Republic of Estonia: Map & History

History

The oldest known settlement in Estonia is the Pulli settlement on the banks of Pärnu that dates to the early 9th millennium BC, making it at least 11,000 years old.

The earliest human habitation during the Mesolithic period is connected to the Kunda culture. Around 5300 BCE, ceramics appear of the neolithic period, known as Narva culture. The Comb Ceramic culture emerged around 3900 BC, bringing traces of early agriculture and sophisticated religious art. Starting from around 2800 BC the Corded Ware culture appeared; this included new activities like primitive farming and animal husbandry.

The Bronze Age started around 1800 BCE, and saw the establishment of the first hill fort settlements.

Economy

As a member of the European Union and OECD, Estonia is considered a high-income economy by the World Bank. The GDP (PPP) per capita of the country was $46,385 in 2023 according to the International Monetary Fund, ranked 40th.

Estonia ranks highly in international rankings for quality of life, education, press freedom, digitalisation of public services and the prevalence of technology companies.

Beginning 1 January 2011, Estonia adopted the euro and became the 17th eurozone member state.

Estonia produces about 75% of its consumed electricity. In 2011, about 85% of it was generated with locally mined oil shale. Alternative energy sources such as wood, peat, and biomass make up approximately 9% of primary energy production. Renewable wind energy was about 6% of total consumption in 2009.

Culture

The culture of Estonia incorporates indigenous heritage, as represented by the Estonian language and the sauna, with mainstream Nordic and European cultural aspects. Because of its history and geography, Estonia's culture has been influenced by the traditions of the adjacent area's various Finnic, Baltic, Slavic and Germanic peoples as well as the cultural developments in the former dominant powers Germany, Sweden and Russia, for this reason it aspires more to be considered a Nordic state.

Today, Estonian society encourages liberty and liberalism, with a popular commitment to the ideals of the limited government, discouraging centralised power and corruption. The Protestant work ethic remains a significant cultural staple, and free education is a highly prized institution.

Geography

Estonia is situated in Europe, on the East European Plain Estonian territory covers 45,335 km2 (17,504 sq mi), of which internal waters comprise 4.6%. When including the territorial sea, the Estonian border encompasses 70,177 km2 (27,095 sq mi).

Estonia coastline is indented stretching for 3,794 kilometres (2,357 mi)including the islands, and is notable for its limestone cliffs at the northern coast and largest islands.