Estonia

Estonia has a rich musical heritage that includes a variety of genres. Traditional folk music features unique instruments like the kantele and is characterized by its choral singing, particularly evident in the Estonian Song Festival. In contemporary music, Estonia embraces a mix of pop, rock, electronic, and classical influences, with a vibrant scene that includes notable artists like Kerli and the electronic duo 5MIINUST. The country also has a strong tradition of classical music, supported by institutions like the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra.

Yes, Estonia has diverse vegetation, characterized by its temperate climate and varied landscapes. The country is home to forests, wetlands, and grasslands, with forests covering about half of its land area. Common tree species include pine, spruce, and birch, while the coastal areas feature a variety of marshes and coastal meadows. Additionally, Estonia's rich biodiversity supports numerous plant species, contributing to its natural beauty.

Estonians have a rich tapestry of beliefs that intertwine traditional folklore with modern values. Many hold a deep connection to nature and emphasize environmental preservation, reflecting their historical ties to the land. While Estonia is predominantly secular, there are influences from Lutheran Christianity, and some people engage with ancient pagan traditions, particularly in celebrations and cultural practices. Overall, Estonians value independence, innovation, and a strong sense of community.

As of the latest available data, around 20% of Estonians live below the national poverty line. This figure can fluctuate based on economic conditions and social policies. For the most accurate and current statistics, it's advisable to refer to official sources such as Statistics Estonia or relevant government reports.

Estonia's primary allies include member states of the European Union and NATO, particularly the United States, which plays a significant role in regional security. It collaborates closely with neighboring Baltic states, Latvia and Lithuania. As for enemies, Estonia has faced tensions with Russia, especially regarding issues of cybersecurity, territorial integrity, and the historical context of Soviet occupation. The relationship remains strained due to Russia's aggressive actions in the region.

Yes, Estonia is classified as a Middle-Income Country (MIC) according to the World Bank's income classifications. It has a high-income economy characterized by a strong digital infrastructure and technology sector. However, its classification may vary depending on specific economic indicators and changes over time.

In Estonia, mobile phones are commonly referred to as "mobiiltelefonid" in Estonian. The term encompasses various types of mobile devices, including smartphones. The country has a well-developed telecommunications infrastructure, making mobile phone usage widespread among its residents.

Estonia is bordered by four main bodies of water: the Baltic Sea to the west, the Gulf of Finland to the north, the Gulf of Riga to the southwest, and the Narva River, which forms part of the border with Russia to the east. These bodies of water play a significant role in Estonia's maritime activities and ecology.

In Estonian, "aitah" (or "aitäh") means "thank you." It is a common expression of gratitude used in various contexts, similar to its English counterpart. The word is often used in both formal and informal situations to show appreciation.

Estonia is primarily inhabited by Estonians, who make up about 69% of the population. The largest minority group is Russians, constituting around 25%, followed by smaller groups such as Ukrainians, Belarusians, and Finns. Other minorities include Jews, Roma, and various other ethnicities, contributing to the country's cultural diversity. The presence of these ethnic groups reflects Estonia's historical connections and geopolitical influences.

The USSR took control of East Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia following the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, a non-aggression treaty signed between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union in August 1939. In September 1939, after Germany invaded Poland, the Soviet Union invaded the eastern part of Poland on September 17, 1939. Subsequently, the Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia were occupied by the Soviet Union in June 1940. These territories remained under Soviet control until the end of World War II and beyond.

In Estonia, the workforce is diverse, with significant employment in sectors such as information technology, manufacturing, and services. The IT sector is particularly prominent, driven by a strong digital economy and a culture of innovation. Additionally, many people work in public services, healthcare, and education, reflecting the country's commitment to social welfare. Agriculture also plays a role, though it employs a smaller percentage of the workforce compared to urban sectors.

Well honey, if you're starting in Estonia and you want to end up in sunny Spain, you better head south! Just keep on truckin' in a southerly direction and eventually you'll hit the land of flamenco, tapas, and siestas. Safe travels, darling!

Estonian, a Finno-Ugric language, has a rich vocabulary with approximately 150,000 words. This number includes both native Estonian words and loanwords from other languages. The language has evolved over time, incorporating new terms to adapt to modern contexts and technologies.

In the 1970s, an old Christmas tradition was revived in Estonia known as "Jõuluvana" or "Father Christmas." This tradition dates back to pre-Christian times when the figure represented a pagan deity. The revival of this tradition in the 1970s coincided with a period of cultural reawakening in Estonia, as the country sought to reclaim its heritage from Soviet influence. Today, Jõuluvana plays a significant role in Estonian Christmas celebrations, embodying the spirit of generosity and goodwill.

The area of Estonia is 45,227 square km, (not the Republic itself).

You would find Estonia on a map of Europe in the Baltic region, bordered by Russia to the east and Latvia to the south. The country's capital is Tallinn, located on the north coast along the Gulf of Finland.

Three EU member states have exceptions (that is, states not obligated to join the Zone), including Sweden

The Estonia sank in the Baltic Sea off the coast of Finland, near the Finnish island of Uto. The exact coordinates of the wreckage are approximately 59° 23' N, 21° 43' E.

Snow in Estonia typically falls between December and March, with the highest likelihood being in January and February. However, snowfall can vary depending on the year and region within Estonia.

Estonia has a varied landscape that includes coastal plains, numerous lakes, forests, and wetlands. The country also features low-lying hills and limestone cliffs along the Baltic coast. Additionally, Estonia has several large islands off its western coast, including Saaremaa and Hiiumaa.

Estonia is traversed by an important European bio-geographical borderline which divides the area into two large provinces. The northern and western parts of the country with their characteristic calciphilous plant communities of alvars, fens, wooded meadows and broad-leaved forests belong to the Mid-European province while the East, where acid soils promote the development of acidophilous plants and pine as the main forest-forming tree, belongs to the East-European province. There are as many as 251 species of higher plants for which Estonia is the distribution limit, be it northern, southern, western or eastern. The number of vascular plants growing in Estonia totals ca 1 400 (together with microspecies of some genera ca 1 600). Due to the milder climate of western Estonia, 3/4 of the total number of species are found in the coastal lowlands and islands. This also includes the only local endemic species - Saaremaa yellow rattle - which grows in the western part of the island of Saaremaa. In spite of large tracks of intact nature, Estonian flora as a whole is under strong human attack. For instance, the vegetation of grasslands, varying from floodplain meadows on the riverbanks to the dry alvars, has been formed under a long-lasting and steady impact of haymaking and pasturing. About one fourth of Estonian plant species are habitants of marshes. Owing to their stability as habitats, the bogs also contain many relict species that once colonised the tundra-like landscape which emerged from under the withdrawing ice. Of the forest-tundra plants, inhabiting Estonian bogs, the shrub-like dwarf birch and the cloudberry are most common. Fungi are found in all natural and ruderal habitats of Estonia, being particularly widespread in forests, meadows and bogs. The best mushroom forests, where there can be found as many as 400 edible fungi, are situated in the north and southeastern Estonia, as well as in Saaremaa. More information:http://www.einst.ee/publications/nature/

The country of Georgia is located on the eastern shore of the Black Sea.

The weather in Tallinn is usually wet in December. People expect snow for Christmas, but often they have to disappoint. Temperature is between +2 °C and -5 °C. You can expect total 18 hours of sunshine in December. A dark, cloudy and wet month.