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Toompea Hill, Tallinn, Estonia

© 123rf.com / Andrei Nekrassov

Estonia Travel Guide

Key Facts
Area: 

45,226 sq km (17,462 sq miles).

Population: 

1.3 million (2008 estimate).

Population density: 

29 per sq km.

Capital: 

Tallinn. Population: 401,694 (official estimate 2007).

Government: 

Republic since 1918. Annexed by the USSR 1940. Regained independence in 1991. EU member since 2004.

Head of state: 

President Toomas Hendrik Ilves since 2006.

Head of government: 

Prime Minister Andrus Ansip since 2005.

Electricity: 

230 volts AC, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are used.

The most scenic of the three Baltic States, Estonia is a nation famed for its enormous forests, beautiful wetlands and remote offshore islands as well as for being one of Europe's most friendly and forward-thinking nations.

With its gorgeous medieval capital Tallinn attracting city breakers looking for a combination of grandiose architecture and happening nightlife, and its primeval forests and lake lands thrilling nature lovers, Estonia has become one of the hottest new travel discoveries in Eastern Europe.

Estonia is an unspoilt, sparsely populated country, nearly half of which is covered with forests. Wetlands, together with primeval forests, represent preserved communities which have for the most part been destroyed in Europe. More than 1,000 lakes (5% of the Estonian territory) dot the countryside, which is relatively flat - almost two thirds of the territory lies less than 50m (164ft) above sea level. While 7,000 rivers and streams carry rainwater to the sea, bogs and wooded swamplands of different types cover over one fifth of the country - a world index topped only by the northern neighbour, Finland.

Estonia's history, like that of its Baltic neighbours, has been one almost singly devoted to maintaining independence from its powerful neighbours, most notably Russia. Annexed by Stalin in 1940, Estonia never entirely became the Soviet republic it might have done, retaining its language and culture far more strongly than many other members of the USSR. At the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991, Estonia embraced independence enthusiastically and in less than two decades has undergone a transformation from lumbering communist society to gleaming example of forward-thinking transitional economy. Now an EU and NATO member, the future looks increasingly bright for this little-known but much-loved Baltic gem.

The charming Tallinn, perched the shores of the Gulf of Finland, will showcase its attractions as a European Capital of Culture for 2011.

Top events in Estonia

July
01

Biggest beer festival in the Baltics with live music accompanying lashings of beer.

November
19

With a strong emphasis on European films, the annual festival screens features by filmmakers from all over the world. The event also includes...

December
18

Charming Old Town Christmas market.