Estonians facts for kids
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
 Estonia: 930,219
|
|
 Finland |
36,000 |
 Russia |
30,000 |
 Sweden |
26,000 |
 United States |
25,000 |
 Canada |
22,000 |
 Australia |
6,300 |
 Germany |
5,000 |
 Ukraine |
4,300 |
 United Kingdom |
4,000 |
 Latvia |
2,381 |
 Ireland |
2,373 |
| Languages | |
| Estonian Võro |
|
| Religion | |
| Lutheran Tradition Historically Finnish paganism |
|
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Baltic Finns | |
The Estonians (eestlased) are a group of people who mostly live in the country of Estonia. They are part of a larger family of people called Finnic peoples. This means they are closely related to the Finns, who live in Finland.
Estonians speak the Estonian language. This language is part of the Finno-Ugric language family. Even though Estonia is often grouped with Latvia and Lithuania as "Baltic countries," Estonians are different. Their language and background are not related to the Baltic peoples of Latvia and Lithuania.
Contents
Who Are Estonians?
Estonians are known for their strong connection to their land and culture. They have a rich history filled with unique traditions. Many Estonians live in Estonia, but there are also communities in other countries. These include Finland, Russia, Sweden, and the United States.
Language and Heritage
The Estonian language is quite special. It is one of the few languages in Europe that is not part of the Indo-European family. Instead, it belongs to the Finno-Ugric group. This group also includes Finnish and Hungarian. Estonian has many unique sounds and grammar rules. It is a very important part of Estonian identity.
Besides Estonian, some people in southern Estonia speak Võro. This is a regional language that is closely related to Estonian. It helps keep local traditions alive.
Culture and Traditions
Estonian culture is a mix of old traditions and modern ideas. Folk songs, dances, and national costumes are very important. Many festivals celebrate these traditions. The Estonian Song Festival is a huge event. Thousands of singers gather to perform together. It is a powerful display of national pride.
National Costumes
Traditional Estonian clothing is colorful and detailed. Each region has its own unique style. These costumes are worn during special events and festivals. They show the rich history and local identity of different parts of Estonia.
Estonian Food
Traditional Estonian food is hearty and often uses local ingredients. Things like rye bread, potatoes, and pork are common. Smoked fish and dairy products are also popular. During holidays, special dishes are prepared. For example, blood sausage is a traditional Christmas food.
Estonia's Story
Estonia has a long and interesting history. For centuries, different powers ruled the land. These included the Danes, Swedes, Germans, and Russians. Despite this, the Estonian people kept their language and culture strong.
Becoming Independent
Estonia gained its independence in 1918. This was after World War I. However, it later faced challenges during World War II. After the war, it became part of the Soviet Union. Estonians worked hard to keep their culture alive during this time.
In 1991, Estonia became independent again. This was a very important moment for the country. Since then, Estonia has grown into a modern nation. It is known for its technology and digital services.
Estonians Today
Today, Estonians are proud of their heritage. They value education and innovation. Many Estonians are skilled in technology. The country is often called "e-Estonia" because of its advanced digital society.
Estonians also care deeply about nature. Their country has many forests, lakes, and islands. Outdoor activities like hiking and cycling are popular. Protecting the environment is an important value.
Images for kids
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Estonian national costumes: 1. Kadrina 2. Mihkli 3. Seto 4. Paistu
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Estonian national costumes: 5. Muhu 6. Karja 7. Tõstamaa 8. Pärnu-Jaagupi
See also
- Pueblo estonio para niños (In Spanish)
