Which country does Estonia belong to? Tourism in Estonia. National cuisine of Estonia
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brief information
Most residents of Western Europe, and even more so Asia and the United States, are unlikely to be able to find Estonia on the world map. But so much the worse for them, because Estonia is not just a small country in the Baltics. Estonia is an amazing Baltic nature, medieval fortresses, numerous museums, amber, the Baltic Sea, as well as balneological and beach resorts.
Geography of Estonia
Estonia is located in the Baltic States, in Northern Europe. In the south, Estonia borders on Latvia, in the east - on Russia. In the north and west, Estonia is washed by the waters of the Baltic Sea. total area of this country is 45,227 sq. km., including the islands, and the total length of the border is 1,450 km.
55% of the territory of Estonia is occupied by forests. The highest point in the country is Mount Suur-Munamägi on the Haanja Upland, whose height is only 318 meters.
There are a lot of lakes in Estonia, the largest of them are Lake Peipus in the east and Võrtsjärv in the south of the country.
Capital
The capital of Estonia is Tallinn, which is now home to more than 420 thousand people. Archaeologists believe that the first human settlements on the territory of modern Tallinn appeared about 2 thousand years ago.
Official language
The official language in Estonia is Estonian, which belongs to the Finnish branch of the Uralic language family.
Religion
About 14% of the Estonian population belongs to the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church, and about 10% of Estonians are Orthodox Christians. The rest of Estonians do not believe in God.
State structure of Estonia
According to the 1992 constitution, Estonia is a parliamentary republic, headed by the President, who is elected by the country's Parliament.
The Estonian Parliament consists of 101 deputies who are elected for a 4-year term. Executive power belongs to the President, the Prime Minister and the Cabinet of Ministers.
Climate and weather
The climate in Estonia is temperate, transitional from maritime to continental. Average annual temperature air is +5.2C. In general, the Atlantic Ocean and the Baltic Sea have a decisive influence on the Estonian climate. The average amount of precipitation per year is 568 mm.
Average air temperature in Tallinn:
January – -5С
- February - -6С
- March - -3C
- April - +3C
- May - +8С
- June - +13С
- July - +16C
- August - +15C
- September - +11C
- October - +6C
- November - +1С
- December - -3C
Sea in Estonia
In the north and west, Estonia is washed by the waters of the Baltic Sea (Gulf of Finland). The length of the Estonian coast of the Baltic Sea is 768.6 km. There are more than 1,500 islands in Estonia, the largest of which are Saaremaa, Hiiumaa and Muhumaa (Muhu).
The temperature of the Baltic Sea near the Estonian coast reaches +17C in summer. In the bays, the water warms up better in summer, and exceeds +20C.
Rivers and lakes
There are 200 rivers and about 1,500 lakes in Estonia. Rivers in northern Estonia form picturesque rapids and waterfalls. The highest Estonian waterfall is Valaste (30.5 m).
Several beautiful rivers- Piusa, Ahya and Vyhandu. By the way, Võhandu is the longest river in Estonia (162 km).
There are a lot of lakes in Estonia, the largest of them are Lake Peipus in the east and Võrtsjärv in the ege of the country. In general, lakes occupy 6% of the territory of Estonia. On the shore of Lake Peipus is the longest Estonian sand beach– 30 km.
History of Estonia
People appeared on the territory of modern Estonia about 11 thousand years ago. First public entities in Estonia began to appear in the 1st century AD. In the 9th-11th centuries, the territory of modern Estonia was often attacked Scandinavian Vikings(mostly Swedes).
Before the adoption of Christianity, Estonians were pagans who believed in a higher being - Tharapita.
From 1228 to the 1560s, Estonia was part of the Holy Roman Empire (it was conquered by the Livonian Order).
In 1629 most of Estonia came under Swedish rule. The first university in Estonia was founded in 1632 in Dorpat (Tartu).
In 1721, according to the Treaty of Nystadt, Estonia was included in the Russian Empire. Only after the First World War in 1918 was the independence of Estonia declared.
According to the 1939 agreement between Germany and the USSR, Estonia is included in the zone of interests of Joseph Stalin. On August 6, 1940, Estonia was incorporated into the USSR as the Estonian SSR.
Estonia's independence was restored on August 20, 1991. Estonia has been a member of the European Union since 2004.
culture
Estonians, like other nations, are very proud of their culture. The government of the country is making efforts to preserve not only archaeological, historical and architectural monuments, but also intangible monuments. Thus, in Estonia there are currently 7 government programs for the preservation of intangible traditional culture(we are talking about songs, music, dances, etc.).
Back in 1869, the first Estonian festival was held in Tartu folk music and dances. Now the tradition of this festival continues. Estonian Music and Dance Festival in Tartu is now listed as intangible cultural heritage UNESCO.
The most popular holidays among Estonians are New Year, Independence Day, Easter, Midsummer Day, Independence Day and Christmas.
Estonian cuisine
Estonian cuisine is quite simple, there are no gourmet dishes in it. But now Estonian cuisine already includes the most popular dishes of international cuisine. However, in Estonia the most typical products are still black bread, pork, potatoes, fish and dairy products.
We advise tourists in Estonia to definitely try the following traditional Estonian dishes: beer soup, bean soup, soup with dumplings and meat, brawn, blood sausage, Baltic herring in vinegar, pike in oil, stewed pike with horseradish, herring casserole, mulgi porridge with sauerkraut, honey cake, cabbage pie, baked apples.
