Estonia

New Estonian Discussion Forum

New Estonian Webpage

Estonian documents regaring the project

Progress Report - Estonia - May 2003
Estonia activity report


 Facts & Figures

Estonia is in the Eastern European Time Zone: GMT+2. Summer time (GMT+3) is in effect from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October. Tallinn is currently synchronised with Helsinki, Riga, Istanbul and Nairobi. When it's 12:00 it Tallinn, 10:00 in London.

Population
Estonia: (Official as of January 2001) 1,366,723.
Density: 30 inhabitants/km2.
Ethnic Composition: 67.9% Estonians, 25.6% Russians, 2.1% Ukrainians, 1.2% Belarusians, 0.9% Finns, 2.3% other.

Tallinn: (January 2001) 399,850.
Density: 2600 inhabitants/km2.
Ethnic Composition: 49.5% Estonians, 40.5% Russians, 4.3% Ukrainians, 2.4% Belarusians, 3.3% other.

Geography
Elevation: The highest point in Estonia - and the Baltics - is Suur Munamägi (318m) in Vőru County.
Islands:
1521 total. The three largest are Saaremaa (2922km2), Hiiumaa (1023km2) and Muhu (206km2).

Lakes:
Lake Peipsi, on the Russian border, covers an area of 3555km2, of which 1529km2 is in Estonia. It also holds the title as the 4th largest lake in Europe. The second largest lake, Vőrtsjärv, covers 266km2.
Rivers:
Estonia's longest rivers are the Pärnu (144km), Kasari (112km) and Emajőgi (101km).
Territory:
45,227km2, of which 2833km2 is covered by inland bodies of water.

Language

Estonian belongs to the Finno-Ugric family of languages - along with Finnish, Hungarian, Udmurt, Sami, Komi, Mari, Livonian, Mordvinian and a slew of other tiny languages scattered throughout the former USSR. In fact, it's not related to Indo-European languages at all. So although you're unlikely to find many cognates, you should have almost no trouble getting around using English. The younger generation of Estonians and nearly everyone in the tourist industry understand the value of an international language

Estonia’s history

Ancestors of Modern Estonians arrive in the area approximately 8000 BC.

1st Century
The attacking Goths rearrange the map of Europe, pushing the first Estonians north to approximately the same territory as today. Finno-Ugric peoples reach Finland for the first time.

11th Century
In 1030 Kievan Rus' expands into areas inhabited by Finno-Ugric peoples, destroying Tarbatu (Tartu) and building the fort of Juriev in its place. Estonians attack and destroy Jurjev 31 years later.

12th Century
The Arab cartographer al-Idrisi marks Tallinn on his map as Koluvan, describing it as a seasonal stronghold. Battles with the Russians continue; local tribes take Pskov and the Russians burn Tartu and Otepää.

13th Century
In 1202 the Pope calls for a crusade against the pagans around the Baltic Sea. Bishop Albert founds the Order of the Knights of the Sword. This leads to four decades of bloody battles and shifting alliances among the Germans (based in Riga), Danes, Swedes, Russians, Lithuanians and local tribes. In 1219 King Voldemar II of Denmark takes the stronghold of the north Estonian Rävala people as a base for his forces (hence the name Tallinn: Taani = Danish, linn = city). When Baltic tribes are finally subjugated in 1290, an uneasy balance of power exists between the Knights and the Catholic archbishop in Riga, which periodically erupts into a civil war. Northern Estonia remains in the hands of the Danes.

14th Century
Estonian towns become important trading links between East and West and grow in size and strength. Ethnic Estonians, however, remain serfs while German landowners reap the benefits. The bloody St George's Night Uprising of 1343 convinces the Danish king to sell his provinces to the German knights two years later.

15th Century
The German Knights retain power over Estonia, thanks to the strength of the Hanseatic League, but this Century will see the end of the Hansa's power and the rising importance of Sweden and Russia.

16th Century
The Estonian language appears for the first time in print in 1525. Estonians suffer another bout of shifting borders and imposed military service during the Livonian War (1558 - 1583). Ivan the Terrible advances claims on Estonia. Denmark and Poland enter the fray, but Sweden quickly gains control of the territory. Intermittent warfare with Poland lasts into the next Century.

17th Century
The Swedish period in Estonian history is marked by cultural advancement. Tartu University opens in 1632 and by the close of the Century nearly every parish has a school. In 1645 Denmark cedes Saaremaa to Sweden, joining Estonia under a single force for the first time.

18th Century
Sweden battles Russia, Denmark and Poland in the Northern War (1700 - 1721), losing Estonia to Russia in 1710. During the 200 years of tsarist rule that follow, Estonia's peasants live in the same conditions of near-slavery as the serfs of Russia. In 1739 the Bible is published in Estonian.

