There are many things about Estonia that will wow anyone who plans to visit it. These include stunning architecture, rich heritage and culture, natural beauty, and much more. Before you visit, it is also important to know the different facts about Estonia that make this country incredible.
So, if you want to make an informed decision to visit this Baltic state, you are in the right place. Here are some fun facts about Estonia that will give you an insight into the country.
Common Facts About Estonia Most People Know
There are some general Estonia facts that form an integral part of the people and the country. Here are some of them.
There Are More Than Two-Thousand Islands Here
Anyone that loves the island life will fall in love with Estonia because it has more than two-thousand islands. However, most of these islands have not been touched by human civilization.
Some of the top islands you should visit here include Saaremaa, Kihnu, and Hiiumaa, as you will love everything they have to offer.
It Was The First Country To Allow People To Vote Online
This is not as common as the other facts about Estonia, but it was the first country worldwide to let its people vote online. It took place in 2005, which also gave the country a reputation for being digitally advanced.
Even now, when you visit the country, you will find WiFi hotspots everywhere, even in the forests. The country is also the first to offer e-Residency which attracts many foreign entrepreneurs. That also gave it the reputation as one of the early digital nomad hotspots.
Most Estonians Speak Multiple Languages
If there is one thing that Estonians are known for, it is for knowing various multiple languages. Almost all people in Estonia are fluent in languages such as Russian, English, German, Finnish, and their mother tongues. Most people are bilingual, and many of them know more than two or three languages.
The Country Has Two Independence Days
Most countries have one Independence Day, but Estonia has two. That is because it achieved its first independence day in 1918 from the Soviet Union. Then, it achieved its second independence in 1991 after an occupation by the Soviets after more than five decades. Therefore, it has two independence days in February and August.
Kroon Used To Be The Currency
While Euro is the official currency of the country now, its previous currency used to be the Kroon. This currency was used between 1928 and 1940 and then again between 1992 and 2011. Of course, the period between 1940 and 1992 did not include the Kroon currency because of the Soviets.
Fun Facts About Estonia For First-Time Travellers
Estonia is a breathtaking country to visit because it has a lot to offer to others. The secret to making your trip fantastic is to understand what the country has to offer. Here are the top fun facts about Estonia you should know.
There Are Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Estonia
Estonia has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites you can visit. These include Tallinn’s Old Town and the Struve Geodetic Area. The second site is one that the country shares with its neighbors, which include Latvia, Belarus, Finland, Ukraine, and many others.
The Christmas Market Is Magical Here
We recommend that you visit Estonia during Christmas so that you can experience the magical markets it has to offer. These markets take place between November to January, and locals and tourists swarm these markets. You can sip on some warm milled wine while sampling the Christmas cuisine that the country has to offer.
Estonian food is absolutely delicious and some of the best are traditional dishes during Christmas season.
It Is The Least Religious Country
Estonia is known to be the least religious country because only over 15% of Estonians view religion as an important part of their lives. Most people don’t go to church, but you will still find several religious sites here. These include St. Olaf’s Church, St. Madeline’s Church, and many others.
52% Of The Country Contains Forest
Nature lovers can make their way to Estonia to enjoy the incredible green spaces that this country has to offer. That is because nearly 50% of the country is covered by beautiful forests. You can do many adventurous things in nature here, such as hiking, foraging, and much more to make your trip fantastic.
It Has Some Of The Cleanest Air Worldwide
Of course, this is not too surprising since 50% of the country is covered in forests. The country has some of the cleanest air in the world. It is right up there with other countries with the cleanest air, such as Iceland and Finland.
Interesting Facts About Estonia That Will Blow Your Mind
There are many Estonia interesting facts that you have never heard of before and will blow your mind. Some of them will also clear certain misconceptions about this country.
The Country Has More Women
The country mostly has females because, for every hundred women in the country, there are 84 men. Besides that, women in Estonia also live ten years longer than men. Because of this, it is one of the safest countries for any female to visit.
It Is One of the Least Populated Countries in the Continent of Europe
A great thing about Estonia is that it is one of the least populated countries in the European region. The population density of the country includes 28.4 people per sq. kilometer. That is why if you want to visit a country with peace, quiet, and fewer people, then you can make your way to Estonia.
The Literacy Rate Is Incredibly High
Estonia has one of the highest literacy rates in the world, as it stands at 99.8%. Countries with a higher literacy rate include San Marino and Latvia. Therefore, you will find educated and polished people when you visit the country.
Paul Keres Was From Estonia
The country loves its chess players, and Paul Keres was one of the greatest Estonian chess players of all time. He was a grandmaster from the 1930s till the 60s. When he passed away, more than a hundred thousand people attended his funeral, which amounts to 10% of the Estonian population.
The Country Is Popular With Cruise Passengers
Tallinn is one of the most popular cities in Estonia that tourists visit. More than half a million cruise passengers visit Tallinn each year. You can also visit the city to understand what the fuss is all about.
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Estonia Culture Facts
The interesting facts about Estonia and its culture will help you understand the uniqueness of the country and its people. Here are the top cultural facts about Estonia you should know.
There Is A Sport Known As Wife-Carrying In Estonia
The people of Estonia love carrying their wives because there is an entire sport dedicated to it. The origin of this sport is Finland, but couples from Estonia have worn the Wife Carrying World Championship for eleven years consecutively. They also have a popular technique to win this sport, and it is known as the Estonian Carry.
The Public Transport Is Free For Locals
The people of Tallinn can enjoy public transport for free. Unfortunately, tourists can’t benefit from this service. However, the public transport system is very convenient, and you should use it when you are in the country.
People Love Singing
People love singing because the Singing Revolution led to the independence of the country from the Soviet Union. During this time, there were mass demonstrations throughout the country, and people sang patriotic hymns and national songs to express their emotions. These songs and hymns were banned at the time, and this was the highest act of rebellion.
The People Are Among The Tallest in Europe
Estonians are some of the tallest people in the European region. That is because women have an average height of 169cm here, while men have an average height of 180cm. Besides that, women are also known to be one of the most beautiful throughout the world.
People Take Swinging Seriously
Finally, swinging is a serious sport in Estonia. During the 90s, Ado Kosk also invented a sport based on this, known as kiiking. It includes people attaching themselves to giant steel swings that rotate 360 degrees. The people are waiting for the Olympics to include this sport in their games.
Discovering More Interesting Facts About Estonia
These are just some of the Estonia fun facts to know about if you plan on visiting the country. Estonia is an amazing country with a rich culture and history that still influences its people today. If you want to experience the beauty of nature and the charm of this country, then you should definitely make a trip to Estonia.
You will discover more interesting facts about Estonia when you are there, as every place and person has a unique story to tell. Make sure that you explore these stories when you visit.