In Estonia, the traditional non-alcoholic drink is kali made with yeast, to which juniper berries are added.
As for alcoholic beverages in Estonia, this is, of course, beer and vodka. Estonians have been making vodka since about the 15th century, but it still cannot compete with beer in popularity.
Sights of Estonia
Estonians have always been sensitive to their history. Therefore, we advise tourists in Estonia to definitely see:
- Toompea Castle in Tallinn
- Kiek-in-de-Kök tower in Tallinn
- Hermann Castle in Narva
- Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Tallinn
- Rakvere fortress in northern Estonia
- Kadriorg Palace in Tallinn
- Lahemaa National Park
- Oleviste Church in Tallinn
- Dome Cathedral in Tartu
- Open Air Museum in Tallinn
Cities and resorts
The largest Estonian cities are Tartu, Pärnu, Kohtla-Järve, Narva, and of course. Tallinn.
In Estonia, on the Baltic Sea, there are several good beach resorts. By the way, the beach season in Estonia usually starts in mid-May and lasts until mid-September. The most popular Estonian beach resorts are Pärnu, Narva-Jõesuu, Haapsalu, Toile and Kuressaare. There are also beaches on the shores of Lake Peipsi.
But tourists come to Estonia not only to swim in the Baltic Sea and see local attractions. There are several excellent balneological resorts in Estonia. The most famous of them are Pärnu, Värska, Kuressaare, Pühajärve and Vimsi.
Souvenirs/Shopping
Tourists from Estonia usually bring handicrafts, iron ashtrays, wooden beer mugs, black Estonian chocolate, marzipan, dolls in traditional Estonian clothes, amber, and Vana Tallinn liqueur.
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MAT recommendations : MAT does not recommend Russian tourists to visit Estonia. There, with the active support of the authorities, at the end of July 2010, another annual action was held: a meeting of "SS veterans" who exterminatedin concentration camps in Estoniain their young years - during the Second World War, people of different nationalities. Old bastards pass away, but in their place are "new", suffering from an inferiority complex, restless young Nazis.
It's been over 18 years since the release Estonia from the "common family" of the peoples of the USSR, the state entered the European Union, and the inferiority complex of the indigenous people is still not cured. A crisis broke out, the nationalist leadership of Estonia became preoccupied with the problems of obtaining much-needed budget revenues, including by attracting tourists to the country. The Estonian Tourism Development Center in Russia has begun to carry out relevant work .... But the nationalist leadership of Estonia does not realize that it is first necessary to change the flawed Nazi self-consciousness of the country's indigenous people, to achieve tolerance in society, as in most civilized countries, such as the USA, Switzerland, Germany , France, Russia, Turkey and many many others. Only then will tourists come to the country ....
DO YOU WANT TO RELAX IN A CONCENTRATION CAMP? WELCOME TO FREE ESTONIA!
Country Description
If you want something unusual, mysterious and exciting, it is not necessary to go to distant countries. The amazing is often very close by: a small country where there is everything - ancient cities and untouched nature, comfortable hotels and popular resorts, small shops and large shopping centers, noisy nightclubs, cozy cafes and restaurants. And most importantly - the smiles of people who are always glad to see you.
You may have been to Estonia many years ago. Arriving now, you will be amazed at how everything has changed. Behind last years the country has come a long way: a harmonious combination of antiquity and modern technologies gives a lot of opportunities to discover something new. Estonia is a small country. And the population of this country is small. And the capital - Tallinn - is small and cozy, with a charming old part, small cafes and shops. In Estonia, those who do not like haste, but on the contrary, love solidity, who like to wander through the narrow streets of medieval cities and breathe the sea air, have a good rest.
Geography
Estonia is located in the north-east of Europe on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland. The area of the country is 45,227 sq. km. In the south it borders with Latvia, in the east - with Russia. The nature of the relief in most of Estonia is flat. The most elevated parts of the territory are located in the southern part of Estonia - the Otepää Upland (up to 217 m high), the Haanja Upland (318 m high) and the Sakala Upland (up to 145 m high). The highest point in the country is Suur Munamägi Hill - 318 meters above sea level. The most long river Estonia - Parnu. It has a length of 144 km and flows into the Gulf of Riga of the Baltic Sea, and the most abundant river is the Narva. There are more than 1000 moraine lakes here.
The country's largest lake is Lake Peipus, which forms a natural and historical border with Russia. Its area is 3555 sq. km. The largest inland body of water in Estonia is Lake Võrtsjärv, with an area of 266 sq. km. The country also owns more than 1,500 islands, the largest of which are Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, Muhu, Vormen, Naisaar, Aegna, Prangli, Kihnu, Ruhnu, Abruka and Vilsandi.
Time
In Estonia, as in Russia, summer and winter time is in effect. Local time differs from Moscow - minus 1 hour.
Climate
The climate of Estonia is transitional from maritime to continental. On the west coast Estonia's climate is milder, as the influence of the Baltic is stronger. The coldest month of the year is January, the air temperature at this time during the daytime does not exceed -2 degrees, and at night it drops to -8. In July, during the day, the air warms up to +22 degrees, at night it is about 14 degrees of heat.
In the south-east of the country, the climate is more continental, but the air temperatures do not differ much from the temperatures of the western coast, in winter they are 2-3 degrees lower, and in summer - 2-3 degrees higher. The largest number precipitation falls in late summer (July-August). In total, up to 600 mm of precipitation falls annually, and in the southeast - up to 700 mm due to the fact that wet air masses linger over the local hills.
