2013 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, formally joined the OECD in late 2010, and adopted the euro as its official currency on 1 January 2011.

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)

1.8 cu km/yr (3%/97%/0%) 1,337 cu m/yr (2009)

per capita

1,337 cu m/yr (2009)

total

1.8 cu km/yr (3%/97%/0%)

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

4.58 sq km (2010)

Land boundaries

633 km Latvia 343 km, Russia 290 km

border countries

Latvia 343 km, Russia 290 km

total

633 km

Land use

13.97% 0.13% 85.89% (2011)

arable land

13.97%

other

85.89% (2011)

permanent crops

0.13%

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

12.81 cu km (2011)

Age structure

15.4% (male 100,605/female 94,831) 11.9% (male 77,302/female 73,446) 41.3% (male 250,997/female 272,460) 13.1% (male 71,442/female 94,278) 18.2% (male 76,356/female 154,658) (2013 est.)

0-14 years

15.4% (male 100,605/female 94,831)

15-24 years

11.9% (male 77,302/female 73,446)

25-54 years

41.3% (male 250,997/female 272,460)

55-64 years

13.1% (male 71,442/female 94,278)

65 years and over

18.2% (male 76,356/female 154,658) (2013 est.)

Birth rate

10.38 births/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Contraceptive prevalence rate

63.4% percent of women aged 18-49 (2005)

Death rate

13.65 deaths/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Dependency ratios

51.2 % 23.9 % 27.3 % 3.7 (2013)

elderly dependency ratio

27.3 %

potential support ratio

3.7 (2013)

total dependency ratio

51.2 %

youth dependency ratio

23.9 %

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 (2010 est.)

rural

3% of population

total

2% of population (2010 est.)

urban

1% of population

Education expenditures

6.1% of GDP (2009)

Ethnic groups

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

Health expenditures

6% of GDP (2011)

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

5.3 beds/1,000 population (2010)

Infant mortality rate

6.82 deaths/1,000 live births 7.94 deaths/1,000 live births 5.63 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)

female

5.63 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)

total

6.82 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

73.82 years 68.58 years 79.4 years (2013 est.)

female

79.4 years (2013 est.)

total population

73.82 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 99.8% 99.8% 99.8% (2011 est.)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

99.8% (2011 est.)

male

99.8%

total population

99.8%

Major infectious diseases

intermediate tickborne encephalitis (2013)

degree of risk

intermediate

vectorborne disease

tickborne encephalitis (2013)

Major urban areas - population

TALLINN (capital) 399,000 (2009)

Maternal mortality rate

2 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)

Median age

41 years 37.4 years 44.3 years (2013 est.)

female

44.3 years (2013 est.)

male

37.4 years

total

41 years

Mother's mean age at first birth

26.3 (2010 est.)

Nationality

Estonian(s) Estonian

adjective

Estonian

noun

Estonian(s)

Net migration rate

-3.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

20.6% (2008)

Physicians density

3.34 physicians/1,000 population (2010)

Population

1,266,375 (July 2013 est.)

Population growth rate

-0.66% (2013 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 (2010 est.)

rural

6% of population

total

5% of population (2010 est.)

urban

4% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

16 years 15 years 17 years (2010)

female

17 years (2010)

male

15 years

total

16 years

Sex ratio

1.06 male(s)/female 1.06 male(s)/female 1.05 male(s)/female 0.92 male(s)/female 0.76 male(s)/female 0.49 male(s)/female 0.84 male(s)/female (2013 est.)

0-14 years

1.06 male(s)/female

15-24 years

1.05 male(s)/female

25-54 years

0.92 male(s)/female

55-64 years

0.76 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.49 male(s)/female

at birth

1.06 male(s)/female

total population

0.84 male(s)/female (2013 est.)

