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 »
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 »
In the autumn of 1944, fearful of the advancing Red Army, approximately 80,000 Estonians left their country behind and escaped to Germany and Sweden, later moving also to the UK, the US, Canada and Australia; it’s time to look back and remember the plight of our Estonian parents and grandparents who fled their homeland to
Remembering Estonia’s WWII refugees Read More »
At 19:00 on 23 August 1989, approximately two million people from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania joined hands, forming a human chain from Tallinn through Riga to Vilnius, spanning 600 kilometres, or 430 miles. It was a peaceful protest against illegal Soviet occupation, and also one of the earliest and longest unbroken human chains in history.* Prelude to the
Estonia commemorates the Baltic Chain – the longest unbroken human chain in history Read More »
On 20 August 1991, Estonia declared formal independence during the Soviet military coup attempt in Moscow, reconstituting the pre-1940 state. In the evening of 20 August 1991, Estonian politicians declared the nation’s independence – even as Soviet tanks were rolling through the countryside to quell the independence movement and the Soviet paratroopers were taking charge of the Tallinn TV Tower, preparing to
Estonia celebrates the restoration of independence Read More »
Along with Christmas, jaaniõhtu (Midsummer Eve – 23 June) and jaanipäev (Midsummer Day, St John’s Day – 24 June) are the most important holidays in the Estonian calendar – people all over the country will gather with their families, or at larger events to celebrate with singing, dancing and lighting the bonfires, as Estonians have done for
Estonian beliefs and rituals continued by jaanipäev Read More »
On 14 June 1941, the Soviet Union forcibly deported over 10,000 people from Estonia to Siberia – over 7,000 were women, children, and elderly people; the date is now observed as a day of mourning.* In the summer of 1940, the Soviet Union occupied Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania as a result of the infamous Molotov-Ribbentrop
Estonia remembers the Soviet deportations Read More »
On 4 June 1884, the Estonian Student Union adopted blue, black and white as the colours of their fraternity; the date is now celebrated as Flag Day in Estonia*. The Estonian flag has its origins in the national movement – on 4 June 1884, the Estonian Students’ Association adopted blue, black and white as the
Estonia celebrates Flag Day – a short history Read More »
On 29 March 2024, the former president and foreign minister, Lennart Meri, would’ve celebrated his 95th birthday; a Statesman with a capital S, he’s one of the founding fathers of the Estonian post-occupation success story, and one of the politicians in Estonia that everybody truly respected.* My best friend celebrates his birthday on 29 March,
Lennart Meri, the president many loved, and everybody respected Read More »
