14 Fun Facts About Estonia From Singing Revolutions to Wife-Carrying

Estonia in Northern Europe is one of the least densely populated countries in the world. From Tallinn on the Baltic Sea to Tartu in Southeastern Estonia, Estonia offers a variety of experiences that will leave you craving for more.

Take a look at these key facts about Estonia:

Here are 14 interesting facts about Estonia.

1. Estonia has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Estonia has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites worth seeing. First, the Tallinn Old Town is a must-see for anyone visiting Estonia. Old Town was the first Estonian UNESCO site added to the list in 1997.

In 2005, Estonia joined nine other European countries on the list thanks to the Struve Geodetic Arc, a 1,750-mile-long (2,820 km) survey line that cuts across the Estonian landscape. The Arc helped measure the Earth’s size and shape.

2. Estonia’s air is some of the cleanest in the world

The air in Estonia ranks as some of the cleanest air on the planet. Breathe that clean air deeply and enjoy. The country ranks alongside other eco-friendly nations like Finland and Iceland in terms of air quality. Only 10 countries in the world meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) standards for PM2.5 air pollution, according to the 2023 Air Quality index by IQAir. Those countries are:

1. French Polynesia (3.2 μg/m³)
2. Mauritius (3.5 μg/m³)
3. Iceland (4.0 μg/m³)
4. Grenada (4.1 μg/m³)
5. Bermuda (4.1 μg/m³)
6. New Zealand (4.3 μg/m³)
7. Australia (4.5 μg/m³)
8. Puerto Rico (4.5 μg/m³)
9. Estonia (4.7 μg/m³)
10. Finland (4.9 μg/m³)

3. In Estonia, you can vote online

Estonia has led the way in e-government development, offering 99% of its public services online. After regaining independence from Russia in 1991, the country invested heavily in digital technology. Thanks to this innovation, Estonian citizens established a digital society.

In 2005, Estonia became the first country globally to implement an online political voting system. By the 2023 parliamentary elections, online voting had reached a milestone, with 51% of all votes cast over the internet. This was the first instance where more than half of the votes were submitted online.

Thanks to Estonia’s advanced expertise and strategic interests in cybersecurity and IT systems, Estonia has become the host of both the cybersecurity center of NATO and the IT agency of the European Union.

In fact, you can even become an e-Estonia resident. The program targets entrepreneurs and allows non-Estonians to form companies and bank.

4. Estonia is home to 221 ethnic groups and 243 mother tongues, but mostly Estonian, English and Russian

Estonia is home to 221 different ethnic groups and 243 mother tongues, reflecting its growing diversity, with Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, and Finns as significant communities. Estonian is the official language and spoken by 84% of the population. 67% speak Estonian as their mother tongue and 17% Estonian as a foreign language.

Most Estonians are bilingual or trilingual, and the people are some of the best English speakers in Europe. English has overtaken Russian as the most commonly spoken foreign language, but most government services are available in Russian and English, in addition to Estonian.

5. Estonians are smart

Did you know that Estonia’s 15-year-olds are world class smart? According to the PISA 2022 educational survey, Estonian 15-year-olds rank the best in Europe and in the top eight in the world for educational performance!

And it’s not just the students who shine — 43% of Estonians aged 25–64 have a university degree, making the country 7th in Europe. Plus, Estonian women are especially impressive, ranking 3rd in educational attainment.

6. Estonia is the birthplace of 10 unicorns

Estonia created 10 unicorns, or companies valued at over $1 billion! That’s right — