.2%). In the field of vocational and higher education, a significant share of state funding remains. The number of higher education students has increased sharply due to paid education (both in public and private educational institutions).
Since 2002, a new system for financing budget-funded places in higher education began to operate. It provides for the conclusion of agreements between the Ministry of Education and the university for the entire nominal period of budget education (up to graduation, obtaining a master's or doctorate degree) for a certain number of places.
The country has 6 public and 8 private universities, 34 universities. The largest and most famous of them: Tartu University (founded in 1632), Tallinn Technical University, Tallinn Pedagogical University, Estonian Agricultural Academy in Tartu, Tallinn University of the Arts, Estonian Music and Art Academy in Tallinn.
Expenditures on science amount to 0.7% of GDP (2001). The country's leading scientific center, the Estonian Academy of Sciences, was reorganized into a personal academy, and its 19 institutes were transferred to universities. A major center of science is the University of Tartu, where Special attention is devoted to research in the field of Estonian philology and literature, history, ethnography and medicine.
Of the country's 114 museums, the largest is the Estonian National Museum, established in 1909 in Tartu, which has a rich collection of ethnographic materials. In Estonia there are approx. 600 libraries. The largest of them are the Tartu University Library, the National Library in Tallinn and the Estonian Academic Library in Tallinn.
Estonian culture was formed under strong Scandinavian and German influence. In the beginning. 19th century Estonian literature began to emerge. The publication in 1857-61 by F. Kreutzwald of the national epic “Kalevipoeg” (“Son of Kalev”) was a significant event. Poetry developed in the 2nd half. 19th century The most famous were L. Koidula (the founder of Estonian drama), A. Reinwald, M. Veske, M. Under and B. Alver. In the beginning. 20th century the poet G. Suits led the cultural movement “Young Estonia”; poets such as P. Rummo (the play “Cinderella’s Game”) and J. Kaplinsky became famous.
The greatest achievement of prose in the 20th century. is the five-volume epic novel by A. Tammsaare “Truth and Justice”, written in 1926-33. The historical novels of the most famous Estonian writer J. Cross reveal moral problems Estonian society. The national writer of Estonia is Juhan Smuul (1922-71).
Folklore plays an important role in Estonian culture, inspiring writers, artists, sculptors, and musicians. Among the founders of Estonian national fine art are the artist J. Köhler and the sculptor A. Weizenberg, the Estonian graphic artists T. Vint, V. Tolly and M. Leis. Among the Estonian composers, the most famous are E. Tubin (1905-82), A. Pärt (b. 1935), conductor N. Järvi (b. 1937)
It is an Estonian tradition to hold song festivals (in recent decades the number of performers has reached 30 thousand people, and listeners and spectators up to 300 thousand people).
In Estonia there are approx. 30 large and small theaters - state, municipal and private (National Opera House Estonia, State Russian Drama Theatre, Vanemuine Theater, etc.). Famous singers - Georg Ots (1920-75), Anne Veski.
Republic of Estonia.
The name of the country comes from the ethnonym of the people - Estonians.
Capital of Estonia. Tallinn.
Estonia area. 45227 km2.
Population of Estonia. 1.311 million people (
Estonia GDP. $26.49 billion (
Location of Estonia. The Republic of Estonia is a state in the northwest of Eastern Europe. In the north it is washed by the sea, in the west. In the east the country borders with Russia, including on, in the south - with. Estonia owns more than 1,500 islands, the largest of which are Saaremaa and Hiiumaa.
Administrative divisions of Estonia. Estonia is divided into 15 maakunds (counties) and 6 centrally subordinate cities.
Form of government of Estonia. Parliamentary republic.
Head of State of Estonia. President, elected by parliament for a 5-year term.
Supreme legislative body of Estonia. Sejm, whose term of office is 5 years.
Supreme executive body of Estonia. Government.
Major cities in Estonia. Tartu, Narva.
Official language of Estonia. Estonian.
Religion of Estonia. 70% are Lutherans, 20% are Orthodox.
Ethnic composition of Estonia. 61.5% - , 30.3% - Russians, 3.2% - , 1.8% - , 1.1% - Finns.
The capital of Estonia, the city of Tallinn, is the largest populated area in the republic. Before the declaration of independence and the establishment of statehood, it was called Revel and was considered the district center of the Estonian province of the Russian Empire. The current name was given to the city in 1919, at the same time, by decree of the Estonian government, it became the official capital of the republic. As of the beginning of 2016, the number of officially registered residents of Tallinn exceeded 439,000, which is almost a third of the country's population.
The capital of Estonia as a business and tourist center
Tallinn is the main business and tourist center of the Republic of Estonia. The country's largest enterprises are concentrated here, as well as in the surrounding area. And for many tourists, getting to know Estonia begins with a visit to its capital. The most famous are the Kadriorg park, divided into two parts, founded by the Russian Tsar Peter I, as well as the interactive museums Lennusadam (seaplane harbor) and KUMU.
The capital of Estonia is also a center of culture and recreation. It is here that concerts of Russian and Western stars regularly take place, an eventful nightlife thrives, and mass sporting events and festivals take place. Once every five years, a large-scale song and dance festival is held at the Singing Field, which attracts singers and dancers from all over Estonia.
Unlike others European capitals, Tallinn cannot boast of large sizes. However, perhaps this is precisely its advantage. The distances here are short, and thanks to the well-developed public transport system, you can get from the city center to any area without a transfer in no more than half an hour. By the way, travel on buses, trolleybuses and trams is free for city residents.
The capital of Estonia is a rolling title
A tradition has been established in the Republic of Estonia according to which several times a year Tallinn symbolically transfers the powers of the main city to other localities. This allows not only to diversify local life, but also to attract the attention of tourists to other cities in Estonia. The transfer of title occurs with the onset of the next season according to the astronomical calendar.
The title of spring capital is annually awarded to the city of Tyuri. It receives this honor for the abundance of flowering gardens, the aroma of which creates an indescribable atmosphere. In the second half of July, the proud title of capital passes to the main Estonian resort - the city. Until autumn, it is officially considered the summer capital of Estonia.
At the end of September, the border town takes over the baton. Since the late 90s it has been called the autumn capital of the republic. The latest to take on the title of main city is the Otepää ski resort, which until mid-March is considered the winter capital of Estonia.
Unofficial capitals of Estonia
In addition to the listed “seasonal capitals,” there are two more cities in Estonia that have been given the symbolic title of the main cities of the republic. For example, the city, which is the center of the Estonian student population, is often called the university or student capital of the country. As you know, the most prestigious university in the republic is located here.
The city bears the title of the island capital. It is located on the island of Saaremaa and is the largest located in the non-mainland part of the country. All of the cities listed above deserve the attention of tourists, and their residents are always happy to welcome guests and are ready to give them a warm welcome.
