Estonian facts for kids

The word Estonian is used to describe things connected to Estonia. Estonia is a country in Northern Europe. It can refer to the country itself, its people, or its unique language.

What is Estonia?

Estonia is a country located in Northern Europe. It sits on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. Its neighbors include Finland (across the sea), Latvia to the south, and Russia to the east. Estonia is known for its beautiful nature, many islands, and its advanced digital society.

Estonia's Capital City

The capital and largest city of Estonia is Tallinn. Tallinn is a historic city with a well-preserved medieval Old Town. This part of the city is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It mixes old charm with modern technology and businesses.

A Glimpse into Estonia's History

Estonia has a long and interesting history. For many centuries, different powers ruled the land. However, Estonians always kept their unique culture and language alive. Estonia gained its independence in 1918. After a period of being part of the Soviet Union, it regained its freedom in 1991. Today, Estonia is a proud member of the European Union and NATO. This means it works closely with other European countries and allies.

Nature and Geography

Estonia is a very green country. Forests cover about half of its land. It also has over 2,200 islands and islets. The largest islands are Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. The country's landscape includes many lakes, bogs, and wetlands. This makes it a great place for nature lovers and outdoor activities.

Estonian Culture and Traditions

Estonian culture is rich and deeply connected to its history and nature. One of the most famous traditions is the Estonian Song Festival. This huge event brings together tens of thousands of singers and dancers. It happens every five years and is a powerful display of national pride. Saunas are also a very important part of Estonian life. They are used for relaxation and health. Estonians also value their folk traditions, music, and handicrafts.

Who are the Estonians?

The term Estonians refers to the people who live in Estonia. Most Estonians are native to the country. They have a strong connection to their land and heritage. Estonians are often seen as quiet and reserved. However, they are also known for being innovative and technologically advanced. They have built a very digital society. Many government services are available online, making life easier for citizens.

The Estonian Language

The Estonian language is the official language of Estonia. It is spoken by most people in the country. Estonian is a very unique language. It belongs to the Finno-Ugric languages family. This means it is related to Finnish and Hungarian. However, it is very different from most other European languages. These languages, like English, German, or French, belong to the Indo-European family. Estonian has many interesting features. For example, it has 14 different noun cases. This makes it a challenging but rewarding language to learn.