Language
The official language is Estonian, belonging to the Baltic-Finnish branch of the Finno-Ugric family of languages. The language of communication for most non-Estonians is Russian.
Religion
The majority of believers are Lutherans (70%) and Orthodox (20%). Freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Constitution.
Population
In 1945, the share of Estonians in the population of the republic reached 93%, by 1989 it had dropped to 62%. In the last decade, the share of Estonians has been growing (65.3% in 2000), while the share of Russians has been declining (28.1%). Among the national minorities are Ukrainians (2.5%), Belarusians (1.5%), Finns (1%), others (1.6%). Estonians are evenly distributed throughout the country. Russians and other non-Estonians are concentrated mainly in such industrial cities as Tallinn, Narva, Kohtla-Jarve, Sillamäe.
Electricity
The voltage in the electrical network in the territory of Estonia is 220 V, the current frequency is 50 Hz. Sockets - European standard.
Emergency Phones
Police - 110
Ambulance - 112
Problems on the road - 118
Russian Embassy in Tallinn, Pikk 19- 6464175
Visitor center, Raekoja plats 10 - 6457777
Information bus station in Tallinn, Lastekodu 46 - 6800900
Information desk of the railway station in Tallinn - 6156851
Information about flights in Tallinn - 6058888
Estonian Information Service - 1182
Information service of the port of Virtsu about ferries to the island. Saaremaa - 4524444
Connection
Estonia (Tallinn) code - +372, Saaremaa code - +372 45, Tartu +372 7, Pärnu +372 44, Haapsalu +37247, Otepaa +372 76
If you need to call Moscow, you need to dial 00 (international access code) + 7 (Russian code) + 095 (Moscow code) + subscriber's phone number. There are many pay phones in the city that operate from telephone cards. Cards are sold at tobacco and newsstands. For negotiations with Moscow, we recommend buying a card of the highest denomination. A phone call from any hotel will cost you much more.
When calling to Russia on a mobile phone whose number starts with 8 (for example, 8-902…), you need to dial 00 (international access code) + 7 (Russia code) + 902 (instead of the code of Moscow or another city). When calling an Estonian mobile phone, you do not need to dial any codes. When choosing a cellular network, we recommend using the services of the TELE2 operator, which offers lower roaming prices than other operators. A call to Moscow from a mobile phone will cost much less if you use an EMT or TELE2 phone card. By purchasing it, you get an Estonian phone number and can call both within Estonia and abroad. In order to top up the credit it is enough to buy a call card 100, 200, 5000 kroons All incoming calls to a mobile phone in Estonia are free. Rooms mobile phones start at 5
Currency exchange
The national currency - the Estonian kroon is divided into 100 cents. In circulation there are banknotes of 1, 2, 5, 25, 50, 100, 500 crowns. As of September 1, 2004 The kroon exchange rate was 12.00 kroons for 1 US dollar and 15.64 kroons for 1 euro. Banks are usually open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 2 pm. Exchange offices on weekdays are open until 19:00, on Saturdays from 10:00 to 17:00 some work on Sunday (in the old town, opposite the flower market, in the Stockmann store and on Pronksi 7 street). There is no commission fee for currency exchange. Never change money on the streets, no matter how profitable the exchange rate is offered to you.
Visa
Citizens of Russia and CIS countries require a visa to enter Estonia. Estonia is a member of the Schengen Agreement countries. Since December 21, 2007, persons with valid Schengen visas in their passports can freely enter the country by any means of transport.
Visa category A - transit through the controlled area of the airport, is issued to persons whose purpose of visit is to transfer in the next 24 hours at Estonian airports to flights to third countries that are not members of the EU. This visa does not give the right to leave the controlled transit area of the airport and move around the territory of Estonia. This visa is not required by citizens of Russia.
Category D visa - a long-term visa for single or multiple entries to Estonia. Issued to journalists accredited by the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs representing foreign funds media, honorary consuls of Estonia, as well as persons who have registered their short-term work in Estonia before applying for a visa, and their family members.
Customs regulations
A passenger who, when crossing the customs border, has a currency in the amount of more than 80,000 Estonian kroons must declare it in full on the customs declaration. If the amount of imported currency exceeds 200,000 Estonian kroons, you must also present a document confirming the origin of this currency. A check issued by a currency exchange office is not such a document.
A passenger who has arrived in Estonia is allowed to import duty-free within one calendar day when crossing the border for the first time, in addition to personal belongings, the following goods within the limits listed below:
Industrial goods - with a total value of up to 5000 (excluding motor vehicles);
Other than the fuel contained in the standard tank vehicle, and oil in the engine, a passenger can bring 10 liters of fuel and 5 liters of oil per motor vehicle;
Food products - with a total weight of up to 10 kg, and the total weight of coffee, tea, flavorings, seeds, etc. must not exceed 3 kg.
Transportation of alcoholic beverages and beer is allowed for persons under 18 years of age: 1 liter of drinks with a strength of more than 22% (up to 58%), 2 liters of drinks with a strength of up to 22% and 2 liters of beer.
Persons at least 18 years of age are allowed to import 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco products.
When importing more alcoholic beverages and tobacco products, a fine and confiscation of goods follow. If a passenger imports, within one calendar day for his personal needs, goods in quantities exceeding the free import norms, he must fill out a passenger declaration and pay the established import duties.
