General information
Official name - Republic of Estonia. The state is located in Northern Europe. The area is 45,226 km2. Population - 1,294,236 people. (as of 2012). Official language- Estonian. The capital is Tallinn. The monetary unit is the euro.
The state is located on the northeastern coast of the Baltic Sea. In the east it borders with Russia (border length 290 km), in the south with Latvia (267 km). In the west, Estonia is washed by the Baltic Sea, in the north - Gulf of Finland. The total length of the border is 557 km, the length of the coastline is 1,393 km. Most of the country's territory is occupied by a moraine plain. In the southeastern part there is a strip of hilly hills. Clint is common on the northern coast of Estonia.
The climate of Estonia is mild and humid. The alternation of sea and continental air, the constant influence of cyclones make the weather very unstable. The weather is especially changeable in spring and autumn. According to climatic conditions, the region directly influenced by the Baltic Sea and inland Estonia are distinguished. The coast has mild winters and moderately warm summers; inland areas have cooler winters and warmer summers than the coast. On the island of Vilsandi, for example, the average monthly air temperature in February is -3-4°C, in Tartu -7°C. In July the temperature is respectively +16 +17°C. Precipitation averages 550-650 mm, about 700 mm at higher elevations, and in some places less than 500 mm on the coast. Snow cover lasts from 70 to 130 days a year.
Story
The ancestors of modern Estonians were tribes, mainly Finno-Ugric, who lived in the Eastern Baltic almost 2000 years ago. In German chronicles, the term "Estland" meant "Eastern Land". In Russian chronicles, the tribes of this area were most often called “Chud”.
The capital of Estonia, Tallinn, was first mentioned in 1154 in Arabic geography under Slavic name Kolyvan, in the 13th century. a German chronicle calls the same city the Scandinavian word “Lindanise”, and the Estonian name “Tallinn” (which means “Danish city”) first appears in 1536. The future capital of the Estonian Republic was called Revel by the Swedes and Germans, and this name remained until 1917
The entire history of Estonia tells how the fate of this land and the people inhabiting it was decided by other countries and peoples. Although the ancestors of today's Estonians cannot be denied belligerence - they fought back against the Russian princes and managed to defeat the crusaders from the Order of the Sword in 1211
However, the Danes and the knightly Teutonic Order, which consisted mainly of German knights, conquered the Estonian tribes. The uprisings were brutally suppressed, and by the beginning of the 16th century. Serfdom was in effect in rural areas. The main cities of Estonia, Revel (Tallinn), Dorpat (Tartu), Pernau (Pärnu), became members of the Hanseatic League, in which German merchants ruled everything.
, (Muscovite Kingdom) and (Rzeczpospolita) alternately fought among themselves for Estonian lands until 1721, when, according to the Treaty of Nystadt, Sweden ceded to the Russian Empire the territory of present-day Estonia, on which the Revel and Livland provinces were formed. Peter I recognized the German, or, as they were also called in Russia, “Baltic Sea” nobles as the local aristocracy. The Estonians practically did not have their own aristocracy.
After the October Socialist Revolution of 1917, Estonia ceased to be part of Russia. In 1920, the Yuryev Peace Treaty was concluded between the RSFSR and the Republic of Estonia, in which both parties officially recognized each other. This was the first experience of state independence for Estonia. However, in 1940, the USSR sent troops into Estonia, elections were held in the country to the legislative body of the Riigikogu, which then decided to form the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic and the Declaration of Accession to the USSR. On August 6, 1940, the ESSR became part of Soviet Union. Estonian historians often claim that the election results were falsified and call the actions of the USSR “occupation.”
In 1941, German troops entered Estonia, and by the end of 1944, Soviet troops occupied last stronghold Nazis - the island of Saaremaa. In World War II, Estonians fought on both sides of the front - both in the ranks of the Soviet army and in Wehrmacht units.
After World War II, Estonia again became Soviet territory. Only in 1991, after the liquidation of the USSR, Estonia again gained independence and in the same year became a full member of the UN. In 2004, Estonia became a member of NATO and the European Union.
Sights of Estonia
Estonia has managed to carefully preserve the heritage of centuries. Here you can easily feel like a medieval city dweller and feel not only the atmosphere, but even the taste of a bygone time - for example, in a restaurant of medieval cuisine in Tallinn. And on the Town Hall Square of the Estonian capital is still, for almost 600 years (since short breaks), one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe operates.