19th Century
Influenced by Romanticism, German scholars call for the betterment of the peasants' situation. So-called Estophiles study the local language and found consciousness-raising societies. Literacy spreads and Estonian-language periodicals appear. A few Estonians are able to better their situations, but these assimilate into German society. During this period the first Estonian poet, Kristjan Jaak Peterson (1801 - 1822) studies at Tartu University and FR Kreutzwald publishes the Estonian national epic Kalevipoeg (Son of Kalev) in 1857. Between 1856 and 1863 Tsar Alexander II gradually grants Estonian serfs rights to education, land ownership and free movement within and outside the territory.

The second half of the Century is marked by the National Awakening: the formation of a national consciousness among the Estonian peoples and an active period of scholarship and literary creation. The first song festival, held in Tartu in 1869, represents the first public demonstration of Estonian national identity. Tsar Alexander III stifles this when he comes to the throne in 1881, initiating a period of intense Russification.

20th Century
Estonia takes advantage of the chaos in Russia caused by WWI and the Bolshevik Revolution, declaring independence on February 24, 1918. But by the end of February, Germany takes the infant country by force. When Germany capitulates in November Red forces move in. The War for Independence lasts 13 months. In the Tartu Peace Treaty, signed February 2, 1920, Soviet Russia renounces claims to the territory "for all time". In 1921 the Republic of Estonia is accepted into the League of Nations. Reforms progress quickly and social welfare laws are on a par with those in Europe.

A political crisis in the mid-1930sbrings the young republic to the verge of authoritarianism. President Konstantin Päts bans political parties and restricts civil rights but maintains popular support. On August 23, 1939, the USSR and Germany secretly sign the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact, carving Eastern Europe into spheres of influence. Finland and the Baltic states fall to the USSR. On June 16, 1940, the USSR accuses the Baltic states of aggression and demands the right to occupy them. "Elections" take place July 14 - 15, with Soviet-approved candidates. The phoney parliament applies for admittance to the USSR, which is granted August 6. WWII continues to rage across Europe and by the end of 1941 the Nazis win Estonia from the Soviets. The German occupation lasts three years.

Soviet forces begin air attacks March 9, 1944, and by September the Germans have fled, leaving the Estonians defenceless. They declare the Republic of Estonia again on September 18, but Soviet forces reach Tallinn four days later. In the first years of the renewed Soviet regime, 36,000 Estonians are arrested and accused of aiding the Nazis. At the same time 30,000 - 35,000 people flee to the woods to resist the regime as Forest Brothers. Their organised resistance continues into the 1950s. During the German and Soviet occupations and the War for Independence Estonia lost approximately 200,000 people. But despite these losses the Estonian national identity survived 50 years of Soviet occupation.

Independence & Beyond
In 1921 the Republic of Estonia is accepted into the League of Nations. Reforms progress quickly and social welfare laws are on a par with those in Europe.  A political crisis in the mid-1930s brings the young republic to the verge of authoritarianism. President Konstantin Päts bans political parties and restricts civil rights but maintains popular support. On August 23, 1939, the USSR and Germany sign the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact, in which secret protocols carve Eastern Europe into spheres of influence. On June 16, 1940, the USSR accuses the Baltic states of aggression and demands the right to occupy them. 'Elections' take place July 14 - 15, with Soviet-approved candidates. The phoney parliament applies for admittance to the USSR, which is granted August 6.

WWII continues to rage across Europe and by the end of 1941 the Nazis win Estonia from the Soviets. The German occupation lasts three years. Soviet forces begin air attacks March 15, 1942, and cause serious damage in the infamous attack of March 9, 1944. By September the Germans have fled. They declare the Republic of Estonia again on September 18, but Soviet forces reach Tallinn four days later.

In the first years of the renewed Soviet regime, 36,000 Estonians are arrested and accused of aiding the Nazis. At the same time 30,000 - 35,000 people flee to the woods to resist the regime as Forest Brothers. During the German and Soviet occupations and the War for Independence Estonia loses approximately 200,000 people. 1976 October 21 - Estonia's dissidents write a letter to the US Congress protesting Soviet rule.

1976
October 21 - Estonia's dissidents write a letter to the US Congress protesting Soviet rule.

1977
February 24 - The blue-black-white flag rises illegally over the Vanemuine Theatre in Tartu to mark the 59th anniversary of the first Estonian Republic.

1978
September 28 - The last of the Forest Brothers, August Sabe, dies in an attempted capture. 1979 August 23 - 45 Balts present a proposal to the UN, USSR and NATO for the restoration of independence.

1980
July 19 - August 3 - Moscow Olympic games. Tallinn's Olympic yachting centre, Pirita and Olümpia hotels and airport terminal are built for the occasion.
October 28 - 40 intellectuals send a letter protesting the marginalisation of the Estonian language and culture to Pravda, Rahva Hääl and Sovetskaja Estonija.

