2011 Edition

Background

After centuries of Danish, Swedish, German, and Russian rule, Estonia attained independence in 1918. Forcibly incorporated into the USSR in 1940 - an action never recognized by the US - it regained its freedom in 1991 with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Since the last Russian troops left in 1994, Estonia has been free to promote economic and political ties with the West. It joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004.

Area

45,228 sq km 42,388 sq km 2,840 sq km includes 1,520 islands in the Baltic Sea

total

45,228 sq km

water

2,840 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly smaller than New Hampshire and Vermont combined

Climate

maritime; wet, moderate winters, cool summers

Coastline

3,794 km

Elevation extremes

Baltic Sea 0 m Suur Munamagi 318 m

highest point

Suur Munamagi 318 m

lowest point

Baltic Sea 0 m

Environment - current issues

air polluted with sulfur dioxide from oil-shale burning power plants in northeast; however, the amount of pollutants emitted to the air have fallen steadily, the emissions of 2000 were 80% less than in 1980; the amount of unpurified wastewater discharged to water bodies in 2000 was 1/20 the level of 1980; in connection with the start-up of new water purification plants, the pollution load of wastewater decreased; Estonia has more than 1,400 natural and manmade lakes, the smaller of which in agricultural areas need to be monitored; coastal seawater is polluted in certain locations

Environment - international agreements

Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands none of the selected agreements

party to

Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified

none of the selected agreements

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural)

1.41 cu km/yr (56%/39%/5%) 1,060 cu m/yr (2002)

per capita

1,060 cu m/yr (2002)

total

1.41 cu km/yr (56%/39%/5%)

Geographic coordinates

59 00 N, 26 00 E

Geography - note

the mainland terrain is flat, boggy, and partly wooded; offshore lie more than 1,500 islands

Irrigated land

40 sq km (2008)

Land boundaries

633 km Latvia 343 km, Russia 290 km

border countries

Latvia 343 km, Russia 290 km

total

633 km

Land use

12.05% 0.35% 87.6% (2005)

arable land

12.05%

other

87.6% (2005)

permanent crops

0.35%

Location

Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Finland, between Latvia and Russia

Map references

Europe

Maritime claims

12 nm limits fixed in coordination with neighboring states

exclusive economic zone

limits fixed in coordination with neighboring states

territorial sea

12 nm

Natural hazards

sometimes flooding occurs in the spring

Natural resources

oil shale, peat, rare earth elements, phosphorite, clay, limestone, sand, dolomite, arable land, sea mud

Terrain

marshy, lowlands; flat in the north, hilly in the south

Total renewable water resources

21.1 cu km (2005)

Age structure

15.1% (male 99,919/female 94,066) 67.2% (male 410,132/female 451,736) 17.7% (male 74,803/female 152,307) (2011 est.)

0-14 years

15.1% (male 99,919/female 94,066)

15-64 years

67.2% (male 410,132/female 451,736)

65 years and over

17.7% (male 74,803/female 152,307) (2011 est.)

Birth rate

10.45 births/1,000 population (2011 est.)

Death rate

13.55 deaths/1,000 population (July 2011 est.)

Drinking water source

urban: 99% of population rural: 97% of population total: 98% of population urban: 1% of population rural: 3% of population total: 2% of population (2008)

rural

3% of population

total

2% of population (2008)

urban

1% of population

Education expenditures

4.9% of GDP (2007)

Ethnic groups

Estonian 68.7%, Russian 25.6%, Ukrainian 2.1%, Belarusian 1.2%, Finn 0.8%, other 1.6% (2008 census)

Health expenditures

4.3% of GDP (2009)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

1.2% (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

fewer than 500 (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

9,900 (2009 est.)