In this pharmacy-museum you can not only view the exhibition dedicated to the history of medicine and pharmacy, but also receive treatment with ancient medicines. Perhaps it will even be very tasty - after all, since the 15th century. In the Town Hall pharmacy they prescribe... marzipan for headaches or nervous disorders! Which, as Estonians are sure, was invented here. Although the French, Spaniards and Italians claim the authorship of the delicacy now beloved by humanity (and not without reason!), only Estonians indicate the exact location of the event, which is joyful for those with a sweet tooth.
The preservation of medieval Tallinn makes it one of the best tourist centers in Europe for real history lovers. The historical part of Tallinn is included by UNESCO in the list of monuments of world significance.
The historical center of Tallinn - the Old Town - is divided into Vyshgorod, located on Toompea Hill, where it stands - The Dome Cathedral(XIII century, rebuilt until the 18th century), and the Lower City, which is located southeast. Sights of Tallinn often have their own personal names. Thus, the famous weather vane on the city hall is called “Old Thomas”, the fortress tower of the Vyshgorod castle “Long Herman”, and one of the towers of the defensive structures Lower City- “Fat Margarita.” The tallest of the surviving towers is called “Kik-in-de-Kök”, which means “Look into the kitchen”; from this tower it was really convenient to spy on the townspeople.
On the preserved medieval streets of Tallinn there are houses from the 14th-17th centuries, which have practically not changed their appearance. It is not surprising that one of the favorite holidays for tourists is the “Days of the Middle Ages”, which are regularly held in Tallinn in last years- with a carnival, a medieval fair, minstrel performances and even a “School of Knights”. For 2011, Tallinn and the Finnish city of Turku were appointed cultural capitals of Europe.
And in the city of Pärnu, a festival dedicated to the Hanseatic League has already become traditional. In 2010, Pärnu hosted the anniversary festival “XXX International Hanseatic Days”, which will bring together representatives of 150 Hanseatic cities from all over Europe.
The tourism business is one of the most successful in Estonia after the country gained independence. The number of tourists is growing despite the global economic crisis, or perhaps because of it. After all, visiting a small, cozy country on the Baltic Sea is still cheaper for tourists than a similar voyage to Western Europe.
Estonian Cuisine
Traditional Estonian cuisine was formed largely under the influence of German and Swedish culinary traditions, and consists mainly of simple and satisfying “peasant” dishes based on pork, potatoes, vegetables, a variety of cereals, fish (herring is especially popular) and bread products . A distinctive feature is the widespread use of meat by-products (blood, liver) and a variety of dairy dishes - there are more than 20 dairy soups alone.
Soups themselves are a fairly common dish - there are, for example, soup with barley and potatoes, dumplings, peas and pearl barley, bread soup, blueberry soup, herring soup with potatoes, and even beer soup. Seasonings and herbs are used extremely poorly, and in small quantities and in strictly defined dishes: dill - in herring, marjoram - in blood sausages, caraway seeds - in cottage cheese, parsley, celery - in meat soups (not all). Among the flavoring seasonings, in addition to milk, cream and sour cream in their pure form, they use “kastmed” - milk and milk-sour cream sauces that accompany almost every Estonian dish.
The most popular are "syyr" - a special dish made from cottage cheese, smoked trout "suitsukala", pork legs with peas, blood sausage "evereverst", "mulgi puder", pancakes with blood "vere pakeogid", dumplings made from barley flour, "mulgikapsas" - specially stewed pork with barley and sauerkraut, “piparkook”, rutabaga porridge “kaalikapuder”, rutabaga-potato porridge “kaalikakartulipuder”, boiled meat with vegetables, pea-buckwheat porridge “hernetatrapuder”, soup with beer, blueberry soup with dumplings, a variety of cheeses and jelly.
In Estonia they make amazingly delicious chocolate with nuts, unusual candies with mint, liqueur, coffee, and nut fillings, excellent cakes and all sorts of other sweets.
The national drink is undoubtedly beer - light "Saku" and darker "Saare" from the island of Saaremaa; honey beer and mulled wine "Höegwein" are also original products.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Estonia
Tallinn's historical center (Old Town) with architectural monuments XIII - XIX centuries;
Struve geodetic arc (19th century, passes through the territory of 10 countries).