Holidays and non-working days
June 23 - Victory Day (victory in the battle of Vynnu) - On June 23, 1919, Estonian troops repelled the German attack and occupied the city of Vynnu (Cesis)
August 20 - Day of the Restoration of the Independence of the Republic of Estonia - On August 19, 1919, an attempt was made in the Soviet Union coup d'état. On August 20, 1991, the Supreme Council of the Estonian SSR decided on the independence of Estonia and the creation of a Constitutional Assembly to develop the Basic Law of Estonia
Significant dates:
2nd Sunday of May - Mother's Day
Transport
Ground transport. Trams and buses operate from 05:30 to midnight. You can pay for the fare by punching a ticket or buying an hourly ticket from the driver. An hourly ticket entitles you to use all modes of transport for one hour from the date of purchase. If you decide to continue with the express bus, you will have to pay extra. Coupons can be bought from the driver, at newsstands near the bus stop, and in shops. Attention! Hourly tickets are sold only in buses, trams and trolleybuses, which are equipped with the T sign white color on a blue background. When buying from the driver, tickets will cost you 5 crowns more. At the kiosk, one ticket costs 10 kroons, if you take a book (10 tickets), 1 ticket will cost 7 kroons.
Taxi. Payment for travel is made only by the meter. Most companies have a minimum fare (in Tallinn - 35 kroons). It is advisable to order a taxi by phone, there is no separate fee for ordering. Prices for landing, kilometer, parking minute and the minimum fee are posted on the side window. We advise you to always use the services of well-known companies - Esra (6614000), E-Takso (6312700).
Car rental. AVIS - Livalaia 33, tel.6315930. EUROPCAR - Parnu mnt 232, tel. 6502171. HERTZ - at the airport, tel. 6058923. The speed of movement in cities and settlements- 50 km / h, on country roads - 90 km / h. Fines for speeding are very high. The driver and passengers must wear seat belts. Parking in the center of Tallinn, Tartu, Pärnu is paid. Parking cards can be purchased at kiosks, as well as from employees of parking services. To enter the country you need car insurance, sign RUS. Headlights must be on 24 hours a day.
Tips
In Estonia, it is customary to leave a tip for good service - 5-10% of the bill.
The shops
Shops are open from 9.00 to 19.00, on Saturday - from 9.00 to 16.00, except for large department stores, open 7 days a week until 20:00. Of interest to tourists are primarily numerous shops with folk art, needlework, jewelry, leather goods, souvenirs, and antiques. AT recent times there were chain stores operating around the clock. We recommend visiting the largest department stores Kaubamaja (Gonsiori 2) and Stockmann (Liivalaia 53). Boutiques: Max Mara (Harju 6), Eskada Sport (Ravala pst.6), Joop (Parnu mnt.30), Paul Shark (Viru 1), Don Donna (Suur-Karja18) and the boutique of the famous Estonian couturier Ivo Niccolo (Suur- Karja14).
National cuisine
Estonian cuisine is somewhat similar to other cuisines of the countries of the Baltic region (Estonia spent centuries under the Swedes, Germans, Russians), but still has its own zest.
The basis for the preparation of main dishes is milk, fish, sour cream, pork, legumes, vegetables, etc. At the same time, seemingly incompatible products are used (milk and fish, fish with lard, apples with bull's blood, milk and peas, potatoes as a dessert, etc.). The technology of cooking some dishes is sometimes simply amazing in its simplicity. In the kitchen, mainly boiled dishes are presented, while cooking takes place only in a liquid medium (steam baths are not practiced). Water, kvass, milk, milk-flour, milk-egg, milk-sour cream mixtures are used as a liquid medium. The brewing temperature varies widely. Fried dishes in Estonian cuisine are mostly borrowed. The frying technique does not take place in oil, as in other countries, but in a milk-sour cream, milk-flour environment. Sour cream, milk, cream, milk-sour cream sauces (castmed) are widely used as seasonings. Grated herring fillet is used to prepare gravy for fish dishes. Spices are used reluctantly (onions, dill (added to herring), marjoram (blood sausages), cumin (cottage cheese), parsley and celery (soups)).
The Estonian table includes cold table, dairy and meat soups, porridge, various preparations fish, desserts. The Estonian "kulm laud" usually includes dense black Estonian bread, or seppik (gray bread), pickled sprat or herring, herring with sour cream and potatoes or smoked Baltic herring, milk, yogurt, k a m a, in a more complex and rich version - syult (jelly), bacon or boiled ham, sweet and sour rye bread, leivavatsk (rye-potato roll) and again the same milk or yogurt, as well as butter and hard-boiled eggs. A special place should be given to soups, which, as mentioned above, widely use dairy products in their preparation, below we list the types of soups with a milk base (dough, cereal, vegetable, fish, mushroom, egg, beer and milk soups). Also common vegetable soups(pea, potato, cabbage, etc.), meat soups (quite specific due to the lack of seasonings and spices, cooking meat in a whole piece (more precisely, a whole piece of offal, as meat is expensive in Estonia and is used for cooking second courses ), adding smoked meats).
National pastries are represented by bread made from rye and barley flour with the addition of malted sourdough, potatoes, honey, etc., pies (pirucades). Below we list a number of masterpieces of Estonian pastries: Estonian pie with apples and rhubarb, festive apple cake, soft crescents with berry-marmalade filling, berry rolls, berry pie, fluffy apple cake, barley cakes, spicy cakes.
Fish dishes are prepared sea fish(flounder, herring, herring, syrt), and from river fish(vendace, ruff, pike, tench, perch, etc.). Soups are made from fish with white, boneless fillet - mainly from flounder, cod, whitefish. Pike, tench, perch, herring, herring go to the second courses. A casserole (kalavorm) is prepared from herring. Baltic herring, bream, cheese, eel are also smoked.
Estonian cuisine has almost no original meat dishes, unlike its neighbors. The meat is usually served boiled. Pork, lamb, less often beef and game are used for cooking. Meat dishes also include sylts and paltens, which are typical for all Baltic cuisines in general. Sylts are Estonian jellies, which, unlike Russian jellies, are made not from legs, but only from the heads and tails of animals (pork, veal, mutton), and always separately from each type of meat (only from pig tails, only from pig heads, only from veal heads, etc.). They have a denser texture and a different taste.
Sweet dishes in Estonia are mainly bread soups, jelly with cream or milk, fruit thickenings mainly from rhubarb and apples, as well as from cranberry and lingonberry gruel (the juice of these berries together with thick, with the addition of a small amount of sugar or honey and slightly sour) , floury sweet dishes - snowballs, sweet cereals with whipped cream.
Attractions
Estonia- a beautiful country that will amaze you with its historical past. For example, a magnificent baroque palace and Kadriorg Park, located 2 km to the east, are considered an unsurpassed architectural structure. from the center of Tallinn. This local attraction is one of the best creations of the masters of the 18th century in the then Estland province, erected by order of Peter I during the Great Northern War.
The main sights of Saaremaa are related to its history (Kuressaare hillfort), culture (open-air museum and archaeological site) and natural environment.
The Dome Cathedral considered one of the oldest churches in Tallinn. The current appearance of the Dome Cathedral is the result of numerous reconstructions. Once upon a time there was a wooden church on this site - historians believe that it was built in 1219. The tower of the cathedral belongs to the Baroque era, and its many chapels belong to later architectural styles. If you decide to take bus number 10 in the center of Nõmme and drive in the direction of Pääskyla to the Vääna stop, and then, walking through the forest after about 300 meters, you will reach the street, turn left and walk another 200 meters, you will find yourself at the park and the castle of Baron von Glen.
This park is located in Tallinn, on the Mustamäe slope in the Nõmme district. It was founded by the landowner Nikolai von Glen. The most striking object in this park is the von Glen castle itself, built in 1886. This medieval gothic building, imbued with a romantic spirit, stands proudly on the slope of the Mustamäe cliff. Nearby, on a hillock, there is a four-sided obelisk dedicated to von Glen's beloved horse, and here, not far away, between tall fir trees, there is a giant sculpture of the so-called "Glen Devil" looking into the distance.
One of the tallest and most beautiful buildings not only in Estonia, but throughout Europe, is considered to be a unique Church of Oleviste. The first mention of this church, built in the Gothic style, dates back to 1267. Oleviste Church owes its name to the Norwegian king Olaf II Haraldsson. In addition, St. Olav was revered as the patron saint of sailors.
Another attraction of Estonia: the mysterious craters, which have been a local attraction for several decades, are located on the island of Saaremaa in the town of Kaali. There are nine of them in total, in the main crater an amazing lake Kaali was formed.
interesting House Museum of Kristjan Raud. The museum exposition introduces the life and work of the famous Estonian artist Kristjan Raud (1865 - 1943).
His drawings in the national-romantic and mystical-symbolic style, made mainly in pencil and charcoal, depict mysterious creatures, spirits, brownies and personified forces of nature.
Resorts
Parnu
Medieval Pärnu is surrounded by a green belt, created on earthen fortifications from the time of the rule of the Swedes. Pärnu is a seaside resort with good climate and therapeutic sea mud. In the resort area there is a vast seaside park, founded in 1882. Of the sights, the Red Tower of the 15th century, fragments of the bastions and the moat, the Baroque Tallinn Gate (17th century) should be noted.
Tallinn
The capital of Estonia - Tallinn has been known since 1154 (under the name of Kolyvan, later - Revel). The port city is spread on the shores of two bays. ancient part city - Vyshgorod occupies a large hill, from where a beautiful panorama of the whole of Tallinn opens. Here is the old castle of Toompea (XIII-XVI centuries) with the tower "Long German". Raenoja Square - the center of the Lower City - a real corner of the Middle Ages. The abundance of architectural monuments gives the city a unique identity. In the vicinity of Tallinn, in the park-museum Rocca al Mare, monuments of Estonian folk architecture are exhibited.
Tartu
Tartu is the second largest and oldest city in the country. A university was founded here in 1632. The building of the old city belongs mainly to the XVIII-XIX centuries. Among the sights, it is worth highlighting the Peter and Paul Cathedral (XIII-XV centuries), the Jaani Church (XIV century), the town hall and the complex of university buildings.
Haapsalu
Haapsalu is a resort in Estonia, located 100 km from Tallinn, on the west coast. Haapsalu is known as a beautiful holiday town where you can improve your health, enjoy peace and quiet. The history of the city dates back to the 13th century, as a resort place began to develop from the beginning of the 19th century. The old town of Haapsalu is protected as a monument. Several festivals are held during the summer.
Capital - Tallinn
Square - 45,215 sq. km
Total population - 1.5 million people
National composition: Estonians - 62%, Russians - 30%, Ukrainians - 3%, Belarusians - 1.5%, Finns - 1%
Official language - Estonian
State structure - parliamentary republic
Head of State - President of the Republic of Estonia
Religion. O main religion - Lutheranism. Other major denominations include the Orthodox, Baptist, Methodist, and Catholic churches.
