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Estonia
Overview
Country Overview
Estonia, a country of great scenic beauty with many forests, lakes and islands, is bordered by the Baltic Sea, the Russian Federation and Latvia.
Tallinn, the ancient Hanseatic city and capital, has many historical and architectural monuments, particularly in the old town centre which is dominated by the steeple of the medieval Town Hall (14th-15th centuries), the oldest in northern Europe.
Two hours drive from Tallinn is Pärnu, a small 13th-century town on the banks of the Pärnu River. Known as a seaport and health resort, its attractions include a theatre and a 3km-long (2-mile) sandy beach.
Haapsalu, a small town on the western coast, has been a well-known resort since the 19th century, featuring romantic wooden houses and tree-lined avenues.
Lahemaa National Park, is extremely popular. It contains mostly virgin forest with beautiful lakes, rivers, fishing villages and historic manor houses.
Local specialities include sült (jellied veal) and rosolje (vinaigrette with herring and beets).
Tallinn has a wide range of restaurants, cafes and bars. Opera, ballet and classical music performances are given regularly.
General Information
Area: 45,227 sq km (17,462 sq miles).
Population: 1,439,197 (2000).
Population Density: 31.8 per sq km.
Capital: Tallinn. Population: 408,329 (2000).
GEOGRAPHY: Estonia is the most northerly of the three Baltic Republics and is bordered to the north and west by the Baltic Sea, to the east by the Russian Federation and to the south by Latvia. The country is one of great scenic beauty with many forests, more than 1400 lakes and 1500 islands. Smaller than Lithuania and Latvia, it has nevertheless the longest coastline of all the Baltic States.
Government: Republic since 1918. Regained independence in 1991. Head of State: President Arnold Rüütel since 2001. Head of Government: Prime Minister Siim Kallas since 2002.
Language: Estonian is the official language. Most people also speak Russian, which is the mother tongue of around 28 per cent of the population. However, since independence the indiscriminate use of Russian could on occasion cause offence. Apart from Russian, English, Finnish and German are the most common foreign languages.
Religion: Predominantly Protestant (Lutheran).
Time: GMT + 2.
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are in use.
Telephone
IDD service is available. Country code: 372. To make international calls, dial 8, wait for the long tone and then dial 00. An English directory enquiries service is available (tel: 8 1182). Public telephones, which are plentiful, are operated by phonecards, available from kiosks.
Mobile telephone
GSM 900 and 1800 networks cover the whole country. Main operators include AS EMT (website: www.emt.ee), Radiolinja Eesti (website: www.radiolinja.ee) and TELE2 (website: www.qgsm.ee).
Fax
Services are available at telephone offices and some post offices, as well as in hotels.
Internet
Public access is available at Internet cafes and libraries in main towns and cities. There is free Internet access at Tallinn Airport. Local ISPs include Sünerkom (website: www.zzz.ee) and Delfi Online (website: www.delfi.ee).
Post
Post to Western Europe takes up to six days. Post office hours are Mon-Fri 0900-1800, Sat 0930-1500. Poste Restante is available at the central post office in Tallinn.
Press
Newspapers are published in Estonian, the most popular being SL Ōhtuleht, Postimees and Eesti Ekspress. The English-language newspaper The Baltic Times is published in Latvia and available weekly. There is a growing number of lively city guides published in English.
BBC World Service and Voice of America frequencies: From time to time these change.
BBC (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice):
Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov):
Passport/Visa
| | Passport Required? | Visa Required? | Return Ticket Required? | | British | Yes | 1 | No | | Australian | Yes | 3 | No | | Canadian | Yes | 4 | No | | USA | Yes | 3 | No | | OtherEU | Yes | 2 | No | | Japanese | Yes | 3 | No |
PASSPORT: Passport valid for the period of stay required by all.
VISA: Required by all except the following:
(a) 1. nationals of the UK for a maximum stay of six months;
(b) 2. nationals of all other EU countries for a stay of up to 90 days;
(c) 3. nationals of Andorra, Australia, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Hong Kong (SAR), Iceland, Israel, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Macau (SAR), Malta, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, San Marino, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Switzerland, USA and Vatican City for a stay of up to 90 days;
(d) nationals of Bulgaria, Costa Rica, Hungary, Korea (Rep) and Poland for a maximum stay of 30 days;
(e) nationals of Singapore for a stay of up to 14 days;
(f) 4. nationals of the following countries only when holding a visa for Latvia or Lithuania: Canada and South Africa.
Note: All travellers may be requested to show proof of sufficient funds.
Types of visa and cost: Tourist: £8 (Single-entry). Business: £8 (Single-entry); £41 (Multiple-entry). Transit: £8. Double-transit: £13. An invitation from an Estonian company or individual is required for issue of visas.
Validity: Transit: Up to 48 hours. Single-entry: Up to one month. Multiple-entry: Up to 12 months. In the case of Canadians and South Africans, visas for Estonia are also valid for Latvia and Lithuania and vice versa.
Applications to: Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Contact Addresses section. Applications must be made in person.
Application requirements: (a) One completed application form. (b) Valid passport for at least three months after expiry of visa. (c) One passport-size photo. (d) Fee. (e) Company letter for business travellers or copies of hotel reservations for tourists. (f) For a Visitor visa, a Visa Invitation Form must be completed by the person that will be visited in Estonia.
Working days required: Up to 30.
Money
Currency: 1 Kroon (ekr) = 100 sents. Notes are in denominations of ekr500, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of ekr1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 sents.
Currency exchange: All major currencies can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change. The value of the Kroon has been tied to the Euro.
Credit & debit cards: Credit cards are widely accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
Travellers cheques: Travellers cheques can be changed in most banks. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars, Pounds Sterling or Euros.
Currency restrictions: The import and export of local and foreign currency is limited to ekr80,000 or equivalent.
Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Estonian Kroon against Sterling and the US Dollar:
| Date | May ’02 | Aug ’02 | Nov ’02 | Feb ’03 | | £1.00= | 24.71 | 24.49 | 24.77 | 23.05 | | $1.00= | 16.96 | 16.10 | 15.66 | 14.47 |
Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1630.
Duty Free
The following goods may be imported into Estonia without incurring customs duty, by persons aged 18 or over:
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1l of alcohol over 22 per cent or 2l of alcohol up to 22 per cent and 2l of wine; 10kg of foodstuffs.
Note: Restrictions apply to certain items, including plants and vegetable products, firearms, diamonds and antiques. Contact the authorities for further information (tel: (6) 967 436; e-mail: info@customs.ee; website: www.customs.ee).
Public Holidays
Jan 1 2003 New Year’s Day. Feb 24 Independence Day. Apr 18 Good Friday. May 1 May Day. Jun 23 Victory Day (Anniversary of the Battle of Võnnu). Jun 24 Midsummer’s Day. Aug 20 Restoration of Independence Day. Dec 25-26 Christmas. Jan 1 2004 New Year’s Day. Feb 24 Independence Day. Apr 9 Good Friday. May 1 May Day. Jun 23 Victory Day (Anniversary of the Battle of Võnnu). Jun 24 Midsummer’s Day. Aug 20 Restoration of Independence Day. Dec 25-26 Christmas.
Health
| | Special Precautions | Certificate Required | | Yellow Fever | No | No | | Cholera | No | No | | Typhoid and Polio | No | N/A | | Malaria | No | N/A |
Other risks: Hepatitis A occurs. Cases of diphtheria have been reported. Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis is advisable if visiting forested areas. Precautions should be taken against tuberculosis, as cases of this disease have doubled in the past five years. HIV testing is required for foreigners requesting work permits or residency. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.
Health care: Medical insurance is recommended.