Estonia on the map
The capital of Estonia, the city of Tallinn, is the largest populated area in the republic. Before the declaration of independence and the establishment of statehood, it was called Revel and was considered the district center of the Estonian province of the Russian Empire. The current name was given to the city in 1919, at the same time, by decree of the Estonian government, it became the official capital of the republic. As of the beginning of 2016, the number of officially registered residents of Tallinn exceeded 439,000, which is almost a third of the country's population.
The capital of Estonia as a business and tourist center
Tallinn is the main business and tourist center Republic of Estonia. The country's largest enterprises are concentrated here, as well as in the surrounding area. And for many tourists, getting to know Estonia begins with a visit to its capital. The most famous are the Kadriorg park, divided into two parts, founded by the Russian Tsar Peter I, as well as the interactive museums Lennusadam (seaplane harbor) and KUMU.
The capital of Estonia is also a center of culture and recreation. It is here that concerts of Russian and Western stars regularly take place, an eventful nightlife thrives, and mass sporting events and festivals take place. Once every five years, a large-scale song and dance festival is held at the Singing Field, which attracts singers and dancers from all over Estonia.
Unlike other European capitals, Tallinn cannot boast of being large. However, perhaps this is precisely its advantage. The distances here are short, and thanks to the well-developed public transport system, you can get from the city center to any area without a transfer in no more than half an hour. By the way, travel on buses, trolleybuses and trams is free for city residents.
The capital of Estonia is a rolling title
A tradition has been established in the Republic of Estonia according to which several times a year Tallinn symbolically transfers the powers of the main city to other localities. This allows not only to diversify local life, but also to attract the attention of tourists to other cities in Estonia. The transfer of title occurs with the onset of the next season according to the astronomical calendar.
The title of spring capital is annually awarded to the city of Tyuri. It receives this honor for the abundance of flowering gardens, the aroma of which creates an indescribable atmosphere. In the second half of July, the proud title of capital passes to the main Estonian resort - the city. Until autumn, it is officially considered the summer capital of Estonia.
At the end of September, the border town takes over the baton. Since the late 90s it has been called the autumn capital of the republic. The latest to take on the title of main city is the Otepää ski resort, which until mid-March is considered the winter capital of Estonia.
Unofficial capitals of Estonia
In addition to the listed “seasonal capitals,” there are two more cities in Estonia that have been given the symbolic title of the main cities of the republic. For example, the city, which is the center of the Estonian student population, is often called the university or student capital of the country. As you know, the most prestigious university in the republic is located here.
The city bears the title of the island capital. It is located on the island of Saaremaa and is the largest located in the non-mainland part of the country. All of the cities listed above deserve the attention of tourists, and their residents are always happy to welcome guests and are ready to give them a warm welcome.
They will be an excellent opportunity not only to relax in comfort, but also to learn a lot of interesting things about our Baltic neighbor.
Another interesting fact ob is the country with the largest Wi-Fi access in Europe. More than 1,100 access points have been created here, which is simply incredible for a country with such a small area.
Wi-Fi literally covers almost the entire country and you can connect to the network in any locality in almost any cafe or store.
All conditions are created here for an excellent beach holiday, especially for families with children. A lot of playgrounds, clean, well-equipped beaches and wonderful beaches attract a lot of tourists here.
Holidays in Estonian
The best Observation deck, from where the view is especially amazing, is located on the bell tower, and the view from there allows you to decorate your travel album with memorable panoramic photos.
St. John is rightfully considered the cultural capital of St. John, where one of the oldest in Europe has been working since the 17th century. Its main building is a historical and architectural landmark that all guests of the city strive to visit. One of the most photographed places is, also with its clay stucco ornaments, and the most visited is where the strong half of the tourist fraternity is ready, without interrupting, to listen to the guide. In total, there are at least twenty museums open in which both children and adults find a lot of interesting things.
Mysterious Island
It also has its own islands, rightly called unique natural reserves. The largest is, which is easily accessible by ferry.
Its pristine beauty outshines all creations human hands. There are bays and rocky beaches where lovers of solitude and lovers of natural masterpieces like to relax. Comfortable hotels and guest houses offer visitors real comfort and the opportunity to unify with nature. Sand dunes, cool sea waves, tart pine aroma spreading in the air - it is not for nothing that it is considered one of the best Baltic resorts.