Hospital bed density

5.71 beds/1,000 population (2008)

Infant mortality rate

7.06 deaths/1,000 live births 8.21 deaths/1,000 live births 5.85 deaths/1,000 live births (2011 est.)

female

5.85 deaths/1,000 live births (2011 est.)

total

7.06 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Estonian (official) 67.3%, Russian 29.7%, other 2.3%, unknown 0.7% (2000 census)

Life expectancy at birth

73.33 years 68.02 years 78.97 years (2011 est.)

female

78.97 years (2011 est.)

total population

73.33 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 99.8% 99.8% 99.8% (2000 census)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

99.8% (2000 census)

male

99.8%

total population

99.8%

Major cities - population

TALLINN (capital) 399,000 (2009)

Major infectious diseases

intermediate bacterial diarrhea tickborne encephalitis (2009)

degree of risk

intermediate

food or waterborne diseases

bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne disease

tickborne encephalitis (2009)

Maternal mortality rate

12 deaths/100,000 live births (2008)

Median age

40.5 years 37 years 43.9 years (2011 est.)

female

43.9 years (2011 est.)

male

37 years

total

40.5 years

Nationality

Estonian(s) Estonian

adjective

Estonian

noun

Estonian(s)

Net migration rate

-3.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2011 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

14.4% (2004)

Physicians density

3.409 physicians/1,000 population (2008)

Population

1,282,963 (July 2011 est.)

Population growth rate

-0.641% (2011 est.)

Religions

Evangelical Lutheran 13.6%, Orthodox 12.8%, other Christian (including Methodist, Seventh-Day Adventist, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal) 1.4%, unaffiliated 34.1%, other and unspecified 32%, none 6.1% (2000 census)

Sanitation facility access

urban: 96% of population rural: 94% of population total: 95% of population urban: 4% of population rural: 6% of population total: 5% of population (2008)

rural

6% of population

total

5% of population (2008)

urban

4% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

16 years 15 years 17 years (2008)

female

17 years (2008)

male

15 years

total

16 years

Sex ratio

1.063 male(s)/female 1.06 male(s)/female 0.91 male(s)/female 0.49 male(s)/female 0.84 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

15-64 years

0.91 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.49 male(s)/female

at birth

1.063 male(s)/female

total population

0.84 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

under 15 years

1.06 male(s)/female

Total fertility rate

1.44 children born/woman (2011 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

27.3% 31.8% 21.2% (2009)

female

21.2% (2009)

total

27.3%

Urbanization

69% of total population (2010) 0.1% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

0.1% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

69% of total population (2010)

Administrative divisions

15 counties (maakonnad, singular - maakond); Harjumaa (Tallinn), Hiiumaa (Kardla), Ida-Virumaa (Johvi), Jarvamaa (Paide), Jogevamaa (Jogeva), Laanemaa (Haapsalu), Laane-Virumaa (Rakvere), Parnumaa (Parnu), Polvamaa (Polva), Raplamaa (Rapla), Saaremaa (Kuressaare), Tartumaa (Tartu), Valgamaa (Valga), Viljandimaa (Viljandi), Vorumaa (Voru) counties have the administrative center name following in parentheses

Capital

Tallinn 59 26 N, 24 43 E UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time) +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

daylight saving time

+1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

geographic coordinates

59 26 N, 24 43 E

name

Tallinn

time difference

UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Constitution

adopted 28 June 1992

Country name

Republic of Estonia Estonia Eesti Vabariik Eesti Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic

conventional long form

Republic of Estonia

conventional short form

Estonia

former

Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic

local long form

Eesti Vabariik

local short form

Eesti

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador Michael C. POLT Kentmanni 20, 15099 Tallinn use embassy street address [372] 668-8100 [372] 668-8265

chief of mission

Ambassador Michael C. POLT

embassy

Kentmanni 20, 15099 Tallinn

FAX

[372] 668-8265

mailing address

use embassy street address

telephone

[372] 668-8100

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador Marina KALJURAND 2131 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 [1] (202) 588-0101 [1] (202) 588-0108 New York

