Fact sheet:

Official Name: Republic of Estonia

Capital: Tallinn

Population: Approximately 1.3 million people

Area: 45,227 square kilometers

Official Language: Estonian

Government: Parliamentary Republic

Currency: Euro (EUR)

Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET),

UTC+2 Calling Code: +372

Internet TLD: .ee

Geography and Climate:

• Estonia is located in Northern Europe, bordered by the Gulf of Finland to the north, the Baltic Sea to the west, Latvia to the south, and Russia to the east.

• The country has a diverse landscape, including forests, lakes, islands, and coastal plains.

• Estonia experiences a temperate climate, characterized by mild summers and cold winters. History and Independence:

• Estonia has a rich history, with settlements dating back to ancient times. It has been influenced by various powers, including the Vikings, Germans, Swedes, and Russians.

• Estonia declared independence from Russia in 1918, but was subsequently occupied by the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany during World War II.

• The country regained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Economy:

• Estonia has a developed, high-income economy with a strong emphasis on technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

• Key industries include information technology, telecommunications, electronics, engineering, manufacturing, and agriculture.

• Estonia is known for its advanced digital infrastructure and e-government initiatives, with a high level of internet penetration and digital services available to citizens. Culture and Society:

• Estonian culture is influenced by its history and geographic location, with elements of Nordic, Baltic, and Eastern European traditions.

• The country has a rich cultural heritage, including traditional folk music, dance, and literature.

• Estonians place a high value on education, with a well-developed education system and a high literacy rate.

Tourism:

• Estonia is a popular tourist destination known for its medieval old towns, picturesque countryside, and Baltic coastline.

• Key tourist attractions include Tallinn's UNESCO-listed Old Town, the Lahemaa National Park, Saaremaa Island, and the historic university town of Tartu.

• The country offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, birdwatching, and water sports. European Union and NATO Membership:

• Estonia is a member of the European Union (EU) since 2004 and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) since 2004.

• Membership in these organizations has brought economic benefits, security guarantees, and opportunities for cooperation with other European countries. Language and Education:

• The official language of Estonia is Estonian, a Finno-Ugric language related to Finnish and distantly to Hungarian.

• The country has a well-developed education system, with a high level of enrollment and literacy rates.

• Estonian universities are known for their quality education and research, attracting students from around the world. Innovation and Technology:

• Estonia is recognized as a global leader in digital innovation and technology.

• The country is home to successful startups and tech companies, and it has pioneered initiatives such as e-residency and digital government services.

• Tallinn, the capital city, has been dubbed "Europe's Silicon Valley" due to its vibrant tech startup scene.