Country Profile: Estonia

Estonia is a small yet strategically located country in Northern Europe, bordered by the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Finland, with a diverse geography that includes marshy lowlands and a vast number of islands. The nation emerged as an independent state in 1918 and, after a tumultuous history under foreign rule, regained full sovereignty in 1991. With a population of approximately 1.19 million, Estonia boasts a high-income, service-oriented economy, deeply integrated into the European Union and NATO. The Estonian government operates as a parliamentary republic, promoting a stable political environment and a commitment to democratic governance.

Geography

Estonia is situated in Northern Europe, bordered by the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Finland, lying between Latvia and Russia. It covers a total area of 45,228 sq km, with a notable coastline of 3,794 km and over 1,500 islands. The country's terrain is mainly flat, with low marshy areas in the north and hilly regions in the south.

• Elevation: Highest point at 318 m (Suur Munamagi).
• Climate: Maritime with wet, moderate winters and cool summers.
• Natural Resources: Includes oil shale, rare earth elements, and arable land.

People and Society

Estonia has a diverse population estimated at 1,193,791 in 2024, with a significant proportion of ethnic Russians at 23.7%. The country enjoys a high literacy rate, with 69.8% of its population living in urban areas, particularly in Tallinn, the capital, which has a population of 454,000.

• Languages: Estonian (67.2%); Russian (28.5%).
• Life Expectancy: Average of 78.4 years (2024).
• Median Age: 45 years (2024).
• Gross Reproduction Rate: 0.79 (2024).

Economy

Estonia's economy is characterized as high-income and service-based, with a projected real GDP of $57 billion (2024). Although the economy has faced challenges recently, including rising inflation and a decreasing labor force participation rate, recovery efforts focus on boosting private investment.

• GDP per Capita: Approximately $41,500 (2024).
• Unemployment Rate: Estimated at 7.9% (2024).
• Inflation Rate: Projected at 3.5% (2024).
• Exports: Totaling around $32.637 billion (2024).

Government

Estonia operates as a parliamentary republic with a legislative structure consisting of a unicameral parliament known as the Riigikogu, which has 101 seats. The country's president is indirectly elected for a five-year term, while the prime minister is appointed by the president and approved by parliament.

• Capital: Tallinn.
• Suffrage: Citizens can vote at 18 years.
• Constitution: The latest version was adopted on 28 June 1992.

Military and Security

The Estonian Defense Forces consist of land, air, and naval units, with military expenditures projected at 3.4% of GDP for 2024. The nation emphasizes a proactive defense policy in cooperation with NATO, particularly focusing on enhancing its capabilities in response to regional security challenges.

• Active Military Personnel: Approximately 7,500 (2025).
• Conscription: Mandatory for men aged 18-27.
• NATO Membership: Since 2004.

Energy

Estonia's energy sector relies heavily on fossil fuels and renewable resources, with 100% electrification of the population. The country is working towards increasing its energy independence and sustainability.

• Electricity Consumption: 8.636 billion kWh (2023).
• Installed Capacity: 3.225 million kW (2023).
• Fossil Fuels Contribution: 52.2% of total installed capacity (2023).

Environment

Estonia faces environmental challenges including air pollution and coastal seawater pollution, but also adheres to numerous international environmental agreements aimed at combating these issues.

• Urban Population: 69.8% (2023).
• Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 4.607 million metric tonnes (2023).
• Recycling Rate: 39.1% of municipal solid waste (2022).

Transportation

The country's transportation infrastructure includes an array of airports, railways, and ports that facilitate domestic and international travel.

• Airports: Total of 34 (2025).
• Railways: Extending 1,441 km across the country.
• Merchant Marine: 72 vessels (2023).

Communications

Estonia has a high rate of connectivity and digital access, with 93% of the population using the internet as of 2023. The telecommunications sector is well-developed, supporting both fixed and mobile communications.

• Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: Approximately 2.05 million (2023).
• Broadband Fixed Subscriptions: Totaling 516,000 (2023).
• Telephones - Fixed Lines: 238,000 subscriptions (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	1,193,791	2024 estimate
Area (total)	45,228 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$57 billion	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	7.9%	2024 estimate
Inflation Rate	3.5%	2024 estimate
Life Expectancy	78.4 years	2024 estimate
Birth Rate	8.2 births/1,000 population	2024 estimate
Total Energy Consumption	73.679 million Btu/person	2023 estimate
Military Expenditures	3.4% of GDP	2024 estimate
Electricity Access	100%	2022 estimate