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Estonia is one of the three Baltic stats, the northmost one. Estonia is situated in the North-East Europe.It is on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland. Estonia is probably better known as a formen soviet republic and still it's pretty dependent from Russia being the link between it and Europe. Estonia covers 45215 km2. Estonia is the smallest of the Baltic states. Lativia and Lithuania are the other Baltic states. The nearest oversea neighbours are Finland in the north and Sweden in the west. In south Estonia borders th Latvia and in east - Russia.
The capital of Estonia is Tallinn, which is situated on the southern shore of the Baltic Sea. Other important towns include Tartu, Pärnu, Narva and Kohtla-Järve.
Estonia has a population of about half and a million people of which 60% are Estonians. There are also a large number of Russians in Estonia. 1/3 of the population lives in Tallinn.
The official language here is Estonian. Most inhabitants speak Russian and bad Finnish, some can speak English and German.
Estonia has had a tumultuous history. In 1918 Estonia became a republic, but was occupied again in 1940 by Russians. In 1991 the Supreme Council passed a resolution on the national independence and Estonia became a republic again. In 1991 Estonia also became a member of the UN.
Tha capital of Estonia has a fairly-tall appearance with its narrow cobbled streets, gabld roofs and characteristic towers. The town was first mentioned in 1154. The town has been conquered by the Danes, the Swedes, the Livonian Knights and the Russians.
Estonia has a very beautiful countryside. The northern part of Estonia is flat and there are hills in the south part. Estonians are proud of their highest one, which is called Suur Munamägi and is 318 meters high.
There are many lakes in Estonia. The largest one is Lake Peipsi in the east border. Võrtsjärv is the largest inland lake. The longest rivers are Emajõgi, Narva, Pärnu, Kasari and Pedja.
Estonia has over 800 islands. Most of them are tiny. The three largest ones are Saaremaa, Hiiumaa and Muhu. Approximatly 40% of the Republic's territory is covered by forests.
Estonia has a mild climate. The weather is unsteady both in summer and in winter.