Estonia is a country located in the northwest of Eastern Europe on the northeast coast Baltic Sea. The official name of the state is the Republic of Estonia. The territory of Estonia is washed by the Gulf of Riga and the Gulf of Finland. The capital of the republic is the city of Tallinn.
Republic of Estonia – just the facts
The Republic of Estonia was proclaimed on February 24, 1918. Before this, from the 13th century until 1583, its territory belonged to the Livonian Order, from 1583 it passed to Sweden, and from 1710 to 1918 it was part of the Russian Empire. The first Republic of Estonia existed from 1918 to 1940. In 1940 it became part of the USSR, of which it was a full socialist republic until August 20, 1991. This date is considered the Day of Restoration of Independence.
During the Second World War from 1941 to 1944, Estonia was occupied by Nazi Germany. The liberation of the republic took place in several stages; the invaders' troops were completely expelled from here in the fall of 1944. After this, Estonia was again included in the USSR. According to today's official interpretation, the subsequent years in the press and government speeches are usually called occupation.
In 1921, Estonia became a member of the League of Nations. After the restoration of independence in 1991, the state became a member of the UN. Since 2004, following the results of a national referendum (in which only indigenous citizens were allowed to participate), the Republic of Estonia became part of the European Union. At the same time, she joined the North Atlantic military alliance NATO. Since January 2007, Estonia has been included in the Schengen legal area.
Estonia country dialing code: +372.
State symbols of Estonia
The main symbols of the country of Estonia are the national flag, coat of arms and anthem. Their use is regulated by law. The symbols of the Republic of Estonia appeared long before statehood was established.
Country Estonia – administrative structure
The Republic of Estonia is considered one of the smallest states in the world. The territory of Estonia is 45,227 square kilometers. According to the Department of Statistics, at the beginning of 2015, the population of the republic was 1,312,252 people. The territory of Estonia is divided into counties, which in turn consist of volosts.
The largest cities in Estonia are Tallinn, Tartu, Pärnu and Narva. Important tourist centers also include small resorts where medical tourism is developed. The republic has developed a good tradition of assigning the symbolic title of capital to different cities: the spring capital is the city of Türi, the summer capital is Pärnu, the autumn capital is Narva and the winter capital is Otepää.
Countries bordering Estonia
Estonia has a land border with the Russian Federation in the east and with the Republic of Latvia in the south. To cross the Estonian-Russian border, you must obtain a visa (holders of so-called “gray” passports, that is, stateless persons, can cross the state border freely). To cross the Latvian-Estonian border, visas are not required, border and passport control is not carried out here, since both states belong to the Schengen area.
Estonia's closest neighbors also include Finland and Sweden. The countries are separated by the Baltic Sea, and constant shipping is established between their capitals. The distance from Tallinn to Helsinki is about 80 kilometers. Estonia is connected to its neighbors by bus, sea and air links. Until May 2015, it was also possible to get to the capital of the republic from Russia by train.
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Consular Section
Fax: (7 495) 691 10 73
VFS Global.
Address:
Moscow
Postal address:
5 Maly Kislovsky Pereulok
125 009 Moscow
Russian Federation
NB!
14 Bolshaya Monetnaya
197101 St Petersburg
Russian Federation
Phone: (7 812) 702 09 20
Phone: (7 812) 702 09 24
Fax: (7 812) 702 09 27
www.petersburg.site
25 Narodnaya
180016 Pskov
Russian Federation
Fax: (7 8112) 725 381
Consular Section
Phone: (7 495) 737 36 48 (weekdays 9.00 – 12.00 and 14.00 – 17.00)
Fax: (7 495) 691 10 73
Email: [email protected]
Office hours: weekdays 8.30-17.00
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Estonian and Russian national holidays (Public Holidays).
Visa applications may be submitted on weekdays 9.00-12.00, visas are issued 9.00-12.00.
Visa applications may also be submitted at the visa center of VFS Global.
Consul’s office hours on consular matters are on weekdays 9.30-12.00 and 14.00-16.00 (only in case of pre-registration).