Total fertility rate

1.45 children born/woman (2013 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

22.4% 23.8% 20.7% (2011)

female

20.7% (2011)

total

22.4%

Urbanization

69.5% of total population (2011) 0.02% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

0.02% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

69.5% of total population (2011)

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

several previous; latest adopted 28 June 1992; amended several times, last in 2012 (2012)

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 Jeffrey D. LEVINE (since 24 July 2012) Kentmanni 20, 15099 Tallinn use embassy street address [372] 668-8100 [372] 668-8134

chief of mission

Ambassador Jeffrey D. LEVINE (since 24 July 2012)

embassy

Kentmanni 20, 15099 Tallinn

FAX

[372] 668-8134

mailing address

use embassy street address

telephone

[372] 668-8100

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador Marina KALJURAND (since 6 September 2011) 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 (since 6 September 2011)

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, CD, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EMU, ESA (cooperating state), EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), 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 (consists of the chief justice and organized into the Civil Chamber with a chamber chairman and 6 justices, the Criminal Chamber with a chamber chairman and 5 justices, the Administrative Law Chamber with a chamber chairman and 4 justices, and the Constitutional Review Chamber with 9 members - the chief justice and 2 justices from the Civil Chamber, 3 from the Criminal Chamber and 3 from the Administrative chamber) the chief justice is proposed by the president and appointed by the Riigikogu; other justices proposed by the chief justice and appointed by the Riigikogu; justices appointed for life circuit (appellate) courts; administrative, county, city, and specialized courts

highest court(s)

Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and organized into the Civil Chamber with a chamber chairman and 6 justices, the Criminal Chamber with a chamber chairman and 5 justices, the Administrative Law Chamber with a chamber chairman and 4 justices, and the Constitutional Review Chamber with 9 members - the chief justice and 2 justices from the Civil Chamber, 3 from the Criminal Chamber and 3 from the Administrative chamber)

judge selection and term of office

the chief justice is proposed by the president and appointed by the Riigikogu; other justices proposed by the chief justice and appointed by the Riigikogu; justices appointed for life

subordinate courts

circuit (appellate) courts; administrative, county, city, and specialized courts

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%, IRL 20.5%, SDE 17.1%, Estonian Greens 3.8%, Estonian People's Union 2.1%, other 4.6%; seats by party - Estonian Reform Party 33, Center Party 21, IRL 23, SDE 19, unaffiliated 5

election results

percent of vote by party - Estonian Reform Party 28.6%, Center Party of Estonia 23.3%, IRL 20.5%, SDE 17.1%, Estonian Greens 3.8%, Estonian People's Union 2.1%, other 4.6%; seats by party - Estonian Reform Party 33, Center Party 21, IRL 23, SDE 19, unaffiliated 5

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, cornflower

Political parties and leaders

Center Party of Estonia (Keskerakond) [Edgar SAVISAAR] Estonian Greens (Rohelised) [Aleksander LAANE] Estonian Conservative People's Party (Konservatiivne Rahvaerakond) or EKRE [Mart HELME] Estonian Reform Party (Reformierakond) [Andrus ANSIP] Social Democratic Party or SDE [Sven MIKSER] Union of Pro Patria and Res Publica (Isamaa je Res Publica Liit) or IRL [Urmas REINSALU]

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal for all Estonian citizens

Agriculture - products

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

Budget

$8.155 billion $8.213 billion (2012 est.)

expenditures

$8.213 billion (2012 est.)

revenues

$8.155 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-0.3% of GDP (2012 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

5.75% (31 December 2012 est.) 6.12% (31 December 2011 est.)

Current account balance

$-267.7 million (2012 est.) $477 million (2011 est.)

Debt - external

$25.69 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $25.01 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

31.3 (2010) 37 (1999)

Economy - overview

Estonia, a member of the European Union and the eurozone since 2004, 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 sound fiscal policies that have resulted in balanced budgets and low public debt. The economy benefits from strong electronics and telecommunications sectors and strong trade ties with Finland, Sweden, Russia, and Germany. Tallinn's priority has been to sustain high growth rates - on average 8% per year from 2003 to 2007. Estonia's economy fell into recession in mid-2008 with GDP contracting 14.3% in 2009, as a result of an investment and consumption slump following the bursting of the real estate market bubble and a decrease in export demand as result of economic slowdown in the rest of Europe. Estonia rebounded nearly 8% in 2011 and the Estonian economy now has one of the higher GDP growth rates in Europe. Estonia adopted the euro on 1 January 2011.