Currency unit: Estonian kroon
general characteristics
Estonia is the northernmost country in the Baltics. It borders with Lithuania in the south and Russia in the east. Estonia is separated from Finland by the Gulf of Finland in the north, and from Sweden by the Baltic Sea in the west.
Administratively, Estonia consists of 15 counties (maakond), 194 rural municipalities and 33 city governments. Large cities: Tallinn, Tartu, Narva, Kohtla-Jarve, Pärnu.
Estonia is a small state on the shores of the Gulf of Finland and the Gulf of Riga of the Baltic Sea. The surface of the country is low-lying, with many lakes and swamps. In the southeastern part there is a strip of moraine uplands.
To The climate of Estonia does not differ from the climate of other countries of the Baltic Sea. Due to the proximity of the sea, the sky is often covered with clouds, in spring and autumn it drizzles, in winter it is replaced by snow. The sea softens the climate: in spring and summer it breathes coolness, the average temperature in July is 17 ° C. At the same time, there are also cases when the temperature in summer reaches 30 ° C. In autumn and winter, the sea gradually releases the heat that has accumulated in it in during the summer and the average temperature is -5°C.
most high point Estonia is the Suur-Munamägi hill, the top of which is 318 meters above sea level. One of the most beautiful landforms in Estonia is the limestone shore of the Gulf of Finland, which in some places reaches a height of 50 meters. You will not find such an impressive flagstone ledge anywhere else near the Baltic Sea.
Estonia is almost half covered with forests. The most common types of trees are pine, spruce and birch. The forests are rich in wildlife, it is estimated that approximately 11,700 elks, 50,000 roe deer, 17,000 wild boars, 17,000 beavers, 800 lynxes, 600 bears, 100 wolves live in them.
Estonia, as well as Finland and Sweden, are the most “forested” countries in Europe. The forestry and woodworking industries make up a significant part of the Estonian economy. Almost a third of the forests have been taken under protection. In these protected areas, you can find types of virgin forest that have long since disappeared in the rest of Europe. Such, for example, are the virgin forests of Järvselja in Tartu County and Poruni in Ida-Virumaa County.
There are many more different plants growing in meadows than in Western Europe. During the summer, tourists can enjoy the beauty of colorful wildflowers growing in the roadside meadows in the countryside. The forest meadow is distinguished by the greatest diversity of plant species. On one square meter of the Vahenurme forest meadow in Pärnu County, one can count 74 different types. Such botanical abundance is very rare in Europe. A few centuries ago, forest meadows also existed in southern Finland, in Sweden, as well as in other parts of Europe. Today they are only in Estonia.
Estonia is a country of a thousand lakes. The largest of them is Lake Peipsi, which is the fourth largest freshwater lake in Europe. Most Estonian lakes are small and mostly located in the southern part of the country. Large lakes such as Peipsi and Võrtsjärv have large fish populations. AT Lake Peipsi such rare species like vendace and smelt. Võrtsjärv, in turn, is famous for catching zander and eel, which are considered a delicacy fish.
There are over 1,500 islands in Estonia. The largest is Saaremaa, 2,900 square kilometers. A little less is Hiiumaa, followed by Muhu and Vormsi. The islands and the coast of the mainland are interesting in that they are located directly on the path of flight of water birds. Twice a year - in spring and autumn - hundreds of thousands of birds stop in these areas. Barnacle goose, swans (mute and whooper), eider and many other bird species are protected. Thanks to the soft maritime climate and varied landscape Saaremaa abounds in flora and fauna. Rare plants grow on the island great views orchids and is home to many rare animals, including seals.
Estonia is an industrial-agrarian country. The most important industries are oil shale mining and oil shale processing, light and food industries, woodworking, mechanical engineering and metalworking, production of building materials. Shale mining and processing is concentrated in the north of the country (Kohtla-Jarve).
Estonian agriculture specializes in meat and dairy farming.
Estonia has a fairly developed transport network. The main load falls on the roads. The main seaport is Tallinn. Ferry service from Helsinki
Sources:
1. www.estemb.ru
2. Finno-Ugric world: Statistical collection. - Syktyvkar, 2004.
The history of the emergence of Estonia begins with the oldest settlements on its territory, which appeared 10,000 years ago. were found near Pulli near present-day Pärnu. Finno-Ugric tribes from the east (most likely from the Urals) came centuries later (probably in 3500 BC), mixed with the local population and settled in present-day Estonia, Finland and Hungary. They liked the new lands and rejected the nomadic life that characterized most other European peoples for the next six millennia.
Early history of Estonia (briefly)
In the 9th and 10th centuries AD, Estonians knew the Vikings well, who seemed to be more interested in trade routes to Kyiv and Constantinople than by conquering the land. First real threat came from Christian invaders from the west. Fulfilling papal calls for crusades against northern pagans, Danish troops and German knights invaded Estonia, conquering Otepää Castle in 1208. locals resisted fiercely, and it took more than 30 years before the entire territory was conquered. By the middle of the 13th century, Estonia was divided between Danish in the north and German in the south by the Teutonic Orders. The Crusaders, heading east, were stopped by Alexander Nevsky from Novgorod on the frozen Lake Peipsi.
The conquerors settled in new cities, transferring most of the power to the bishops. By the end of the 13th century, cathedrals rose over Tallinn and Tartu, and monasteries were built by the Cistercian and Dominicans to preach and baptize the local population. Meanwhile, the Estonians continued to rebel.
