Fact 1: Flying High In Estonia's Green Spaces
As a nature lover, it would be an absolute delight to know that nearly 50% of Estonia's land area is covered by forest, making it one of Europe's greenest countries. With more than 1,500 islands, the country provides an opportunity to wander and explore to one's heart’s content.
Fact 2: The Highest Literacy Rate In The World
Estonia has one of the world's highest literacy rates. Almost 100% of the population can read and write. The country's school system is highly valued, and education is held in high regard in the Estonian community.
Fact 3: Singers in Numbers
Estonia has a choral singing tradition that dates back centuries. The Estonian Song Festival is a unique choral event that involves over 30,000 singers on stage in an open-air setting, attracting around 100,000 spectators.
Fact 4: Estonia - The Birthplace of Skype
Skype, the popular video call platform, was developed by a group of tech wizards from Estonia. After its creation, Skype was later bought by Microsoft for $8.5 billion, marking the remarkable contribution of Estonians to the world of technology.
Fact 5: A Digital Wonderland
Estonia became the first country in the world to offer e-residency. The government services are highly digitized allowing citizens to pay taxes, vote, sign documents, and start businesses online without any confusion.
Fact 6: The Land of 1,500 islands
Estonia is a country that includes more than 1,500 islands, each possessing its unique charm and history. Many of these islands serve as popular holiday spots, with Saaremaa and Hiiumaa as standouts.
Fact 7: The "Wall of Tallinn"
Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, has one of the world’s best-preserved medieval fortifications. The "Wall of Tallinn" was built in the 13th to 16th centuries and continues to stand firm today.
Fact 8: Sweat it Out in an Estonian Sauna
A sauna in Estonia is not just a place to get clean but is a tradition and holds a deep cultural significance. It is seen as a therapeutic ritual that cleanses the body and soul.
Fact 9: The Intriguing Laagna Road
Estonia's Laagna Road is famous for its role in the 'Tenet' movie by Christopher Nolan. This road was shut for the entire month of July in 2019 to allow the shooting of eight action scenes for the movie.
Fact 10: Love for Beer
The Estonians love sipping beer, the national specialty. The country is known for brewing a variety of beers ranging from light lagers to dark stouts.
Fact 11: Land without Mountains
The highest point in Estonia is the Suur Munamägi standing at just 318 meters above sea level. Despite this, Estonia’s beautiful landscapes and natural beauty never cease to amaze visitors.
Fact 12: A Language Like No Other
The Estonian language is unique and only shares close similarities with Finnish. It is considered one of the world's hardest languages to learn.
Fact 13: Remarkable Wildlife
Estonia is home to an abundance of wildlife, including a range of wild animals like the European brown bear, lynx, and wolves. The country's national bird, the barn swallow, symbolizes the arrival of spring.
Fact 14: The Pioneers of Swing
Estonia was the first country in the world to invent the sport of kiiking, which involves an individual swinging 360 degrees around a giant swing.
Fact 15: Female Dominance
Estonia has more women than men, with a female to male ratio of 100 to 84. It also has one of the highest proportions of supermodels per capita in the world.
Fact 16: Magical Meteorite Craters
Estonia, specifically Saaremaa, is known for worldwide famous Kaali Meteorite Craters which were formed around 4000-7000 years ago and has inspired several legends.
Fact 17: The Innovative Tallinn TV Tower
At a dizzying height of 314 meters, the Tallinn TV Tower is the tallest building in Estonia. The tower also played a crucial role during the Russian coup attempt in 1991 to protect the country’s independence.
Fact 18: Estonia's Impressive Tie with Chess
Estonia is also known for Chess Grandmaster Paul Keres, who was among the world's top players from the mid-1930s to the mid-1960s. His image was also depicted in the five-kroon banknote before the country adopted Euro.
Fact 19: Embracing Winter with a Smile
One would wonder how Estonians handle chilly winters. The answer lies in their enthusiastic adoption of winter sports, such as ice swimming, ice fishing, and even winter triathlons.
Fact 20: A Love for Marzipan
Estonia has a love affair with marzipan, and it has a historical significance. It is believed that marzipan was originally conceived as a medicine rather than a sweet treat in a Tallinn pharmacy which is also one of the oldest operational pharmacies in Europe.