Modern Estonia is a republic in Northern Europe. This is one of the smallest countries in the European Union, however it is here that the highest gross product per capita among all the former republics of the USSR.
The capital of the republic is Tallinn. The country gained its independence several times, the last in 1990 from the Soviet Union. The official language of the country is Estonian, the currency is Euro.
Head of state, government and administrative structure
The President of the Republic of Estonia is Kersti Kaljulaid. She took her post in 2016. Has higher education, received a master's degree in business administration. She was married twice, has three sons and a daughter.
The Government of the Republic of Estonia is engaged in the country's foreign and domestic policy, coordinates the work of state institutions, submits bills to the Riigikogu for consideration, and performs other functions stipulated by the Constitution of the country.
Local authorities are allowed to solve almost all issues related to ensuring local life. Representatives are elected to local executive bodies for 4 years. Local governments have their own budget and can tax the local population, of course, within the framework of republican legislation.
The total territory of the state is 45.2 thousand square kilometers. The country is divided into 15 cities, 64 volosts and 17 counties.
Ancient times and the Middle Ages, German rule
Naturally, in ancient times, the creation of the Republic of Estonia was not yet discussed. It is believed that the first settlement of people in these places was back in the years 9500-9600 BC.
In the Middle Ages, the country adopts Christianity, this happens before the Livonian Crusade (XII century). During the war, the country was divided into two camps, which caused the uprising of the local population.
Until the sixteenth century, a feudal system existed in the country, which was replaced by serfdom. All the power lies with the German Masters, who mocked the local population. In 1550, the largest taxes were recorded - 25%. Only in 1816, serfdom was gradually abolished in the country.
Under Sweden and Russia
Until the beginning of the last century, only the northern part of the country was called Estonia (or the modern republic of Estonia). The rest was called Livonia. And it all started back in the XVII century, when there was an active struggle for the territory of the Baltic region. The parties to the dispute were the Commonwealth and Sweden. After the signing of the Bremsebrus Peace Sweden takes possession of the entire territory of the modern country. It was Sweden that played a key role in shaping the learning process. The University of Dorpat (Tartu) has appeared in the country, teacher seminaries are being opened, the process of publishing books in the native Estonian language is being activated.
In the 18th century, the Russian Empire became interested in the Baltic region. The Northern War begins (1700-1721), after which Sweden surrenders. As a result, in 1721, Estonia, Sweden Livonia and Estonia left Russia.
In 1783, Russia forms the Revel (Estland) province, which in territory is equal to the northern part of the modern Republic of Estonia. And the southern part of Estonia and the northern part of Latvia are transformed into the Livonia province.
National awakening
At the end of the XIX century, the influence of the tsarist government in the region intensified, because in fact a war was coming with Germany. Regular audits are conducted in the provinces of the Baltic states, an active policy of Russification.
Since 1905, mass strikes have taken place throughout the province of Estonia, and the people are demanding liberal reforms. This situation continues until 1917.
The period from 1918 to 1940
As soon as the Russian Empire collapses, the formation of the Republic of Estonia begins, and as a result, on February 24, 1918, independence is proclaimed. The Soviet government only recognized the existence of the republic in 1920, against the backdrop of this, a constitution was adopted, and the country became a parliamentary republic.
The new constitution was adopted in 1934, but after a few months of the regime, a coup d'etat takes place. Only in 1937 the third constitution of the Republic of Estonia was adopted, and entered into force on 01.01.1938. A new parliament and president are elected.
The Second World War
At the beginning of the war, almost all economic ties with the European countries were violated in the Baltic countries due to the pro-German mood of the country's population. Estonia has no choice but to sign a secret agreement on the separation of spheres of influence. Naturally, the USSR authorities began to exert extreme pressure on the country, and in 1939 the occupation of the republic by Soviet troops began. And in 1940 the Estonian Socialist Republic appeared.
Independence
In 1991, the country regains its independence, and the last Russian troops leave the territory only in 1994.
Now it is an independent country that joined NATO in 2004. In the same year she becomes a member of the EU.
Neighborhood with other countries
The state is located on the coast of the Baltic Sea. Has common borders with Latvia, Finland (sea border) and Russia. By the way, to Helsinki by sea from Tallinn is only 80 kilometers. To cross the border with Latvia, a passport is not needed. Until 2015, it was possible to get from Russia to Tallinn by direct train, now it is somewhat more difficult to do.
sights
The Republic of Estonia, although small, has a rich and interesting history and boasts interesting historical and natural sights. Even if you do not take into account the capital of the state, there are many castles, churches and fortresses in Estonia that appeared in different historical periods.
In Tallinn itself, one of the most famous castles of the country and the whole Baltic is located - Vyshgorodsky. It is an interesting fact that they began to build it in the XIII century, and finished work only after 400 years. Arriving in the country, you should definitely visit the Toomkirk Dome Cathedral and the Pikk Hermann Tower, the Town Hall building with the outbuilding of Old Thomas on Raekoy Square. These buildings are impressive not only in size, but also in the variety of architectural styles presented, since they were built in different periods.
The city of Narva of the Republic of Estonia is also a tourist attraction. Here is the Narva Castle, which is already about 500 years old.
There are several interesting islands in the country, for example, in Saaremaa you can admire the richest pine forests and chic juniper thickets. And in the district there are stone churches and windmills. And if you go to the island of Hiiumaa, then you can see the old lighthouse, which is more than 600 years old. By the way, this lighthouse is the third highest in the whole world.
The real cultural center of the country is the city of Tartu. There are a huge number of museums, beautiful architecture and wonderful theaters.
Some interesting facts
In the entire post-Soviet space, it is Estonia that is rapidly developing and introducing advanced IT technologies into the life of ordinary people. Already in 2005, the first online voting was held in the country. Now even taxes can be paid over the Internet. And 4G works even in the most remote points of the country.
Estonia is a country with rich forest resources. Even having left now 2 kilometers from the city, one can meet foxes, lynxes and hares.
A unique fact: despite the relatively compact territory, it is on the territory of this state that there are the largest number of craters per unit area.
Despite the fact that only 1.3 million people live in the country, 2 million tourists come to Estonia in a year.
The country has 7 ice tracks recognized by official documents, which can be used only in winter. The longest of them - 25 kilometers, adjacent to the island of Hiiumaa.