Address:
8 Kalashny Pereulok (M. Arbatskaya)
Moscow
Postal address:
5 Maly Kislovsky Pereulok
125 009 Moscow
Russian Federation
NB! The Consular Section of the Estonian Embassy in Moscow serves all Russian citizens who live on the whole territory of the Russian Federation, except:
To apply for Estonian visa the residents of St Petersburg city and Leningrad oblast, Karelia, Arhangelsk oblast, Vologda oblast, Murmansk oblast and Novgorod oblast have to turn to the Consulate General of Estonia in St Petersburg:
14 Bolshaya Monetnaya
197101 St Petersburg
Russian Federation
Phone: (7 812) 702 09 20
Phone: (7 812) 702 09 24
Fax: (7 812) 702 09 27
Email: [email protected]
www.petersburg.site
Residents of Pskov city and Pskov region have to turn to the Chancery of St Petersburg’s Consulate General in Pskov:
25 Narodnaya
180016 Pskov
Russian Federation
Phone: (7 8112) 725 380 (messages)
Fax: (7 8112) 725 381
Email: [email protected]
Consular Section
Phone: (7 495) 737 36 48 (weekdays 9.00 – 12.00 and 14.00 – 17.00)
Fax: (7 495) 691 10 73
Email: [email protected]
Office hours: weekdays 8.30-17.00
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Estonian and Russian national holidays (Public Holidays).
Visa applications may be submitted on weekdays 9.00-12.00, visas are issued 9.00-12.00.
Visa applications may also be submitted at the visa center of VFS Global.
Consul’s office hours on consular matters are on weekdays 9.30-12.00 and 14.00-16.00 (only in case of pre-registration).
Address:
8 Kalashny Pereulok (M. Arbatskaya)
Moscow
Postal address:
5 Maly Kislovsky Pereulok
125 009 Moscow
Russian Federation
NB! The Consular Section of the Estonian Embassy in Moscow serves all Russian citizens who live on the whole territory of the Russian Federation, except:
To apply for Estonian visa the residents of St Petersburg city and Leningrad oblast, Karelia, Arhangelsk oblast, Vologda oblast, Murmansk oblast and Novgorod oblast have to turn to the Consulate General of Estonia in St Petersburg:
14 Bolshaya Monetnaya
197101 St Petersburg
Russian Federation
Phone: (7 812) 702 09 20
Phone: (7 812) 702 09 24
Fax: (7 812) 702 09 27
Email: [email protected]
www.petersburg.site
Residents of Pskov city and Pskov region have to turn to the Chancery of St Petersburg’s Consulate General in Pskov:
25 Narodnaya
180016 Pskov
Russian Federation
Phone: (7 8112) 725 380 (messages)
Fax: (7 8112) 725 381
Email: [email protected]
Consular Section
Phone: (7 495) 737 36 48 (weekdays 9.00 – 12.00 and 14.00 – 17.00)
Fax: (7 495) 691 10 73
Email: [email protected]
Office hours: weekdays 8.30-17.00
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Estonian and Russian national holidays (Public Holidays).
Visa applications may be submitted on weekdays 9.00-12.00, visas are issued 9.00-12.00.
Visa applications may also be submitted at the visa center of VFS Global.
Consul’s office hours on consular matters are on weekdays 9.30-12.00 and 14.00-16.00 (only in case of pre-registration).
Address:
8 Kalashny Pereulok (M. Arbatskaya)
Moscow
Postal address:
5 Maly Kislovsky Pereulok
125 009 Moscow
Russian Federation
NB! The Consular Section of the Estonian Embassy in Moscow serves all Russian citizens who live on the whole territory of the Russian Federation, except:
To apply for Estonian visa the residents of St Petersburg city and Leningrad oblast, Karelia, Arhangelsk oblast, Vologda oblast, Murmansk oblast and Novgorod oblast have to turn to the Consulate General of Estonia in St Petersburg:
14 Bolshaya Monetnaya
197101 St Petersburg
Russian Federation
Phone: (7 812) 702 09 20
Phone: (7 812) 702 09 24
Fax: (7 812) 702 09 27
Email: [email protected]
www.petersburg.site
Residents of Pskov city and Pskov region have to turn to the Chancery of St Petersburg’s Consulate General in Pskov:
25 Narodnaya
180016 Pskov
Russian Federation
Phone: (7 8112) 725 380 (messages)
Fax: (7 8112) 725 381
Email: [email protected]
Consular Section
Phone: (7 495) 737 36 48 (weekdays 9.00 – 12.00 and 14.00 – 17.00)
Fax: (7 495) 691 10 73
Email: [email protected]
Office hours: weekdays 8.30-17.00
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Estonian and Russian national holidays (Public Holidays).
