Terrain
Marshy, lowlands; flat in the north, hilly in the south
Climate
Maritime; wet, moderate winters, cool summers
People
Nationality: Estonian(s)
Population: 1,266,375 (July 2013 est.)
Languages: Estonian (official) 67.3%, Russian 29.7%, other 2.3%, unknown 0.7% (2000 census)
Substantial Russian Population (1:11)
A Tradition of Song (:44)
Religions
Evangelical Lutheran 13.6%, Orthodox 12.8%, other Christian (including Methodist, Seventh-Day Adventist, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal) 1.4%, unaffiliated 34.1%, other and unspecified 32%, none 6.1% (2000 census)
Economy
Estonia, a member of the European Union and the eurozone since 2004, has a modern market-based economy and one of the higher per capita income levels in Central Europe and the Baltic region. Estonia's successive governments have pursued a free market, pro-business economic agenda and have wavered little in their commitment to pro-market reforms. The current government has followed sound fiscal policies that have resulted in balanced budgets and low public debt.
Living Conditions
In 1994 the annual income of an average Estonian urban family was approximately $1,168. For rural families it was $918. Approximately 60 percent of the Estonian population has hot and cold running water and a telephone. Almost all have refrigerators and television sets and over 80 percent have washing machines. Estonians prefer private one-family houses in the suburbs, but there are also areas of multistoried dwellings.
Government
Parliamentary republic
Democracy, NATO & EU Member (1:15)
US Military Presence/Support
U.S. Relationship with Estonia (:48)
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) (1:07)