The sights of the island are worthy of a separate story. The Sõrve lighthouse has been lighting the way for sailors and fishermen for almost four hundred years, and with windmills it tells inquisitive travelers about ancient folk crafts and gives the opportunity to try making a memorable souvenir with their own hands. The capital of the island preserves one of the oldest in Europe, built in the 13th century. Its museum houses many interesting exhibits, including urban legends about the old fortress.
Tasty and healthy
A trip to the region will not take place without visiting its restaurants with national dishes on the traditional menu. The main and most favorite dishes of Estonians can be tasted in any local cafe. On the eve of Christmas, the menu will certainly include jellied meat and blood sausage served with lingonberry sauce, and on Maslenitsa - buns decorated with whipped cream. Pickled herring, roast with sauerkraut and aromatic pates, soft cheeses and rich soups of potatoes, cabbage or peas with smoked meats are always loved here.
Estonians love coffee and know how to prepare and drink it. After many hours of sightseeing, it is so pleasant to go to a cafe in any Estonian city, order a cup of aromatic light Scandinavian roasted drink and, closing your eyes in unearthly bliss, remember the past day and relive its especially bright moments.
And then breathe a sigh of relief, remembering that this evening, fortunately, is not the last...
goBaltia
The Republic is a state in the north-west of Eastern Europe. In the north it is washed by the Gulf of Finland, in the west by the Baltic Sea. In the east the country borders with Russia, including Lake Peipsi, and in the south with Latvia. Estonia owns more than 1,500 islands, the largest of which are Saaremaa and Hiiumaa.
The name of the country comes from the ethnonym of the people - Estonians.
Official name: Republic of Estonia
Capital:
The area of the land: 45,226 sq. km
Total Population: 1.3 ml. people
Administrative division: Estonia is divided into 15 maakunds (counties) and 6 centrally subordinate cities.
Form of government: Parliamentary republic.
Head of State: President, elected by parliament for a 5-year term.
Population composition: 65% are Estonians, 28.1% are Russians, 2.5% are Ukrainians, 1.5% are Belarusians, 1% are Finns, 1.6% are others.
Official language: Estonian. The language of communication of most non-Estonians is Russian.
Religion: 80% are Lutherans, 18% are Orthodox.
Internet domain: .ee
Mains voltage: ~230 V, 50 Hz
Country dialing code: +372
Country barcode: 474
Climate
Moderate, transitional from sea to continental: along the Baltic coast - sea, far from the sea - closer to temperate continental. average temperature air in January is -4-7 C, in July +15-17 C. Precipitation falls up to 700 mm. per year, mainly in the autumn-winter period (late summer is also often rainy). Due to the influence of sea air masses The weather is quite changeable and can often change several times a day, especially in spring and autumn.
Thanks to the shallow water, the water in the sea and lakes quickly warms up and reaches +20-24 C in July; the beach season lasts from the beginning of June to the end of August. Best time to visit the country - from early May to mid-September.
Geography
A state in the northeastern part of Europe, on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland of the Baltic Sea. It borders with Latvia in the south and Russia in the east. In the north it is washed by the Gulf of Finland, in the west by the Gulf of Riga of the Baltic Sea.
The country's territory includes more than 1,500 islands (10% of Estonia's territory), the largest of which are Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, Muhu, Vormen, Naisaar, Aegna, Prangli, Kihnu, Ruhnu, Abruka and Vilsandi.
The relief is predominantly flat. Most of The country is a flat moraine plain covered with forests (almost 50% of the territory), swamps and peatlands (almost 25% of the territory). Only in the north and in the central part of the country does the Pandivere hill stretch (up to 166 m on the town of Emumägi), and in the south-eastern part of the country there is a narrow strip of hilly hills (up to 318 m on the town of Suur-Munamägi). The lake network is also extensive - more than 1 thousand moraine lakes. The total area of the country is about 45.2 thousand square meters. km. is the northernmost and smallest of the Baltic states.
Flora and fauna
Vegetable world
Estonia is located in a zone of mixed coniferous-deciduous forests. Few indigenous forests remain. The most fertile soddy-carbonate soils, on which broad-leaved forests once grew, are now occupied by arable land. In total, about 48% of the country's area is under forests. The most typical forest-forming species are Scots pine, Norway spruce, warty and downy birch, aspen, as well as oak, maple, ash, elm, and linden. The undergrowth includes mountain ash, bird cherry, and willow. Less commonly, mainly in the west, yew berry, wild apple tree, Scandinavian rowan and aria, blackthorn, and hawthorn are found in the undergrowth.