Visa applications may be submitted on weekdays 9.00-12.00, visas are issued 9.00-12.00.
Visa applications may also be submitted at the visa center of VFS Global.
Consul’s office hours on consular matters are on weekdays 9.30-12.00 and 14.00-16.00 (only in case of pre-registration).
Address:
8 Kalashny Pereulok (M. Arbatskaya)
Moscow
Postal address:
5 Maly Kislovsky Pereulok
125 009 Moscow
Russian Federation
NB! The Consular Section of the Estonian Embassy in Moscow serves all Russian citizens who live on the whole territory of the Russian Federation, except:
To apply for Estonian visa the residents of St Petersburg city and Leningrad oblast, Karelia, Arhangelsk oblast, Vologda oblast, Murmansk oblast and Novgorod oblast have to turn to the Consulate General of Estonia in St Petersburg:
14 Bolshaya Monetnaya
197101 St Petersburg
Russian Federation
Phone: (7 812) 702 09 20
Phone: (7 812) 702 09 24
Fax: (7 812) 702 09 27
Email: [email protected]
www.petersburg.site
Residents of Pskov city and Pskov region have to turn to the Chancery of St Petersburg’s Consulate General in Pskov:
25 Narodnaya
180016 Pskov
Russian Federation
Phone: (7 8112) 725 380 (messages)
Fax: (7 8112) 725 381
Email: [email protected]
Consular Section
Phone: (7 495) 737 36 48 (weekdays 9.00 – 12.00 and 14.00 – 17.00)
Fax: (7 495) 691 10 73
Email: [email protected]
Office hours: weekdays 8.30-17.00
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Estonian and Russian national holidays (Public Holidays).
Visa applications may be submitted on weekdays 9.00-12.00, visas are issued 9.00-12.00.
Visa applications may also be submitted at the visa center of VFS Global.
Consul’s office hours on consular matters are on weekdays 9.30-12.00 and 14.00-16.00 (only in case of pre-registration).
Address:
8 Kalashny Pereulok (M. Arbatskaya)
Moscow
Postal address:
5 Maly Kislovsky Pereulok
125 009 Moscow
Russian Federation
NB! The Consular Section of the Estonian Embassy in Moscow serves all Russian citizens who live on the whole territory of the Russian Federation, except:
To apply for Estonian visa the residents of St Petersburg city and Leningrad oblast, Karelia, Arhangelsk oblast, Vologda oblast, Murmansk oblast and Novgorod oblast have to turn to the Consulate General of Estonia in St Petersburg:
14 Bolshaya Monetnaya
197101 St Petersburg
Russian Federation
Phone: (7 812) 702 09 20
Phone: (7 812) 702 09 24
Fax: (7 812) 702 09 27
Email: [email protected]
www.petersburg.site
Residents of Pskov city and Pskov region have to turn to the Chancery of St Petersburg’s Consulate General in Pskov:
25 Narodnaya
180016 Pskov
Russian Federation
Phone: (7 8112) 725 380 (messages)
Fax: (7 8112) 725 381
Email: [email protected]
Consular Section
Phone: (7 495) 737 36 48 (weekdays 9.00 – 12.00 and 14.00 – 17.00)
Fax: (7 495) 691 10 73
Email: [email protected]
Office hours: weekdays 8.30-17.00
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Estonian and Russian national holidays (Public Holidays).
Visa applications may be submitted on weekdays 9.00-12.00, visas are issued 9.00-12.00.
Visa applications may also be submitted at the visa center of VFS Global.
Consul’s office hours on consular matters are on weekdays 9.30-12.00 and 14.00-16.00 (only in case of pre-registration).
Address:
8 Kalashny Pereulok (M. Arbatskaya)
Moscow
Postal address:
5 Maly Kislovsky Pereulok
125 009 Moscow
Russian Federation
NB! The Consular Section of the Estonian Embassy in Moscow serves all Russian citizens who live on the whole territory of the Russian Federation, except:
To apply for Estonian visa the residents of St Petersburg city and Leningrad oblast, Karelia, Arhangelsk oblast, Vologda oblast, Murmansk oblast and Novgorod oblast have to turn to the Consulate General of Estonia in St Petersburg:
14 Bolshaya Monetnaya
197101 St Petersburg
Russian Federation
Phone: (7 812) 702 09 20
Phone: (7 812) 702 09 24
Fax: (7 812) 702 09 27
Email: [email protected]
www.petersburg.site
Residents of Pskov city and Pskov region have to turn to the Chancery of St Petersburg’s Consulate General in Pskov:
25 Narodnaya
180016 Pskov
Russian Federation
Phone: (7 8112) 725 380 (messages)
Fax: (7 8112) 725 381
Email: [email protected]
http://www.estoniarussia.eu
The bilateral relations of Estonia and the Russian Federation, in the form of diplomatic contacts and communication between officials and experts, are mostly aimed at solving practical issues. Similarly to the entire European Union, Estonian political relations with Russia have, since 2014, been restricted due to Russian aggression in Ukraine, the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol. The main goals of the bilateral relations in the near future are enforcing border agreements and further border demarcations.
