Here are some facts about Estonia.
- Estonia is one of the least populous countries in Europe, with about 1.3 million people.
- It is located on the Baltic Sea and is bordered by Russia and Latvia.
- It has about 1,500 small islands, many of which are uninhabited. Much of Estonia is flat, and its highest point is only about 315 metres above sea level.During the 12th century, Estonia was under Danish control and under Swedish control in the 16th century. The name of the capital, Tallinn, translates as Danish castle.
- Tallinn is also the country’s largest city, known for its picturesque and well preserved medieval old town.
- The second city, Tartu, is known for its university and is the home of the Supreme Court.
- Estonia became independent in 1920, although then it came under Russian control after World War II.
- The country became independent again during the 1990s, after the Russian takeover was declared illegal.
- The country celebrates 2 independence days – February 24th, and August 20th, which is sometimes called the Restoration of Independence Day.
- Estonians also celebrate Midsummer’s Day, national Flag Day and Grandparent’s Day.
- About 50 percent of Estonia is covered by forest.
- The country is also said to have the most meteorite craters per square km of any country in the world.
- Estonia was the first country in the world to use an online political voting system. All Estonian schools are connected to the Internet and Skype was invented there.
- Many people in Estonia speak Russian. However, Estonian is the country’s official language and it is thought to be one of the most difficult languages to learn.
- Estonians like to compete in a traditional race in which people carry a person on their back as quickly as possible. The country also has an extreme sport involving standing on a swing and swinging as high as possible.