chancery

2131 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

chief of mission

Ambassador Marina KALJURAND

consulate(s) general

New York

FAX

[1] (202) 588-0108

telephone

[1] (202) 588-0101

Executive branch

President Toomas Hendrik ILVES (since 9 October 2006) Prime Minister Andrus ANSIP (since 12 April 2005) Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament president elected by Parliament for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); if a candidate does not secure two-thirds of the votes after three rounds of balloting in the Parliament, then an electoral assembly (made up of Parliament plus members of local councils) elects the president, choosing between the two candidates with the largest number of votes; election last held on 29 August 2011 (next to be held in the fall of 2016); prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament Toomas Hendrik ILVES reelected president; parliamentary vote - Toomas Hendrik ILVES 73, Indrek TARAND 25

cabinet

Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament

chief of state

President Toomas Hendrik ILVES (since 9 October 2006)

election results

Toomas Hendrik ILVES reelected president; parliamentary vote - Toomas Hendrik ILVES 73, Indrek TARAND 25

elections

president elected by Parliament for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); if a candidate does not secure two-thirds of the votes after three rounds of balloting in the Parliament, then an electoral assembly (made up of Parliament plus members of local councils) elects the president, choosing between the two candidates with the largest number of votes; election last held on 29 August 2011 (next to be held in the fall of 2016); prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament

head of government

Prime Minister Andrus ANSIP (since 12 April 2005)

Flag description

three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), black, and white; various interpretations are linked to the flag colors; blue represents faith, loyalty, and devotion, while also reminiscent of the sky, sea, and lakes of the country; black symbolizes the soil of the country and the dark past and suffering endured by the Estonian people; white refers to the striving towards enlightenment and virtue, and is the color of birch bark and snow, as well as summer nights illuminated by the midnight sun

Government type

parliamentary republic

Independence

20 August 1991 (declared); 6 September 1991 (recognized by the Soviet Union)

International law organization participation

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

International organization participation

Australia Group, BA, BIS, CBSS, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EMU, ESA (cooperating state), EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NATO, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Judicial branch

Supreme Court (chairman appointed for life by Parliament)

Legal system

civil law system

Legislative branch

unicameral Parliament or Riigikogu (101 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) last held on 6 March 2011 (next to be held in March 2015) percent of vote by party - Estonian Reform Party 28.6%, Center Party of Estonia 23.3%, Union of Pro Patria and Res Publica 20.5%, Social Democratic Party 17.1%, Estonian Greens 3.8%, Estonian People's Union 2.1%, other 4.6%; seats by party - Estonian Reform Party 33, Center Party 26, Union of Pro Patria and Res Publica 23, Social Democratic Party 19

election results

percent of vote by party - Estonian Reform Party 28.6%, Center Party of Estonia 23.3%, Union of Pro Patria and Res Publica 20.5%, Social Democratic Party 17.1%, Estonian Greens 3.8%, Estonian People's Union 2.1%, other 4.6%; seats by party - Estonian Reform Party 33, Center Party 26, Union of Pro Patria and Res Publica 23, Social Democratic Party 19

elections

last held on 6 March 2011 (next to be held in March 2015)

National anthem

"Mu isamaa, mu onn ja room" (My Native Land, My Pride and Joy) Johann Voldemar JANNSEN/Fredrik PACIUS adopted 1920, though banned between 1940 and 1990 under Soviet occupation; the anthem, used in Estonia since 1869, shares the same melody with that of Finland but has different lyrics

lyrics/music

Johann Voldemar JANNSEN/Fredrik PACIUS

name

"Mu isamaa, mu onn ja room" (My Native Land, My Pride and Joy)

National holiday

Independence Day, 24 February (1918); note - 24 February 1918 was the date Estonia declared its independence from Soviet Russia and established its statehood; 20 August 1991 was the date it declared its independence from the Soviet Union