Cross-border cooperation between Estonia and Russia is successful, particularly within the framework of cooperation programs largely financed by the EU. Estonia-Latvia-Russia cross border cooperation program 2007-2014 supported 45 different projects in Estonia, Latvia and Russia in the amount of €48 million. For example, the reconstruction of border crossing points in Ivangorod and in Narva that help to increase the throughput capacity and make border crossing easier, was funded from the program. Small-craft harbors were constructed in Tartu, Mustvee and Räpina. First inland water body slipway in Estonia was built in Kallaste. Waste water treatment stations in Pskov, Gdov and Pechory and the districts of Pskov and Palkinsky were reconstructed.
Estonia-Russia cross-border cooperation program 2014-2020 (http://www.estoniarussia.eu) continues to finance cross-border projects. The program aims to support the development and competitiveness of border regions. Total amount of the program funds is €34.2 million, with most of the funding coming from the EU. Estonia will contribute €9 and Russia €8.4 million. The cooperation program helps to finance five large infrastructure projects, with €20 million in total funding: 1) development of small businesses in South-East Estonia and the district of Pskov, (connected to border crossing); 2) socio-economic and environmental development of the Lake Peipsi, including water tourism and small harbours, reconstruction of wastewater treatment facilities in the district of Pskov; 3) reconstruction of the Narva-Ivangorod fortresses ensemble; reconstruction of the Narva-Ivangorod promenade; 5) reconstruction of the Luhamaa-Shumilkino border crossing points.
The bilateral relations of Estonia and the Russian Federation, in the form of diplomatic contacts and communication between officials and experts, are mostly aimed at solving practical issues. Similarly to the entire European Union, Estonian political relations with Russia have, since 2014, been restricted due to Russian aggression in Ukraine, the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol. The main goals of the bilateral relations in the near future are enforcing border agreements and further border demarcations.
Cross-border cooperation between Estonia and Russia is successful, particularly within the framework of cooperation programs largely financed by the EU. Estonia-Latvia-Russia cross border cooperation program 2007-2014 supported 45 different projects in Estonia, Latvia and Russia in the amount of €48 million. For example, the reconstruction of border crossing points in Ivangorod and in Narva that help to increase the throughput capacity and make border crossing easier, was funded from the program. Small-craft harbors were constructed in Tartu, Mustvee and Räpina. First inland water body slipway in Estonia was built in Kallaste. Waste water treatment stations in Pskov, Gdov and Pechory and the districts of Pskov and Palkinsky were reconstructed.
Estonia-Russia cross-border cooperation program 2014-2020 (http://www.estoniarussia.eu) continues to finance cross-border projects. The program aims to support the development and competitiveness of border regions. Total amount of the program funds is €34.2 million, with most of the funding coming from the EU. Estonia will contribute €9 and Russia €8.4 million. The cooperation program helps to finance five large infrastructure projects, with €20 million in total funding: 1) development of small businesses in South-East Estonia and the district of Pskov, (connected to border crossing); 2) socio-economic and environmental development of the Lake Peipsi, including water tourism and small harbours, reconstruction of wastewater treatment facilities in the district of Pskov; 3) reconstruction of the Narva-Ivangorod fortresses ensemble; reconstruction of the Narva-Ivangorod promenade; 5) reconstruction of the Luhamaa-Shumilkino border crossing points.
The bilateral relations of Estonia and the Russian Federation, in the form of diplomatic contacts and communication between officials and experts, are mostly aimed at solving practical issues. Similarly to the entire European Union, Estonian political relations with Russia have, since 2014, been restricted due to Russian aggression in Ukraine, the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol. The main goals of the bilateral relations in the near future are enforcing border agreements and further border demarcations.