Travel - International
AIR: Estonia’s national airline is Estonian Air (OV) (website: www.estonian-air.ee), which operates six direct flights a week between Gatwick and Tallinn. For more information, contact the Estonian Air office in the UK (tel: (020) 7333 0196; fax: (020) 7333 0068). Air Baltic, Finnair, Aeroflot, Lithuanian Airlines and SAS also operate flights to Tallinn. Flights to Tallinn via Moscow, Helsinki, Riga or Stockholm are available from all major European cities. Connections to the USA are via Helsinki and New York or Los Angeles.
Approximate flight times: From Tallinn to London is approximately 3 hours, to Frankfurt/M is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, to Los Angeles is approximately 22 hours (via Helsinki), and to New York is approximately 13 hours 30 minutes (via Helsinki).
International airports: Tallinn (TLL) (website: www.tallinn-airport.ee) is located 5km (3 miles) from the city. Bus no. 2 runs between the city and the airport (travel time – 15 minutes). A shuttle bus to the main hotels and the city centre meets all flights. Taxis are also available. The airport facilities include banks/bureaux de change (open for flight arrivals and departures), duty-free shops (0600-2000), shops (0700-2200), post office, restaurants, two business lounges, free Internet access points, tourist information and car hire (Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Baltic). The airport was fully renovated and improved at the end of 1999.
Departure tax: None.
SEA: Ferries operated by Silja Line (website: www.silja.com), Tallink (website: www.tallink.ee) and Eckerö Line (website: www.eckeroline.fi) run several times a day between Helsinki (Finland) and Tallinn (travel time – 3 hours 45 minutes). Express catamarans (operated by Nordic Jet, Silja Line and Tallink AutoExpress) and hydrofoils (operated by Lindaline) also ply this route (travel time – 1 hour 45 minutes). Express services run only in the high season. Tallink operates daily from Stockholm (Sweden) to Tallinn (travel time – 11 hours). Silja Line operates ferries from Tallinn to Rostock (Germany) in high season (travel time – 21 hours).
RAIL: Estonian Railways (Eesti Raudtee) (website: www.evr.ee) is underdeveloped although there is a route on the EVR Express between St Petersburg (Russian Federation) and Talinn. There is no longer a train route between Estonia and Latvia. Travel is slower than by bus. Children up to seven years may travel free if accompanied by an adult and not taking a separate seat.
ROAD: There are direct routes along the Baltic coast into Latvia, Lithuania and Kaliningrad, and also east into the Russian Federation. Routes into the Baltic states are via Poland and Belarus or Poland and Lithuania; border points: Terespol (Poland) – Brest (Belarus) and Ogrodniki (Poland) – Lazdijai (Lithuania). Bus: Long-distance services run regularly to Riga, Vilnius, Kaliningrad and St Petersburg. Eurolines (4 Cardiff Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, L41 1PP; tel: (08705) 143 219; fax: (01582) 400 694; website: www.eurolines.com or www.gobycoach.com) operate to other European cities including Berlin, Hamburg, Oslo, Riga, Kyiv, Minsk, Warsaw, Moscow, St Petersburg and Kiel.
Travel - Internal
AIR: There are domestic flights from Tallinn to the islands of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. (This service does not operate during the winter.)
SEA/RIVER: Frequent ferry services connect the mainland with the larger islands, and boats operate on Lake Peipsi and the Emajõgi River.
RAIL: The rail system is underdeveloped but most major cities are connected to the network. Rail services to Tartu take about 3 hours (express trains 2 hours 30 minutes) from Tallinn.