National symbol(s)

barn swallow

Political parties and leaders

Center Party of Estonia (Keskerakond) [Edgar SAVISAAR]; Estonian Greens (Rohelised) [Marek STRANDBERG]; Estonian People's Union (Rahvaliit) [Andrus BLOK]; Estonian Reform Party (Reformierakond) [Andrus ANSIP]; Social Democratic Party [Sven MIKSER]; Union of Pro Patria and Res Publica (Isamaa je Res Publica Liit) [Mart LAAR]

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal for all Estonian citizens

Agriculture - products

grain, potatoes, vegetables; livestock and dairy products; fish

Budget

$7.719 billion $7.692 billion (2010 est.)

expenditures

$7.692 billion (2010 est.)

revenues

$7.719 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

0.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

7.759% (31 December 2010 est.) 9.385% (31 December 2009 est.)

Current account balance

$677.8 million (2010 est.) $893.1 million (2009 est.)

Debt - external

$24.22 billion (30 June 2011 est.) $22.03 billion (31 December 2010 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

31.4 (2009) 37 (1999)

Economy - overview

Estonia, a 2004 European Union entrant, has a modern market-based economy and one of the higher per capita income levels in Central Europe and the Baltic region. Estonia's successive governments have pursued a free market, pro-business economic agenda and have wavered little in their commitment to pro-market reforms. The current government has followed relatively sound fiscal policies that have resulted in balanced budgets and very low public debt. The economy benefits from strong electronics and telecommunications sectors and strong trade ties with Finland, Sweden, and Germany. Tallinn's priority has been to sustain high growth rates - on average 8% per year from 2003 to 2007. Estonia's economy slowed down markedly and fell sharply into recession in mid-2008, primarily as a result of an investment and consumption slump following the bursting of the real estate market bubble. GDP dropped nearly 14% in 2009, among the world's highest rates of contraction. Rising exports to Sweden and Finland lead an economic recovery in 2010, but unemployment stands above 17%. Estonia joined the OECD in December 2010 and adopted the euro in January 2011.

Electricity - consumption

7.08 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - exports

2.943 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports

3.025 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - production

8.779 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Exchange rates

kroon (EEK) per US dollar - 11.8 (2010) 11.23 (2009) 10.7 (2008) 11.535 (2007) 12.473 (2006) on 1 January 2011 Estonia adopted the euro as legal tender

Exports

$11.66 billion (2010 est.) $9.125 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities

machinery and electrical equipment 21%, wood and wood products 9%, metals 9%, furniture 7%, vehicles and parts 5%, food products and beverages 4%, textiles 4%, plastics 3%

Exports - partners

Finland 18.5%, Sweden 17%, Russia 10.4%, Latvia 9.8%, Germany 5.7%, Lithuania 5.3% (2010)

GDP - composition by sector

2.7% 29.1% 68.2% (2010 est.)

agriculture

2.7%

industry

29.1%

services

68.2% (2010 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$19,100 (2010 est.) $18,400 (2009 est.) $21,300 (2008 est.) data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

3.1% (2010 est.) -13.9% (2009 est.) -5.1% (2008 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$19.78 billion (2010 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$24.69 billion (2010 est.) $23.95 billion (2009 est.) $27.81 billion (2008 est.) data are in 2010 US dollars

Household income or consumption by percentage share

2.7% 27.7% (2004)

highest 10%

27.7% (2004)

lowest 10%

2.7%

Imports

$11.94 billion (2010 est.) $9.903 billion (2009)

Imports - commodities

machinery and electrical equipment 22%, mineral fuels 18%, chemical products 3%, foodstuffs 6%, plastics 6%, textiles 5%

Imports - partners

Finland 15.7%, Germany 11.9%, Sweden 11.6%, Latvia 11.5%, Lithuania 8.2%, Poland 6.8%, Russia 4.5% (2010)

Industrial production growth rate

13.2% (2010 est.)

Industries

engineering, electronics, wood and wood products, textiles; information technology, telecommunications

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

3% (2010 est.) -0.1% (2009 est.)

Investment (gross fixed)

18.6% of GDP (2010 est.)