The most significant uprising began on the night of St. George (April 23), 1343. It was started by Danish-controlled Northern Estonia. The history of the country is marked by the plundering of the Cistercian monastery of Padise by the rebels and the murder of all its monks. Then they laid siege to Tallinn and the episcopal castle in Haapsalu and called on the help of the Swedes. Sweden did send naval reinforcements, but they arrived too late and were forced to turn back. Despite the resolve of the Estonians, the uprising of 1345 was put down. The Danes, however, decided that they had had enough and sold Estonia to the Livonian Order.
The first craft workshops and merchant guilds appeared in the 14th century, and many cities such as Tallinn, Tartu, Viljandi and Pärnu flourished as members of the Hanseatic League. Cathedral of St. John in Tartu with his terracotta sculptures is a testament to wealth and Western trade links.
Estonians continued to practice pagan rites at weddings, funerals and worship of nature, although by the 15th century these rites had become intertwined with Catholicism and they were given Christian names. In the 15th century, the peasants lost their rights and by the beginning of the 16th they became serfs.
Reformation
The Reformation, which originated in Germany, reached Estonia in the 1520s with the first wave of Lutheran preachers. By the middle of the 16th century, the church was reorganized, and the monasteries and temples came under the auspices of the Lutheran church. In Tallinn, the authorities closed a Dominican monastery (its impressive ruins remain); In Tartu, the Dominican and Cistercian monasteries were closed.
Livonian War
In the 16th century, the greatest threat to Livonia (now northern Latvia and southern Estonia) came from the east. Ivan the Terrible, who proclaimed himself the first tsar in 1547, pursued a policy of expansion to the west. Russian troops led by the ferocious Tatar cavalry in 1558 attacked in the Tartu region. The battles were very fierce, the invaders left death and destruction in their path. Russia was joined by Poland, Denmark and Sweden, and intermittent hostilities took place throughout the 17th century. A brief overview of the history of Estonia does not allow us to dwell on this period in detail, but as a result, Sweden emerged victorious.
The war laid a heavy burden on the local population. In two generations (from 1552 to 1629) half of the rural population died, about three-quarters of all farms were deserted, diseases such as plague, crop failure, and the famine that followed increased the number of victims. Apart from Tallinn, every castle and fortified center of the country was sacked or destroyed, including Viljandi Castle, which was one of the strongest fortresses in Northern Europe. Some cities were completely destroyed.
Swedish period
After the war, the history of Estonia was marked by a period of peace and prosperity under Swedish rule. Cities, thanks to trade, grew and prospered, helping the economy quickly recover from the horrors of war. Under Swedish rule, Estonia for the first time in history was united under a single ruler. By the middle of the 17th century, however, things began to deteriorate. An outbreak of plague, and later the Great Famine (1695-97) claimed the lives of 80 thousand people - almost 20% of the population. Sweden soon faced a threat from an alliance of Poland, Denmark and Russia, seeking to regain the lands lost in the Livonian War. The invasion began in 1700. After some success, including defeat Russian troops near Narva, the Swedes began to retreat. In 1708 Tartu was destroyed, and all the survivors were sent to Russia. In 1710 Tallinn capitulated and Sweden was defeated.
Education
The history of Estonia began as part of Russia. It did not bring anything good to the peasants. The war and the plague of 1710 claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people. Peter I abolished the Swedish reforms and destroyed any hope of freedom for the surviving serfs. Attitudes towards them did not change until the Enlightenment period at the end of the 18th century. Catherine II limited the privileges of the elite and carried out quasi-democratic reforms. But only in 1816 the peasants were finally freed from serfdom. They also received surnames, greater freedom of movement, and limited access to self-government. By the second half of the 19th century, the rural population began to buy farms and earn income from crops such as potatoes and flax.
national awakening
The end of the 19th century was the beginning of a national awakening. Guided by the new elite, the country was moving towards statehood. The first newspaper in Estonian, Perno Postimees, appeared in 1857. It was published by Johann Voldemar Jannsen, one of the first to use the term "Estonians" rather than maarahvas (rural population). Another influential thinker was Carl Robert Jacobson, who fought for equal political rights for Estonians. He also founded the first national political newspaper, Sakala.
Insurrection
Late 19th century became a period of industrialization, the emergence of large factories and an extensive network railways linking Estonia with Russia. The harsh working conditions caused discontent, and the newly formed workers' parties led demonstrations and strikes. Events in Estonia repeated what was happening in Russia, and in January 1905 an armed uprising broke out. Tensions mounted until the fall of that year, when 20,000 workers went on strike. The tsarist troops acted brutally, killing and wounding 200 people. Thousands of soldiers arrived from Russia to suppress the uprising. 600 Estonians were executed and hundreds sent to Siberia. Trade unions and progressive newspapers and organizations were closed, and political leaders fled the country.
More radical plans to populate Estonia with thousands of Russian peasants thanks to the First World War were never realized. The country paid a high price for participating in the war. 100 thousand people were called up, of which 10 thousand died. Many Estonians went to fight because Russia promised to give the country statehood for the victory over Germany. Of course it was a hoax. But by 1917, this issue was no longer decided by the tsar. Nicholas II was forced to abdicate, and the Bolsheviks seized power. Chaos gripped Russia, and Estonia, seizing the initiative, declared its independence on February 24, 1918.