Cross-border cooperation between Estonia and Russia is successful, particularly within the framework of cooperation programs largely financed by the EU. Estonia-Latvia-Russia cross border cooperation program 2007-2014 supported 45 different projects in Estonia, Latvia and Russia in the amount of €48 million. For example, the reconstruction of border crossing points in Ivangorod and in Narva that help to increase the throughput capacity and make border crossing easier, was funded from the program. Small-craft harbors were constructed in Tartu, Mustvee and Räpina. First inland water body slipway in Estonia was built in Kallaste. Waste water treatment stations in Pskov, Gdov and Pechory and the districts of Pskov and Palkinsky were reconstructed.
Estonia-Russia cross-border cooperation program 2014-2020 (http://www.estoniarussia.eu) continues to finance cross-border projects. The program aims to support the development and competitiveness of border regions. Total amount of the program funds is €34.2 million, with most of the funding coming from the EU. Estonia will contribute €9 and Russia €8.4 million. The cooperation program helps to finance five large infrastructure projects, with €20 million in total funding: 1) development of small businesses in South-East Estonia and the district of Pskov, (connected to border crossing); 2) socio-economic and environmental development of the Lake Peipsi, including water tourism and small harbours, reconstruction of wastewater treatment facilities in the district of Pskov; 3) reconstruction of the Narva-Ivangorod fortresses ensemble; reconstruction of the Narva-Ivangorod promenade; 5) reconstruction of the Luhamaa-Shumilkino border crossing points.
Estonia’s air is among the cleanest in the world, and the freedom to roam is codified in law. Pick berries, mushrooms, or herbs. Go hiking. Or sit still and take inspiration from the sounds of nature.
A short ride is all that’s required to experience Estonia’s full natural diversity. Little distance separates cities and nature. Our versatile cultural heritage and seasons of the year make every visit unique.
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brief information
Most residents Western Europe, and especially Asia and the USA, are unlikely to be able to find Estonia on the world map. But so much the worse for them, because Estonia is not just a small country in the Baltic states. 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 Peipsi 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 Atlantic Ocean and the Baltic Sea have a decisive influence on the Estonian climate. 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, Võhandu is the longest 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 shore of Lake Peipsi there is the longest sandy beach in Estonia – 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, the territory of modern Estonia was often attacked Scandinavian Vikings(mostly Swedes).
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 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're talking about 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 included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
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 gourmet 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.
As for alcoholic drinks in Estonia, these are, 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:
- Toompea Castle in Tallinn
- Kiek in de Kök Tower in Tallinn
- Hermann Castle in Narva
- Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Tallinn
- Rakvere fortress in northern Estonia
- Kadriorg Palace in Tallinn
- National Park Lahemaa
- Oleviste Church in Tallinn
- Dome Cathedral in Tartu
- Open Air Museum in Tallinn
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
Tourists from Estonia usually bring handicrafts, iron ashtrays, wooden beer mugs, Estonian dark chocolate, marzipan, dolls in traditional Estonian clothes, amber, and Vana Tallinn liqueur.
Office hours
Estonians in the Caucasus, Estonians photo
Lidia Koidula · Christian Palusalu · Lennart Meri |
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| Self-name | |
|---|---|
| Number and range | |
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Total: about 1,055,000 (2000) New Zealand New Zealand: |
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| Language |
Estonian language, Võru dialect |
| Religion |
Christians (Lutherans, some Orthodox). Most Estonians are not religious. |
| Racial type |
Caucasian |
| Included in |
Baltic-Finnish peoples |
| Related peoples |
Finns, Karelians, Vods, Livs, Izhoras, Vepsians |
| Ethnic groups |
I'll scream, I'll set |
(Estonian eestlased) - the Baltic-Finnish people of Estonia, the total number is approximately 1.1 million people, including about 925 thousand in Estonia (2012). The main language is Estonian, a member of the Baltic-Finnish group of the Finno-Ugric language family.
Until the XVIII-XIX centuries. Estonians called themselves maarahvas, which literally means “people of the earth,” that is, engaged in agriculture. The term eestlane comes from Latin (Aesti). This is how Tacitus named the people inhabiting the far shore of the Baltic Sea in “Germany”. In the Middle Ages in Rus', the ancestors of Estonians were called Chud.
Anthropologically they belong to the East Baltic and Atlanto-Baltic races and the transitional types between them. As of beginning of XXI centuries, most Estonians are atheists; Believers are mostly Lutherans, there are also Orthodox.