Labor force

686,800 (2010 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

2.8% 22.7% 74.5% (2008)

agriculture

2.8%

industry

22.7%

services

74.5% (2008)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$2.26 billion (31 December 2010) $2.654 billion (31 December 2009) $1.951 billion (31 December 2008)

Natural gas - consumption

1.02 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2009 est.)

Natural gas - imports

1.02 billion cu m (2009 est.)

Natural gas - production

0 cu m (2009 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

0 cu m (1 January 2011 est.)

Oil - consumption

31,000 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - imports

28,520 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - production

7,642 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Oil - proved reserves

0 bbl (1 January 2011 est.)

Population below poverty line

19.7% (2008)

Public debt

6.6% of GDP (2010 est.) 7.1% of GDP (2009 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$2.568 billion (31 December 2010 est.) $3.981 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of broad money

$11.36 billion (31 December 2010 est.) $11.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$6.029 billion (31 December 2010 est.) $6.618 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$16.39 billion (31 December 2010 est.) $16.25 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$18.95 billion (31 December 2010 est.) $20.91 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$6.614 billion (31 December 2010 est.) $5.99 billion (31 December 2009 est.) this figure represents the US dollar value of Estonian kroon in circulation prior to Estonia's joining the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 17 members of the EMU; individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Taxes and other revenues

39% of GDP (2010 est.)

Unemployment rate

16.9% (2010 est.) 13.8% (2009 est.)

Broadcast media

the publicly-owned broadcaster, Eesti Rahvusringhaaling (ERR), operates 2 television channels; national private TV channels expanding service; a range of channels are aimed at Russian-speaking viewers; high penetration rate for cable TV services with more than half of Estonian households connected; publicly-owned broadcaster, ERR, operates 4 radio networks and there are a growing number of private commercial radio stations broadcasting nationally, regionally, and locally (2008)

Internet country code

.ee

Internet hosts

729,534 (2010)

Internet users

971,700 (2009)

Telephone system

foreign investment in the form of joint business ventures greatly improved telephone service with a wide range of high quality voice, data, and Internet services available substantial fiber-optic cable systems carry telephone, TV, and radio traffic in the digital mode; Internet services are widely available; schools and libraries are connected to the Internet, a large percentage of the population files income-tax returns online, and online voting was used for the first time in the 2005 local elections country code - 372; fiber-optic cables to Finland, Sweden, Latvia, and Russia provide worldwide packet-switched service; 2 international switches are located in Tallinn (2008)

domestic

substantial fiber-optic cable systems carry telephone, TV, and radio traffic in the digital mode; Internet services are widely available; schools and libraries are connected to the Internet, a large percentage of the population files income-tax returns online, and online voting was used for the first time in the 2005 local elections

general assessment

foreign investment in the form of joint business ventures greatly improved telephone service with a wide range of high quality voice, data, and Internet services available

international

country code - 372; fiber-optic cables to Finland, Sweden, Latvia, and Russia provide worldwide packet-switched service; 2 international switches are located in Tallinn (2008)

Telephones - main lines in use

482,200 (2010)

Telephones - mobile cellular

1.653 million (2010)

Airports

19 (2010)

Airports - with paved runways

2 (2010)

1,524 to 2,437 m

2

2,438 to 3,047 m

7

914 to 1,523 m

2 (2010)

over 3,047 m

2

total

13

Airports - with unpaved runways

3 (2010)

1,524 to 2,437 m

2

914 to 1,523 m

1

total

6

under 914 m

3 (2010)

Heliports

1 (2010)

