News and features about Estonia and Estonians
The shortage of health-care professionals in Estonia has escalated from a looming crisis to a full-blown emergency, warns a report by the Estonian Foresight Centre, an independent think tank. With an ageing workforce, a dearth of new specialists and an increasing reliance on exhausted personnel working multiple jobs, the system is under immense strain. Nowhere […]
Estonia’s health-care crisis: a system at a breaking point Read More »
The United Kingdom is introducing an electronic travel authorisation for visa-free travellers, requiring Estonian, other EU citizens, and nationals of visa-exempt countries to obtain approval before entering the UK. Starting from 2 April, travellers to the United Kingdom must have an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The application platform opened for Estonian citizens on 5 March.
Estonians must pay to enter the UK – new travel rule explained Read More »
Estonian World and its co-authors unveil 100 captivating insights that blend time-honored traditions with unexpected surprises, offering a fresh lens on the nation’s unique legacy. 1. Estonia has one of the lowest population densities in the world (28 per sq km; 72.5 per sq mi) – placing it 188th in the world. 2. Estonia is
A hundred interesting facts about Estonia Read More »
As Estonians across the globe unite on 24 February to celebrate Independence Day, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on a nation’s remarkable journey – from its initial birth in freedom, through periods of loss, to its inspiring restoration. A quest for independence Starting with the Northern Crusades, Estonia became a battleground of foreign powers from the
Estonia celebrates its independence day Read More »
Nearly 15 years ago, Australian Louis Zezeran discovered Estonia as a backpacker and, to his surprise, stumbled upon a unique opportunity to develop stand-up comedy – a genre that was virtually unknown here at the time. While the godfather of Comedy Estonia hasn’t quite warmed up to snow and harsh Nordic winters, he relates to
From down under to up north: Louis Zezeran’s Estonian adventure Read More »
The preliminary data of Statistics Estonia show that on 1 January 2025, the population of Estonia was 1,369,285, which is 5,402 people less than at the same time a year ago. In 2024, there were 9,646 births and 15,596 deaths. Based on the data on registered migration, 13,826 people arrived in the country and 13,278
Estonia’s population decreases in 2024 Read More »
On the International Holocaust Remembrance Day, marking the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland, the victims of Nazi atrocities are also remembered in Estonia. We look back at the history of the once vibrant Jewish community in Estonia.* Prior to the Second World War, Estonia had a small but flourishing Jewish community. There
Remembering the once vibrant Jewish community of Estonia Read More »
After 27 years in Estonia, Elena Kirt has found a home while continuing to take pride in her Udmurt roots; balancing her career, family and cultural advocacy, she passionately celebrates and shares her heritage alongside her life in Estonia. Elena Kirt, a 44-year-old Udmurt, has called Estonia home for a significant portion of her life
Elena Kirt: Estonia helped me embrace my Udmurt roots Read More »
Finnish rock legend Harri Rinne has traded Tampere for Estonia’s Hiiumaa, where he enjoys a tranquil life filled with songwriting, humour, and nature. While joking about becoming Estonia’s president, he treasures the freedom and charm of his island paradise. Finnish rock legend, the singer-songwriter Harri Rinne (76) has, for some time, traded the cityscape of
Harri Rinne: I’d like to be president of Estonia, but then again, perhaps not Read More »
According to the Estonian interior ministry, 9,646 babies were born in Estonia in 2024 and 15,596 people died in the same period of time, making the natural growth of the country’s population severely negative. This means 5,950 more people died in Estonia than were born. The trend is nothing new, though. In 2023, for example,
Estonia’s natural population growth remains sharply negative Read More »