Exchange rates

kroon (EEK) per US dollar - 0.78 (2012 est.) 0.72 (2011 est.) 11.81 (2010 est.) 11.23 (2009) 10.7 (2008)

Exports

$14.46 billion (2012 est.) $14.54 billion (2011 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

Sweden 16.8%, Finland 15.3%, Russia 12.7%, Latvia 9.2%, Lithuania 5.7%, Germany 4.8% (2012)

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP - composition, by end use

50.4% 19.6% 25% 2.6% 92.5% -90.1% (2012 est.)

exports of goods and services

92.5%

government consumption

19.6%

household consumption

50.4%

imports of goods and services

-90.1%

investment in fixed capital

25%

investment in inventories

2.6%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

3.9% 29.7% 66.4% (2012 est.)

agriculture

3.9%

industry

29.7%

services

66.4% (2012 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$21,700 (2012 est.) $20,900 (2011 est.) $19,100 (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

3.9% (2012 est.) 9.6% (2011 est.) 2.6% (2010 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$22.1 billion (2012 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$29.09 billion (2012 est.) $27.99 billion (2011 est.) $25.55 billion (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

Gross national saving

26.4% of GDP (2012 est.) 26.9% of GDP (2011 est.) 23.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

2.7% 27.7% (2004)

highest 10%

27.7% (2004)

lowest 10%

2.7%

Imports

$15.6 billion (2012 est.) $15.25 billion (2011 est.)

Imports - commodities

machinery and electrical equipment, mineral fuels, chemical products, foodstuffs, plastics, textiles

Imports - partners

Finland 15.1%, Germany 10.7%, Sweden 10.7%, Latvia 10%, Lithuania 9%, Poland 6.6%, China 4.4%, Russia 4.1% (2012)

Industrial production growth rate

2.2% (2012 est.)

Industries

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

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

3.9% (2012 est.) 5% (2011 est.)

Labor force

695,000 (2012 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

4.2% 20.2% 75.6% (2010)

agriculture

4.2%

industry

20.2%

services

75.6% (2010)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$1.611 billion (31 December 2011) $2.26 billion (31 December 2010) $2.654 billion (31 December 2009)

Population below poverty line

17.5% (2010)

Public debt

5.8% of GDP (2012 est.) 5.9% of GDP (2011 est.) data cover general government debt, and includes debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities, including sub-sectors of central government, state government, local government, and social security funds

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$300.7 million (31 December 2012 est.) $207.5 million (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of broad money

$12.11 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $11.73 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$7.84 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $6.677 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$20.87 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $18.66 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$19.24 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $19.14 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$8.191 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $6.744 billion (31 December 2011 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

36.9% of GDP (2012 est.)

Unemployment rate

10.2% (2012 est.) 12.5% (2011 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

20.26 million Mt (2011 est.)

Crude oil - exports

7,624 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Crude oil - imports

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Crude oil - production

11,000 bbl/day (2012 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

0 bbl (1 January 2013 es)

Electricity - consumption

7.948 billion kWh (2010 est.)

Electricity - exports

4.95 billion kWh (2012 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

93.4% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

0.2% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

6.4% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - imports

2.71 billion kWh (2012 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

2.751 million kW (2010 est.)

Electricity - production

12.19 billion kWh (2011 est.)

Natural gas - consumption

701 million cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2012 est.)

Natural gas - imports

670 million cu m (2012 est.)