ROAD: Estonia has a high density of roads although there are few major highways. Signs are not illuminated and fairly small, so driving at night is best avoided. Car headlights must be used 24 hours a day. Lead-free and 4-star petrol are now widely available and a good network of petrol stations (many of them open 24 hours) has been developed over the last few years. Payment is in local currency or by credit card. Traffic drives on the right. Bus: There is a wide network covering most of the country including express services. Prices are very low and buses are still the most important means of transport. Taxi: Private taxis must display the name of the company and their number on the roof. Fares should be agreed upon beforehand. Marshrut-taxis are minibuses which operate on fixed routes stopping on request. They can take up to ten people. Car hire: Can be arranged at the airport or in Tallinn. Regulations: Speed limits are 110kph (68mph) on motorways, 90kph (56mph) on other roads and 50kph (37mph) in built-up areas. The consumption of alcohol while driving is strictly forbidden. Documentation: EU nationals should be in possession of an EU or national driving licence.
URBAN: Taxis in Tallinn are inexpensive. All parts of the city can also be reached by bus, trolley-bus and tram. Tickets can be bought in stalls in the main shopping areas.
Accommodation
HOTELS: Since independence there has been a scramble from Western and Estonian firms to turn the old state-run hotels into modern Western-standard enterprises. Many more such joint ventures with firms from all over Western Europe and the United States will ensure that the standard of accommodation in Estonia rapidly reaches Western European levels. Outside Tallinn, which for the time being is the main location of the current expansion, Estonia enjoys an adequate range of acceptable accommodation, left over from the pre-independence days or built by Estonian entrepreneurs, including large hotels and smaller pension-type establishments. For more details, contact the Estonian Hotel and Restaurant Association, Kirku 6, 10130, Tallinn (tel: (6) 411 428; fax: (6) 411 425; e-mail: info@ehrl.ee; website: www.ehrl.ee).
CAMPING: There are over 80 campsites in Estonia. The most popular include: Camping & Motel Peoleo, 12km (7.5 miles) south of Tallinn; Camping Kernu, 40km (25 miles) south of Tallinn; Camping Valgerand in Pärnu; and Camping Malvaste on Hiiumaa Island. Standards are improving, though not yet as high as in Western European countries.
RURAL ACCOMMODATION: The Estonian Rural Tourism Association provides accommodation in the countryside across Estonia, from farm-stays to local bed & breakfasts. For further information, contact the following website (www.maaturism.ee).
YOUTH HOSTELS: The majority of youth hostels have saunas and seminar facilities. For further information, contact the Estonian Youth Hostels Association (tel: (6) 461 455; fax: (6) 461 595; e-mail: eyha@online.ee; website: http://eyha.jg.ee).
Introduction
TALLINN: An ancient Hanseatic city and the capital of Estonia, Tallinn has a wealth of historical and architectural monuments, particularly in the old town centre which is dominated by the soaring steeple of the medieval Town Hall (14th-15th centuries), the oldest in northern Europe. More than two thirds of the original City Wall still stand and a superb view of the narrow streets, the gabled roofs and the towers and spires of old Tallinn is afforded from Toompea Castle, situated on a cliff top. A favourite recreation spot is Kadriorg Park, which contains the palace built for Peter the Great. The Open Air Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the way of rural life in the 18th and 19th centuries.
PÄRNU: About two hours drive from Tallinn is Pärnu, a small town situated on the banks of the Pärnu River where it emerges into the Gulf of Riga. Established in the 13th century, the town is known as a seaport and a health resort. Among its attractions are its theatre and its 3km-long (2-mile) sandy beach which is very popular with Estonians.
TARTU: Estonia’s second-largest city lies about 176km (110 miles) from Tallinn on the Emajõgi River. The city has a very old university and other sights include the Vyshgorod Cathedral (13th-15th centuries), the Town Hall (18th century) and the university’s Botanical Garden.
NARVA: One of the oldest towns in Estonia. Situated on the western banks of the River Narva, it was first mentioned in the chronicle of Novgorod. The Herman Castle is the oldest architectural monument and the city museum, which is situated in the castle, is well worth seeing.
BEYOND THE CITIES: Haapsalu is a small town on the western coast and has been a well-known resort since the 19th century. It is the ideal place to get away from it all with its romantic wooden houses and tree-lined avenues.
Saaremaa is the largest island in Estonia. On here and on Hiiumaa (Estonia’s second largest island) one can see old windmills, stone churches, fishing villages and a restored Episcopal castle dating back to the 13th century.
Mustvee, situated on the shores of the beautiful and vast Lake Peipsi, and Kuremäe, the site of the only functioning convent in Estonia, are also well worth a visit.
NATIONAL PARKS: Lahema National Park (70km/44 miles from Tallinn) is one of Estonia’s three national parks, with almost totally unspoiled and untouched forest and swamps, picturesque old fishing villages and historic manor houses. The other two national parks are the Soomaa National Park and the Vilandsi National Park. There are also several nature reserves and protected areas. For further details, see Sport & Activities section.
Sport & Activities
Nature and Wildlife: Estonia is an unspoilt, sparsely populated country, nearly half of which is covered with forests. Around a dozen national parks and protected areas provide opportunities for nature lovers to explore the countryside. Information centres at each reserve can provide advice and maps. Popular among both Estonians and tourists is Lahemaa National Park, the country’s largest national park. Situated on the northern coast, it contains limestone cliffs, waterfalls, lakes and forests. Bog walks can be undertaken in this area. Walkways on wooden boards give visitors the opportunity to observe the special flora and fauna of the deep peat bogs. In Soomaa National Park, near Pärnu, the ancient bogs (said to be inhabited by witches) can be explored in traditional canoes. Estonian wildlife includes large mammals such as lynx, bears, wolves and elk. Birdlife is abundant, and birdwatchers are well catered for in reserves such as Matsalu Nature Reserve and the Käina Bay Bird Reserve. Eagles, storks and a variety of wetland birds are among the species to be seen. Butterflies are also numerous in parts of Estonia.
Trainspotting: Owing to the wide-gauge track, unusual trains can be spotted, an activity popular amongst local people. The National Railway Museum in Haapsalu is a source of information for trainspotters. Behind the museum, a ‘train graveyard’ contains vehicles of special interest to train buffs. There is even the opportunity to spend the night in a former luxury sleeping car, used to transport Communist Party members in the Soviet era, and now turned into a youth hostel.
Watersports: Swimming is popular all over Estonia. The beaches are often long and wide with white sand; pools and lakes abound in the interior of the country. In the north of the country, it is possible to find small coves used for nude bathing, though there are no designated areas for this. Fishing is very popular and boating widely practised.
Other: Good hiking and cycling spots include Saaremaa Island, which has remained particularly unspoiled, owing to the fact that in the Soviet era even Estonians required a visa to visit it. Horseriding is widely practiced. Otepää in the southeast, with its lakes and forests, is a good location for all outdoor activities in the summer and for skiing in the winter. Canoeing can be arranged with specialist companies. Trips usually last one-three days and the price includes equipment hire. There is an international-standard golf course at Niitivälja, 34km (21 miles) from Tallinn. It is closed in winter. Basketball is also very popular, as are cross-country skiing and football.
Social Profile
Food & Drink: Hors d’oeuvres are very good and often the best part of the meal. Local specialities include sült (jellied veal), täidetud vasikarind (roast stuffed shoulder of veal) and rosolje (vinaigrette with herring and beets). Braised goose stuffed with apples and plums is also a Baltic speciality.
Nightlife: Tallinn is used to entertaining day-trippers from Finland and has a wide range of restaurants, cafes and bars. There is also an opera and ballet theatre.
Shopping: Amber and local folk-art are good buys. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0900-2100. Many shops are also open at the weekend.
Special Events: For detailed information on major events and festivals occurring in Estonia, contact the Estonian Embassy or the tourist office (see Contact Addresses section). The following is a selection of major events held in Estonia in 2003:
May 24 2003 21st Tartu Street Race, Otepää. Mar 6-8 Eighth International Festival of Zither, Kunstide Maja. Apr 24-27 JAZZKAAR, annual international jazz festival, Tallinn. May 10-11 21st Tartu Cyclist Rally, Valga and Tartu county. Jun 6-8 International Flower Festival, Jäneda. Jul 2-6 X Haapsalu Early Music Festival, Lääne. Jun 13-14 International White Lady Rally. Jul 11-13 International Shanty Music festival, Paide, Järva. Jun 14-15 Theatrical Festival 'Days of Old Narva 2003', Narva Castle. Jul Beer Summer, the biggest Nordic beer festival, Tallinn Song festival grounds. Jul 24-27 Viljandi Folk Music Festival. Aug 2-17 XI International Choral Music Festival, takes place in churches throughout Rapla, Harju and Järva counties. Aug 20-24 Pjotr Tchaikovsky Music Festival, Haapsalu, Lääne (festival dedicated to the fact that the famous Russian composer Pjotr Tchaikovsky spent a summer in Haapsalu in the middle of the 19th century). Oct 15-23 International New Music Festival NYYD'03, Estonian National Opera, Tallinn. Dec Christmas Market, Tallinn.
Social Conventions: Handshaking is customary. Normal courtesies should be observed. The Estonians are proud of their culture and their national heritage, and visitors should take care to respect this sense of national identity. Tipping: Taxi fares and restaurant bills include a tip.
Business Profile
Economy: Economic autonomy was a key demand from Estonia during the negotiations that led to its independence. The Baltic states were the most prosperous areas of the former Soviet Union and they were keen to develop economic links with their Western neighbours outside the straitjacket of central planning. Other than oil-shale, which is present in significant quantities and provides the basis of the country’s power generation, Estonia has few raw materials of its own and relies mostly on imported commodities to produce finished goods. Light machinery, electrical and electronic equipment and consumer goods are the main products. Fishing, forestry and dairy farming dominate the agricultural sector. Estonia’s infrastructure, particularly the road network, is well-developed by regional standards. Post-Soviet economic policy has followed a customary pattern of deregulation and privatisation. In June 1992, Estonia became the first former Soviet republic to introduce its own currency, the Kroon, which is the legal tender and is now fixed in value to the Euro. Estonia’s service sector was the most developed in the former USSR, and has since expanded further with increased tourism and Western investment. There is also a nascent financial services industry. Overall, trade with the West has increased dramatically, particularly with Scandinavia; Finland, Sweden and Germany are important trading partners. Despite this, Estonia still has fundamental economic links with Russia, and the 1998 Russian economic crisis led to a recession in Estonia the following year. It has since recovered strongly: growth in 2000 and 2001 was seven per cent and five per cent respectively.
In 1999, Estonia joined the World Trade Organisation, adding to its previous membership of the IMF, World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Like its Baltic neighbours, it seeks membership of the European Union and has the advantage of being in the so-called ‘first wave’ of aspirant members who may expect to join in 2004.
Business: Prior appointments are necessary. Business is conducted formally. Business cards are exchanged after introduction. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1830.
Commercial Information: The following organisation can offer advice: Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Toom Kooli 17, 10130 Tallinn (tel: (6) 460 244; fax: (6) 460 245; e-mail: koda@koda.ee; website: www.koda.ee).
Climate
Temperate climate, but with considerable temperature variations. Summer is warm with relatively mild weather in spring and autumn. Winter, which lasts from November to mid-March, can be very cold. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year with the heaviest rainfall in August. Heavy snowfalls are common in the winter months.
Required clothing: Light- to mediumweights are worn during the summer nonths. Medium- to heavyweights are needed during winter. Rainwear is advisable all year.
History and Government
History: The history of Estonia – and indeed of the other Baltic States – has been one of constant struggle to maintain independence and national integrity against the predatory instincts of larger neighbours. The Vikings passed through the territory in the ninth century. Over the next few centuries, both the Danes and Swedes tried and failed to force Christianity upon the Livs tribe, which dominated the region. They eventually succumbed to Bishop Albert of Buxhoevden, at the turn of the 13th century. During the Middle Ages, Danish influence was at a peak in the Baltic region. After the Livonian War of the 1550s (Livonia was the area covering modern Latvia and the southern part of Estonia), a period that involved Denmark, Sweden, Poland and Russia in a disputed succession and rival territorial claims, Estonia was taken by the Swedish King Gustavus. The 16th and 17th centuries marked the high point of Swedish imperial power. The Russians were determined, however, to secure a ‘window onto the Baltic’ for economic as well as strategic reasons. Estonia was duly acquired by the Russians from Sweden, at the Treaty of Nystadt, in 1721.
Russia remained in control of Estonia until shortly after the Bolshevik revolution of 1917. At the treaty of Brest-Litovsk the following year, which brought an end to Russian involvement in World War I, Estonia was ceded. The new Soviet government at first refused to recognise Estonian independence but gave way in February 1920. The new state – along with its Baltic neighbours, Lithuania and Latvia – enjoyed just two decades of independent statehood before the Soviet Union took control under the 1939 Nazi-Soviet Pact. Soviet ownership lasted barely 12 months before Estonia was conquered in the German invasion of the Soviet Union. It was retaken by the Red Army in 1944, after which Estonia was constituted as one of the 15 Soviet Socialist Republics. Four decades passed before the advent of Mikhail Gorbachev who, as Communist Party General Secretary, offered the prospect of change for the Baltic States. A key part of the perestroika (economic reform) programme was the devolution of power to the republics. Estonia led the way among the Baltic States, assisted by the collaboration between nationalist groups and the Communist Party, who joined together in a People’s Front (analogous bodies emerged in Latvia and Lithuania) to orchestrate change.
Having asserted the right to make their own legislation, measures to establish an Estonian currency – preparatory to full economic autonomy – and to restore Estonian as the official language quickly followed. In March 1990, the Estonian Communist Party voted in favour of full independence from the Soviet Union but allowed for a six-month transitional period before making the decision final. President Gorbachev was strongly opposed but ultimately powerless – barring military intervention – to prevent the Estonian drive for independence. Rapid international recognition of Estonia and the other Baltic republics as sovereign states, followed by admission to the United Nations, completed the transition to full nationhood. In June 1992, Estonia scored two more firsts with the introduction of its own currency, the Kroon, and of a new post-Soviet constitution. The constitution was first put to the test in September 1992. The legislative elections produced an inconclusive result. Isamaa (Fatherland Alliance) formed a coalition government with two other parties; party leader Mart Laar became premier. Laar is one of a small group of prominent politicians who have dominated Estonian politics through the series of coalition administrations, which have governed the country since independence. They include Tiit Vahi, leader of the left-leaning Coalition Party, and the centre party pair of Edgar Savisaar and Mart Siimann. Laar is acknowledged as probably the most successful of these, taking much credit for guiding Estonia through major political and economic changes. Estonia is the only former Soviet republic with a distinct prospect of joining the EU. Laar began his second term of office in March 1999, following the most recent election for the Riigikogu (State Council). The collapse of his coalition in March 2002 brought a centrist grouping into office, led by Siim Kallas.
Abroad, successive Estonian governments, irrespective of their make up, have been careful to maintain good relations with Russia; as an immediate neighbour, Estonia always maintains a careful watch on its giant neighbour. In July 1997, Estonia became an associate member of the EU and the lengthy process of negotiation for full membership is now under way. Under the present timetable, accession is probably due around 2004. Estonia is equally keen on membership of NATO. However, it will inevitably run into serious objections from Russia, who is determined to avoid having NATO members on her borders.
Government: A new constitution was accepted in a referendum in June 1992, under which a 101-seat National Assembly is elected by popular vote. Members elect a President and Council of Ministers to take executive responsibilities.
Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.
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