- 1 History and ethnography
- 1.1 Beginning of the 1st millennium
- 1.2 Iron Age
- 1.3 Estonian tribes
- 2 Estonians in Russia and the USSR
- 3 See also
- 4 Notes
- 5 Links
- 6 Literature
History and ethnography
The Ests were formed in the Eastern Baltic based on the mixing of Finno-Ugric tribes who came from the east in the 1st millennium BC and the ancient aboriginal population. Later they absorbed East Finno-Ugric, Baltic, Germanic and Slavic elements.
Estonian cultural scholars such as Uku Masing, Jaan Kaplinski, and president and author of popular science books Lennart Meri are trying to identify the Finno-Ugric heritage in the traditions of modern Estonians.
Beginning of the 1st millennium
Starting from the 3rd century on the territory of Estonia, it is possible to trace the formation of individual ethnic groups based on archaeological data, which coincide with the dialect and ethnographic regions that have survived to this day: Northern, Southern, Western Estonia and the islands. Scandinavia had a noticeable influence on Western Estonia. Southern Estonia retained its ancient cultural features the longest. Thanks to the influence of the Old Russian people, the characteristics of the Estonian Seto subethnic group were formed, as well as in the southeast of Võru; This is most clearly expressed in buildings and clothing.
Iron Age
From the 5th to the 9th centuries - the period of the Middle Iron Age, although in the Baltic states until the beginning of the 10th century, iron was extremely rare, and the Bronze Age culture was preserved there. Starting from the 9th century, villages began to form in the late Iron Age (several families united their farms). As a result, there was a territorial division into parishes and counties. Compared to neighboring countries, the rural culture of Estonia was underdeveloped - the main place of residence of the ancient Estonians was the farmstead, where the family lived, which was considered the unit of society. The family consisted of 8 - 10 people. All farm buildings were erected around an open courtyard, the main building - a residential barn - facing the courtyard, from north to south.
In the last period of the Iron Age (IX - XIII centuries), agriculture developed rapidly. Wheat, oats, peas, beans and flax were also grown, and later cabbage and rutabaga were added. From the second half of the 11th century, winter rye began to be cultivated, which brought with it the development of a three-field cropping system. The potter's wheel began to be used. Crafts were not as developed as among their neighbors.
Estonian tribes
Main article: EstyIn the 13th century, German knights attacked Prussian lands from the west and in the territories inhabited by the Estonians, Livonians, as well as Curonians, Semigallians, Selonians, Latgalians, from the Gulf of Riga. During this so-called "Holy War" there was mass kill people and the complete destruction and burning of villages.
By the end of ancient times (XIII century), the Estonian people and language were formed on the basis of the Estonian tribes living on the territory of Estonia and their dialect. Estonians were settled farmers and called themselves "the people of the earth."
The most typical ancient elements of Estonian folk culture are the residential riga, black bread, wedding and Christmas traditions, as well as the autumn commemoration of the dead (it was believed that on these days the souls of deceased ancestors come home) and a special form of folk music: the so-called runic song (regilaul). ) with a brief but richly varied motif.
From the 11th to 13th centuries there appeared early messages about Estonian clothing. The woman's main clothing was a linen shirt and a woolen frock coat. A woolen skirt was wrapped around the hips and secured with a belt. Linen clothing was bleached white, outer clothing was sheepskin white or black. The wool for the skirt was dyed with plant herbs; The most common dye was galangal, from which red was obtained.
Knowledge about the religion of the ancient Estonians is based on archaeological finds, ancient and medieval chronicles and folklore materials from the 19th century. The Estonians believed that every animal, tree and stone had a soul; They believed in guardian spirits who lived in rocks, streams and trees. To appease the spirits, sacrifices were made to them. For the most part, religious rites and rituals were not complex; there were no professional priests. Sacrificial places were considered, first of all, sacred oak groves - small isolated copses in which it was forbidden to tear leaves from trees or pick up anything from the ground - as well as stones, streams and springs. In connection with the development of agriculture, gods and personifications of weather phenomena and the sky came to the fore in the mythological worldview of the Estonians. The main heavenly god was considered Uku (Estonian Uku, Ukko) - grandfather. The popularity of fertility magic and the patron gods of the field and grain increased. Bonfires were lit during the solstice, as it was believed that fire drove away evil spirits. There were sorcerers, magicians and healers who were turned to for help during illness and other troubles. The ancient Estonians believed in the power of words: hunters and fishermen did not name their prey by its belonging to a certain species (bear, deer, perch), but used special “pseudonyms”.
