Estonia is a small North European state located on the coast of the Baltic Sea. Once it belonged to the Germans, then it was part of the Russian Empire. In 1990, the country became independent. What language is spoken in Estonia?
Middle Ages
In the 13th century, Estonia became part of the lands of the Livonian Order. In the culture and economy of the small Baltic state, the Germans for several centuries occupied key positions.
In the XVI century the country was affected by the Reformation. The main religion was Protestantism. What language did Estonia speak in those days? Many Germans and representatives of other nationalities lived here. But the majority of the population spoke, of course, Estonian. The first documents in this language date back to 1520.
Estonia as part of Russia
The question of what language is spoken in Estonia cannot be unambiguously answered. Being a small state with a very good location, it has attracted foreigners throughout its history. Therefore, the population here has always been very motley. The Estonian language, belonging to the Finno-Ugric group, was formed primarily under the influence of German.
In 1721, the country became part of the Russian Empire. What language was spoken in Estonia in the 18th century? In Estonian and Russian.
During the Second World War, for several months the country was occupied by the Germans. What language was spoken in Estonia in the early forties, it is easy to guess. German speech was often heard here. However, the indigenous people spoke Estonian and Russian.
Since 1990, the Baltic state has nothing to do with Russia. It is an independent country.
Population
60% of the total population are Estonians. A third of the population are Russians. Ukrainians, Belarusians, and Finns also live in the country.
Tallinn
The Estonian capital is a small city by Russian standards. Nevertheless, many architectural monuments from various periods of history are concentrated here.
Tourists traveling to Estonia are interested in what language they speak in Tallinn. It’s easy to find a Russian-speaking guide here. Representatives of the older generation are fluent in Russian. No wonder. Estonia was part of the Soviet Union. Here for decades, the official language was Russian. However, since the country gained independence, more than 20 years have passed. Among young people, Russian is not common.
Excursions
Almost every tourist route starts from the Town Hall Square, located in the center of the Estonian capital. There are several architectural monuments. Tallinn Town Hall is one of the oldest town halls in Europe. Many legends and legends are associated with it. What else do you need to see in Estonia?
There, on the Town Hall Square, there is a pharmacy founded in the 16th century. One of the main attractions is the city wall, which also appeared here in the Middle Ages. In its eastern part there are gates - a structure that in an amazing way has hardly changed its appearance over five centuries. Kadriorg - memory of Russian rulers. The architectural complex was erected by order of Peter I.