Merchant marine

cargo 4, chemical tanker 1, passenger/cargo 17, petroleum tanker 2 3 (Germany 1, Norway 2) 77 (Antigua and Barbuda 20, Belize 1, Cambodia 1, Cyprus 7, Dominica 6, Finland 2, Latvia 4, Malta 16, former Netherlands Antilles 1, Norway 1, Saint Kitts and Nevis 3, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 10, Sierra Leone 1, Sweden 3, Venezuela 1) (2010)

foreign-owned

3 (Germany 1, Norway 2)

registered in other countries

77 (Antigua and Barbuda 20, Belize 1, Cambodia 1, Cyprus 7, Dominica 6, Finland 2, Latvia 4, Malta 16, former Netherlands Antilles 1, Norway 1, Saint Kitts and Nevis 3, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 10, Sierra Leone 1, Sweden 3, Venezuela 1) (2010)

total

24

Pipelines

gas 859 km (2010)

Ports and terminals

Kuivastu, Kunda, Muuga, Parnu Reid, Sillamae, Tallinn

Railways

1,196 km 1,196 km 1.520-m and 1.524-m gauge (131 km electrified) (2010)

total

1,196 km

Roadways

58,034 km 34,936 km (includes 104 km of expressways) 23,098 km (2009)

total

58,034 km

unpaved

23,098 km (2009)

Waterways

335 km (320 km are navigable year round) (2010)

Manpower available for military service

291,801 302,696 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

302,696 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

291,801

Manpower fit for military service

210,854 251,185 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

251,185 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

210,854

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

6,668 6,309 (2010 est.)

female

6,309 (2010 est.)

male

6,668

Military branches

Estonian Defense Forces: Land Force, Navy, Air Force (Eesti Ohuvagi), Defense League (Kaitseliit, KL) (2011)

Estonian Defense Forces

Land Force, Navy, Air Force (Eesti Ohuvagi), Defense League (Kaitseliit, KL) (2011)

Military expenditures

2% of GDP (2005 est.)

Military service age and obligation

obligation for compulsory service ages 16-60, with conscription "likely" ages 18-27; service requirement 8-11 months (2009)

Disputes - international

Russia recalled its signature to the 1996 technical border agreement with Estonia in 2005, rather than concede to Estonia's appending a prepared unilateral declaration referencing Soviet occupation and territorial losses; Russia demands better accommodation of Russian-speaking population in Estonia; Estonian citizen groups continue to press for realignment of the boundary based on the 1920 Tartu Peace Treaty that would bring the now divided ethnic Setu people and parts of the Narva region within Estonia; as a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Estonia must implement the strict Schengen border rules with Russia

Illicit drugs

growing producer of synthetic drugs; increasingly important transshipment zone for cannabis, cocaine, opiates, and synthetic drugs since joining the European Union and the Schengen Accord; potential money laundering related to organized crime and drug trafficking is a concern, as is possible use of the gambling sector to launder funds; major use of opiates and ecstasy

Trafficking in persons

Estonia is a source, transit, and destination country for women subjected to forced prostitution, and for men and women subjected to conditions of forced labor; women from Estonia are found in sex trafficking situations in Finland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy; men and women from Estonia are subjected to conditions of forced labor in Spain, Sweden, Norway, and Finland Tier 2 Watch List - Estonia does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so; despite these efforts, the government did not demonstrate evidence of increasing its efforts; Estonia remains the only European Union country without a specific trafficking law; trafficking offenders convicted under non-trafficking statutes avoided accountability; the Estonian Government, however, gave some financial support to NGOs who care for trafficking victims, and it developed a national action plan with elements addressing trafficking in persons (2011)

current situation

Estonia is a source, transit, and destination country for women subjected to forced prostitution, and for men and women subjected to conditions of forced labor; women from Estonia are found in sex trafficking situations in Finland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy; men and women from Estonia are subjected to conditions of forced labor in Spain, Sweden, Norway, and Finland

tier rating

Tier 2 Watch List - Estonia does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so; despite these efforts, the government did not demonstrate evidence of increasing its efforts; Estonia remains the only European Union country without a specific trafficking law; trafficking offenders convicted under non-trafficking statutes avoided accountability; the Estonian Government, however, gave some financial support to NGOs who care for trafficking victims, and it developed a national action plan with elements addressing trafficking in persons (2011)