In late autumn they commemorated all the dead - they believed that their souls visited their former houses. Tables were set for them and the bathhouse was heated; peace and quiet reigned everywhere. The word velnias, which is used among the Baltic peoples as a name for the devil or evil spirit, was formed from the designation of a dead person who returned and began to threaten the living. Uku (Estonian “grandfather”) was considered the main heavenly god.
According to the most ancient myths, which are mentioned in folk songs, the ancestors of Estonians believed that the world arose from an egg. The Milky Way was represented as the trunk of the tree of the world or the road along which birds accompanied the souls of the deceased to another world.
Estonians in Russia and the USSR
See also: SetuThe Setu Estonians lived compactly in the territory controlled by Pskov since the 10th century.
Estonian Orthodox Church in St. Petersburg Esto-Sadok - a settlement of Estonians near Sochi
Mass relocation of Estonians to the territory modern Russia(Leningrad region) occurred in the first half of the 18th century, after the annexation of the Baltic states to the Russian Empire during the Great Northern War and due to the need to develop new territories in Ingria.
In the 19th century, a large number of Estonians, due to lack of land, moved to the underdeveloped lands of Siberia, the North Caucasus and the Far East; Estonian peasants were actively hired to work industrial enterprises Riga, St. Petersburg and its suburbs. In 1860, for the needs of the Estonian community in St. Petersburg, the Lutheran Church of St. John was built.
In the 1920s, there were Estonian national village councils in the Leningrad region and Siberia. But in 1936-1937, these village councils were abolished, and a large number of Estonians were repressed.
After Estonia joined the Soviet Union, several thousand Estonians were exiled to the Komi Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, the Kirov region and Kazakhstan. In addition, with the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, several thousand Estonians were evacuated to the eastern regions of the country. In 1949, 20,535 people were deported from Estonia, most of whom were Estonians.
After 1955, mass rehabilitation of Estonians and their return to the Estonian SSR began. The size of the Estonian population of the RSFSR began to decline - from 78.5 thousand in 1959 to 46.4 thousand in 1989.
After the collapse of the USSR, the number of Estonians in Russia sharply decreased for a number of reasons - repatriation to Estonia, a decrease in the birth rate, assimilation with the Russian population. According to the 2002 census, there were 28,113 Estonians living in Russia - Russian citizens.
| Subject of the federation | Number of Estonians in 2002, people. | Number of Estonians in 2010, people. |
|---|---|---|
| Krasnoyarsk region | 4 104 | 2 346 |
| Omsk region | 3 095 | 2 082 |
| Saint Petersburg | 2 266 | 1 534 |
| Leningrad region | 1 409 | 772 |
| Novosibirsk region | 1 399 | 891 |
| Moscow | 1 244 | 1 072 |
| Krasnodar region | 1 136 | 668 |
| Pskov region | 1 122 | 625 |
| Tomsk region | 751 | 528 |
| Chelyabinsk region | 504 | 353 |
| Novgorod region | 307 | 171 |
| Kaliningrad region | 282 | 185 |
| Sverdlovsk region | 437 | 275 |
| Republic of Karelia | 257 | 156 |
see also
- Estonians in Latvia
- Estonian cuisine
Notes
- 1 2 Rahvuskaaslased välismaal
- POPULATION, 1 JANUARY. ESTONIANS by Year, County, Sex and Age group
- Ethnologue report for United Kingdom
- Taulukko: Kieli iän ja sukupuolen mukaan maakunnittain 1990-2007
- All-Russian Population Census 2010
- http://www.ausstats.abs.gov.au/ausstats/free.nsf/Lookup/C41A78D7568811B9CA256E9D0077CA12/$File/20540_2001%20(corrigendum).pdf
- All-Ukrainian Population Census 2001. Russian version. Results. Nationality and native language. Archived from the original on August 22, 2011.
- Pilsonības un migrācijas lietu parvalde - Kļūda 404
- CSO: Statistics: Persons usually resident and present in the State on Census Night, classifieid by place of birth and age group
- Population census 2009
- According to the Georgian constitution, Abkhazia is part of Georgia as an autonomous republic. In fact, Abkhazia is a partially recognized state, the territory of which is not controlled by Georgia.
