Estonia is located in Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Finland, between Latvia and Russia.

Estonian land covers an area of 45226 square kilometers which is slightly smaller than New Hampshire and Vermont combined

Estonian(s) speak Estonian (official) 67.3%, Russian 29.7%, other 2.3%, unknown 0.7% (2000 census).

After centuries of Danish, Swedish, German, and Russian rule, Estonia attained independence in 1918. Forcibly incorporated into the USSR in 1940, it regained its freedom in 1991, with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Since the last Russian troops left in 1994, Estonia has been free to promote economic and political ties with Western Europe. It joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004.

Estonia Country Profile

Estonia, as a new member of the World Trade Organization and the European Union, has transitioned effectively to a modern market economy with strong ties to the West, including the pegging of its currency to the euro. The economy benefits from strong electronics and telecommunications sectors and is greatly influenced by developments in Finland, Sweden, and Germany, three major trading partners. The current account deficit remains high; however, the state budget is essentially in balance, and public debt is low.

Estonian natural resources include oil shale, peat, phosphorite, clay, limestone, sand, dolomite, arable land, sea mud

the mainland terrain is flat, boggy, and partly wooded; offshore lie more than 1,500 islands

Estonian religion is Evangelical Lutheran 13.6%, Orthodox 12.8%, other Christian (including Methodist, Seventh-Day Adventist, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal) 1.4%, unaffiliated 34.1%, other and unspecified 32%, none 6.1% (2000 census).

Natural hazards in Estonia include sometimes flooding occurs in the spring.

Travel Advice on Estonia

Estonia

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Health section (EHIC) and General section (EU Aviation Regulations). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

SUMMARY

The threat from terrorism is low. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
You should be aware that petty theft, especially in Tallinn Old Town, is becoming increasingly common.
You must have the original V5 C (Vehicle Registration Document) if driving into Estonia.
Around 65000 British nationals visit Estonia every year. Most visits are trouble-free. The main type of incident for which British nationals require consular assistance in Estonia is for replacing lost or stolen passports, being a victim of petty crime or being arrested for drug possession.
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. Please see: Travel Insurance.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

EU Aviation Regulations

The revised EU-wide security measures that came into effect for all passengers departing from UK airports in November 2006 are also being implemented in Estonia. For more details about this please see: DfT - Airline Security Update.

Leave passports and valuables in hotel safes, and carry a photocopy of your passport as identification.

If you are planning to be in Estonia for longer than 6 months, you should visit the Embassy website: http://www.britishembassy.ee/ and view the advice on 'information for long-stayers' in the Consular section.

European Union

Information on the EU can be found at: Travelling and Living in the EU (pdf) and Britain in the EU.

Estonia

Estonia Country Profile

Travel Advice on Estonia

Estonia