Forests are most widespread in the east of the country - in central and southern Estonia, where they are represented by spruce forests and mixed spruce-broadleaf forests. They grow on sandy soils in the southeast of the country. pine forests. In western Estonia large areas occupy unique landscapes - a combination of dry meadows with areas of sparse forests. Meadow vegetation is widespread in the north-west and north of the country. The low-lying, periodically flooded coastal strip is occupied by coastal meadows. Specific flora that tolerate soil salinity are common here.
The territory of Estonia is very swampy. Swamps (mostly lowland) are common in the valleys of the Pärnu, Emajõgi, Põltsamaa, Pedya rivers, along the shores of lakes Peipus and Pskov. Raised bogs are confined to the main watershed of Estonia. North of Lake Peipsi Swampy forests are widespread.
The flora of Estonia includes 1,560 species of flowering plants, gymnosperms and ferns. Of these, approximately three quarters of the species are concentrated in the western coastal regions and islands. The flora of mosses (507 species), lichens (786 species), mushrooms (about 2500 species), and algae (more than 1700 species) is distinguished by a great diversity of species.
Animal world
The species diversity of wild fauna is low - approx. 60 species of mammals. The most numerous species are moose (about 7,000 individuals), roe deer (43,000), hares, and wild boars (11,000). In the 1950s–1960s, the deer, red deer, and raccoon dog were introduced. The largest forest areas in many parts of Estonia are home to brown bear (approx. 800 individuals) and lynx (approx. 1000 individuals). The forests are also home to foxes, pine martens, badgers, and squirrels. Wood ferret, ermine, weasel are common, and European mink and otter are common along the banks of reservoirs. The hedgehog, shrew, and mole are very common.
Coastal waters abound with game animals such as the ringed seal (in the Gulf of Riga and the West Estonian archipelago) and the long-snouted seal (in the Gulf of Finland).
The most diverse avifauna. It numbers 331 species, of which 207 species breed permanently in Estonia (about 60 live all year round). The most numerous are capercaillie and hazel grouse (in coniferous forests), woodcock (in swamps), black grouse (in forest clearings), coot, bittern, rail, warblers, mallards and other ducks (on lakes and the sea coast), as well as tawny owl, woodpeckers, larks, kestrel.
Rare bird species such as the white-tailed eagle, golden eagle, short-eared snake eagle, greater and lesser spotted eagle, osprey, white and black stork, and gray crane are protected. The common eider, tufted duck, shoveler, merganser, scoter, gray goose, and gulls nest on the islands of the western archipelago. Birds are especially numerous during spring and autumn mass flights to summer nesting sites or wintering in tropical countries.
There are 3 species of lizards and 2 species of snakes, including the common viper.
More than 70 species of fish live in fresh reservoirs and coastal waters (carp, salmon, smelt, vendace, whitefish, bream, roach, perch, pike perch, burbot, trout, crucian carp, tench, carp, herring, sprat, cod, flounder, whitefish, eel, etc.). Many of them are of commercial importance.
In general, it is typical for Estonia careful attitude to nature. In order to study it, preserve the gene pool and protect landscapes, several national parks and state reserves and wildlife sanctuaries have been created. In total, approximately 10% of Estonia's territory is protected. In 1995, parliament adopted a law on the sustainable development of the country, and in 1996 the government approved a strategy for the protection environment.
Attractions
Tourists come to Estonia primarily to get acquainted with the ancient and unique culture of this country, attend the wonderful song performances for which this land is so famous, and also relax at the seaside resorts of the Baltic coast.
Banks and currency
The monetary unit is the euro (coins 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 euro cents, 1 and 2 euros; banknotes 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 euros).
Banks are open on weekdays from 9:00 to 18:00 and on Saturday mornings.
Currency exchange offices are open on weekdays from 9:00 to 18:00, on Saturdays - from 9:00 to 15:00. Some exchange offices are also open on Sunday.
Useful information for tourists
Of interest to tourists are primarily the numerous shops selling folk art, handicrafts, jewelry, leather goods, souvenirs, and antiques. These stores are located mainly in the old parts of cities and are usually open from 9.00 to 18.00. In large cities, department stores and supermarkets are open until 20.00. Many shops are also open on Sundays. IN Lately chains of stores with 24-hour opening hours appeared.
In restaurants, hotels and taxis, tips are included in the cost of services. But you have the right to reward the service staff additionally for good service.