- Ethno-Caucasus. Ethnic composition of Abkhazia according to the 2011 census
- Ariste, Paul (1956). Maakeel ja eesti keel. Eesti NSV Teaduste Akadeemia Toimetised 5: 117-24; Beyer, Jürgen (2007). Ist maarahvas (‚Landvolk‘), die alte Selbstbezeichnung der Esten, eine Lehnübersetzung? Eine Studie zur Begriffsgeschichte des Ostseeraums. Zeitschrift für Ostmitteleuropa-Forschung 56: 566-593.
- Similarly, the Tacitian ethnonym “Fenni” was extended to Suomi, giving rise to the modern name “Finns”.
- Estonians - TSB - Yandex. Dictionaries
- Atlanto-Baltic race // BRE. T.2. M., 2005.
- RIA Novosti: Estonia turned out to be the most atheistic country in the world
- In the old Estonian language, the word for “family” (pere) had the same meaning as “farm” (talu)
- Est. maarahvas "people of the earth; rural, village people."
- Finno-Ugric mythology
- Toivo U. Raun. Estonia and the Estonians. 2nd ed. Hoover Press, 2001. Page 72.
- National minorities of the Leningrad region. P. M. Yanson. - L.: Organizational Department of the Leningrad Regional Executive Committee, 1929. - P. 22-24. - 104 s.
- Multinational Leningrad region.
- Alexander Dyukov: The Estonian myth of the “Soviet occupation”, 5. Deportation of 1949
- Demoscope Weekly - Application. Directory of statistical indicators
- All-Russian Population Census 2002
Links
- Estonians Encyclopedia of the Peoples of the World Etnolog.ru
- Estonians in Russia, website of the Embassy of the Republic of Estonia in the Russian Federation
- French historian: Estonians recognize themselves as a nation through language - Postimees, September 7, 2009
- Photo catalog of the Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography named after. Peter the Great (Kunstkamera) RAS
Literature
- M. E.,. Ests // Encyclopedic Dictionary of Brockhaus and Efron: 86 volumes (82 volumes and 4 additional). - St. Petersburg, 1890-1907.
- Estonians // Peoples of Russia. Atlas of cultures and religions. - M.: Design. Information. Cartography, 2010. - 320 p. - ISBN 978-5-287-00718-8.
- Estonians // Ethnoatlas of the Krasnoyarsk Territory / Council of the Administration of the Krasnoyarsk Territory. Public Relations Department; Ch. ed. R. G. Rafikov; Editorial Board: V. P. Krivonogov, R. D. Tsokaev. - 2nd ed., revised. and additional - Krasnoyarsk: Platinum (PLATINA), 2008. - 224 p. - ISBN 978-5-98624-092-3.
- Peoples of Russia: pictorial album, St. Petersburg, printing house of the Public Benefit Partnership, December 3, 1877, Art. 114
| Finno-Ugric tribes and peoples | |
|---|---|
| Volga |
Peoples: Mari(including mountain and meadow-eastern (including meadow and eastern), also Kostroma, northwestern and barsky) Mordovians(including Karatai, Moksha, Teryukhane, Shoksha, Erzya) Tribes: Vyada Merya Meshchera Murom Burtasy1 |
| Perm |
Peoples: Komi-Zyryans(including: Izhemtsy, Yazvintsy2, Upper Vychegodtsy, Lower Vychegdtsy, Vimchi, Pechortsy, Prilutsy, Sysoltsy, Udortsy) Komi-Permyaks(including Zyuzdintsy, Yazvintsy2) Udmurts Besermyans |
| Baltic |
Peoples: Vepsians water Izhora Karelians(including: Livviks, Ludics, Tver Karelians, Finnish Karelians) Do you setu Finns(including Ingrian Finns (including Savakots, Evremeis), Kvens) Estonians (including: võru) Tribes: Chud Chud Zavolochskaya sum em korela all narova (presumably) |
| Sami |
Peoples: Sami(including Kolts; Sami in Norway Russia Finland Sweden) |
| Ugrians |
Peoples: Hungarians(including: Székelys, Yases, Csangos, Magyarabs) Mansi Khanty |
| 1The ethnicity of the Burtases is debatable. 2 The Komi-Yazvintsy are a group that is sometimes distinguished as intermediate between the Komi-Zyryans and the Komi-Permyaks. | |
great Estonians, Estonians, Estonians face, Estonians in the Caucasus, Estonians photo