1987
A new National Awakening begins as protests against the system become more frequent and open.
April 3 - Plans to build a gigantic phosphor mine unite the nation in one of the first public protests.
August 23 - 2000 people gather in Tallinn's Hirve Park to mark the anniversary of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact.
September 26 - A proposal for economic autonomy is published in the newspaper Edasiand gains support.

1988
February 24 - 3000 demonstrate in Tammsaare Park on the anniversary of the first Estonian Republic.
April 13 - On a popular TV talk show, Edgar Savisaar proposes the formation of a Popular Front to advance the goals of perestroika, which is done on the spot.
June 10 - 14 - Over 100,000 people a night pack the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds. The events of the summer are henceforth known as the Singing Revolution.
June 17 - The Estonian delegation to the XIX Party Congress proposes unprecedented devolution of powers in all spheres to the SSRs.
September 11 - More than 300,000 Estonians gather at the Song Grounds and hear Trivimi Velliste make the first public demand for independence.
October 1 - 2 - The world watches as the founding congress of the Popular Front calls for political, economic and cultural autonomy for Estonia.
October - November - More than 860,000 people sign a petition protesting amendments to the USSR constitution that would increase centralised power.
November 16 - In a move known as the beginning of the end for the Soviet Union, the Supreme Soviet of the Estonian SSR passes a declaration of sovereignty.

1989
February 24 - The Estonian flag is raised over Tallinn, inciting protests and massive strikes.
August 23 - Two million people join hands along the 600km road between Tallinn and Vilnius to mark the 50th anniversary of the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact.
November 12 - The Estonian Supreme Soviet nullifies Estonia's entry into the USSR.

1990
March 11 - Lithuania declares independence.
March 23 - The Estonian Communist Party declares independence from the central party.
May 8 - The ESSR is officially renamed the Republic of Estonia, despite not yet having declared independence.
May 15 - Anti-independence Inter movement tries to take Toompea.

1991
March 3 - 78% of voters cast their vote for independence in a referendum.
August 19 - During the failed Moscow coup, additional soviet military units are moved to Estonia from Pskov, Russia.
August 20 - Estonia declares independence.
August 21 - Latvia declares independence.
August 22 - Iceland recognises the Baltic States.
August 23 - Lenin's statue comes down in Tallinn.
August 24 - USSR recognises Estonian independence.
September 2 - The US renews diplomatic ties.
September 17 - The UN accepts the Baltic States.
December 21 - The USSR ceases to exist.

1992
After prices rose by 629% in 1991, the government institutes ration coupons.
February 8 - Albertville Olympics. Estonians compete for the first time in 56 years under their own flag.
June 20 - The Estonian Krooni becomes the first national currency introduced in the former Soviet Union.
October 6 - Historian, ethnographer and filmmaker Lennart Meri is elected president and will serve as head of state for nearly a decade.

1993
May 13 - Estonia is accepted as a full member of the Council of Europe.

1994
September 28 - 852 people perish when the 15,000-tonne ferry Estonia sinks on route to Stockholm.

1995
January - Free Trade Agreement with the EU goes into effect without a transition period.

1997
January - The Council of Europe ends monitoring in Estonia. UNESCO includes Tallinn's Old Town in its list of World Heritage Sites.

1998
January - The Baltic presidents sign the US-Baltic Charter in Washington.
March 31 - EU begins talks with Estonia, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia, the Czech Republic and Cyprus.

1999
March 7 - Parliamentary elections held with the Centre Party, led by Edgar Savisaar, winning the most seats although three right wing parties win more, agreeing to form a coalition. Mart Laar of the Pro Patria Union becomes prime minister.
July 2 - Estonia's Song Festival brings together nearly 24,000 singers from around the world in Tallinn.
November 13 - Estonia becomes the 135th member of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

2000
Erki Nool brings home Estonia's second Olympic gold medal since independence.

2001
May 12 - Estonia wins the Eurovision Song Contest with Tanel Padar and Dave Benton's happy number, 'Everybody.'
October 8 - Arnold Rüütel is sworn in as president of Estonia, following his election by parliament.


Capital of Estonia

Tallinn

There's an air of anticipation in Tallinn. We know the birds, bees and flowers are due to make their annual appearance, but we have to be patient. The final winter stretch in February can be tough with the short dark days, icy footpaths and sub-zero temperatures. But if you can manage to embrace the cold then you are in for something special because Tallinn puts on a great show under a blanket of white. Snow-dusted cobblestone streets, parks and ponds and the chance to absorb Old Town magic without the summer tourist hordes. Come March the snow starts to melt and the local scene takes off. Longer daylight hours create a hive of activity in the streets where the atmosphere is electric. Just be warned that when the snow on the ground melts, so too does that on the rooftops. Heads of unsuspecting pedestrians have been targeted by random chunks of ice and snow, so either keep slightly away from buildings or go out and buy a helmet. Have a great stay and enjoy all Tallinn has to offer, be it snow or puddles.

(Source:  www.inyourpocket/estonia/en)