War for independence
Estonia faced threats from Russia and the Baltic-German reactionaries. War broke out, the Red Army was advancing rapidly, by January 1919 capturing half of the country. Estonia defended stubbornly, and with the help of British warships and Finnish, Danish and Swedish troops, defeated its longtime enemy. In December, Russia agreed to a truce, and on February 2, 1920, the Tartu Peace Treaty was signed, according to which it forever renounced claims to the country's territory. For the first time, a fully independent Estonia appeared on the world map.
The history of the state during this period is characterized by the rapid development of the economy. The country used its natural resources and attracted investments from abroad. The University of Tartu has become the university of Estonians, and the Estonian language has become the lingua franca, creating new opportunities in the professional and academic fields. A huge book industry sprang up between 1918 and 1940. 25 thousand titles of books were published.
However, the political sphere was not so rosy. Fear of communist subversion such as failed attempt coup in 1924, led to the leadership of the right. In 1934, the leader of the transitional government, Konstantin Päts, together with the commander-in-chief of the Estonian army, Johan Laidoner, violated the Constitution and seized power under the pretext of defending democracy from extremist groups.
The fate of the state was sealed when Nazi Germany and the USSR entered into a secret pact in 1939, essentially passing it on to Stalin. Members of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation organized a fictitious uprising and, on behalf of the people, demanded that Estonia be included in the USSR. President Päts, General Laidoner and other leaders were arrested and sent to Soviet camps. A puppet government was created, and on August 6, 1940, he granted the "request" of Estonia to join the USSR.
Deportations and the Second World War devastated the country. Tens of thousands were drafted and sent to work and die in labor camps in northern Russia. Thousands of women and children shared their fate.
When Soviet troops fled under the onslaught of the enemy, the Estonians welcomed the Germans as liberators. 55 thousand people joined the self-defense units and battalions of the Wehrmacht. However, Germany had no intention of granting statehood to Estonia and considered it as an occupied territory of the Soviet Union. Hopes were dashed after the execution of the collaborators. 75 thousand people were shot (of which 5 thousand were ethnic Estonians). Thousands fled to Finland, and those who remained were called to German army(about 40 thousand people).
In early 1944, Soviet troops bombed Tartu and other cities. The complete destruction of Narva was an act of revenge on the "Estonian traitors".
The German troops retreated in September 1944. Fearing the advance of the Red Army, many Estonians also fled and about 70,000 ended up in the West. By the end of the war, every 10th Estonian lived abroad. In general, the country lost more than 280 thousand people: in addition to those who emigrated, 30 thousand were killed in battle, the rest were executed, sent to camps or destroyed in concentration camps.
After the war, the state was immediately annexed Soviet Union. The history of Estonia is darkened by a period of repression, thousands of people were tortured or sent to prisons and camps. 19,000 Estonians were executed. Farmers were brutally forced to collectivize, and thousands of migrants poured into the country from different regions of the USSR. Between 1939 and 1989 the percentage of native Estonians decreased from 97% to 62%.
In response to the repressions in 1944, a partisan movement was organized. 14 thousand "forest brothers" armed themselves and went underground, working in small groups throughout the country. Unfortunately, their actions did not bring success, and by 1956 the armed resistance was virtually destroyed.
But the dissident movement was gaining strength, and on the day of the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Stalin-Hitler pact, a large rally was held in Tallinn. Over the next few months, protests escalated as Estonians demanded the restoration of statehood. Song festivals have become powerful means of struggle. The most massive of them took place in 1988, when 250,000 Estonians gathered at the Song Festival Grounds in Tallinn. This brought a lot of international attention to the situation in the Baltics.
In November 1989, the Estonian Supreme Council declared the events of 1940 an act of military aggression and declared them illegal. In 1990, free elections were held in the country. Despite Russian attempts to prevent this, Estonia regained its independence in 1991.
Modern Estonia: the history of the country (briefly)
In 1992, the first general elections were held under the new Constitution, with the participation of new political parties. The Pro Patria Union won by a narrow margin. Its leader, 32-year-old historian Mart Laar, became prime minister. started recent history Estonia as an independent state. Laar set about moving the state to a free market economy, introduced the Estonian kroon into circulation, and began negotiations for the complete withdrawal of Russian troops. The country breathed a sigh of relief when the last garrisons left the republic in 1994, leaving devastated land in the northeast, contaminated groundwater around air bases, and nuclear waste at naval bases.
Republic of Estonia.
The name of the country comes from the ethnonym of the people - Estonians.
Capital of Estonia. Tallinn.
Estonia Square. 45227 km2.
Population of Estonia. 1.311 million people (
Estonian GDP. $26.49 billion (
Location of Estonia. The Republic of Estonia is a state in the north-west of East. In the north it is washed, in the west - by the sea. In the east, the country borders on Russia, including along, in the south - with. Estonia owns more than 1500 islands, the largest of which are Saaremaa and Hiiumaa.
Administrative divisions of Estonia. Estonia is divided into 15 maakunds (counties) and 6 cities of central subordination.
Estonian form of government. Parliamentary republic.
Head of State of Estonia. The President is elected by Parliament for a term of 5 years.
Higher Legislature Estonia. Seimas, whose term of office is 5 years.
Higher executive agency Estonia. Government.
Major cities in Estonia. Tartu, Narva.
State language of Estonia. Estonian.
Religion in Estonia. 70% - Lutherans, 20% - Orthodox.
Ethnic composition of Estonia. 61.5% - , 30.3% - Russians, 3.2% - , 1.8% - , 1.1% - Finns.