Natural gas - production

0 cu m (2012 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

0 cu m (1 January 2013 es)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

26,340 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

22,670 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Broadcast media

the publicly owned broadcaster, Eesti Rahvusringhaaling (ERR), operates 2 TV channels and 5 radio networks; growing number of private commercial radio stations broadcasting nationally, regionally, and locally; fully transitioned to digital television in 2010; 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 (2008)

Internet country code

.ee

Internet hosts

865,494 (2012)

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 (2011)

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 (2011)

Telephones - main lines in use

448,200 (2012)

Telephones - mobile cellular

2.07 million (2012)

Airports

18 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

1 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

2

2,438 to 3,047 m

8

914 to 1,523 m

1 (2013)

over 3,047 m

2

total

13

Airports - with unpaved runways

3 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

1

914 to 1,523 m

1

total

5

Heliports

1 (2012)

Merchant marine

cargo 4, chemical tanker 1, passenger/cargo 18, petroleum tanker 2 3 (Germany 1, Norway 2) 63 (Antigua and Barbuda 10, Belize 1, Cambodia 1, Canada 1, Cook Islands 1, Cyprus 6, Dominica 6, Finland 2, Latvia 3, Malta 16, Russia 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 8, Sierra Leone 2, Sweden 3, Venezuela 1, unknown 1) (2010)

foreign-owned

3 (Germany 1, Norway 2)

registered in other countries

63 (Antigua and Barbuda 10, Belize 1, Cambodia 1, Canada 1, Cook Islands 1, Cyprus 6, Dominica 6, Finland 2, Latvia 3, Malta 16, Russia 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 8, Sierra Leone 2, Sweden 3, Venezuela 1, unknown 1) (2010)

total

25

Pipelines

gas 868 km (2013)

Ports and terminals

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

major seaport(s)

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

Railways

1,196 km 1,196 km 1.520-m and 1.524-m gauge (133 km electrified) (2011)

total

1,196 km

Roadways

58,412 km (includes urban roads) 10,427 km (includes 115 km of expressways) 47,985 km (2011)

total

58,412 km (includes urban roads)

unpaved

47,985 km (2011)

Waterways

335 km (320 km are navigable year round) (2011)

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 (Eesti Kaitsevagi): Land Force (Maavagi), Navy (Merevagi), Air Force (Ohuvagi), Defense League (Kaitseliit) (2012)

Estonian Defense Forces (Eesti Kaitsevagi)

Land Force (Maavagi), Navy (Merevagi), Air Force (Ohuvagi), Defense League (Kaitseliit) (2012)

Military expenditures

2% of GDP (2005 est.)

Military service age and obligation

18-27 for compulsory military or governmental service, conscript service requirement 8-11 months depending on education; NCOs, reserve officers, and specialists serve 11 months (2013)

Disputes - international

Russia and Estonia in May 2005 signed a technical border agreement, but Russia in June 2005 recalled its signature after the Estonian parliament added to its domestic ratification act a historical preamble referencing the Soviet occupation and Estonia's pre-war borders under the 1920 Treaty of Tartu; Russia contends that the preamble allows Estonia to make territorial claims on Russia in the future, while Estonian officials deny that the preamble has any legal impact on the treaty text; Russia demands better treatment of the Russian-speaking population in Estonia; as a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Estonia implements 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

Refugees and internally displaced persons

94,235 (2012); note - following independence in 1991, automatic citizenship was restricted to those who were Estonian citizens prior to the 1940 Soviet occupation and their descendants; thousands of ethnic Russians remained stateless when forced to choose between passing Estonian language and citizenship tests or applying for Russian citizenship; one reason for demurring on Estonian citizenship was to retain the right of visa-free travel to Russia; stateless residents can vote in local elections but not general elections; stateless parents who have been lawful residents of Estonia for at least five years can apply for citizenship for their children before they turn 15

stateless persons

94,235 (2012); note - following independence in 1991, automatic citizenship was restricted to those who were Estonian citizens prior to the 1940 Soviet occupation and their descendants; thousands of ethnic Russians remained stateless when forced to choose between passing Estonian language and citizenship tests or applying for Russian citizenship; one reason for demurring on Estonian citizenship was to retain the right of visa-free travel to Russia; stateless residents can vote in local elections but not general elections; stateless parents who have been lawful residents of Estonia for at least five years can apply for citizenship for their children before they turn 15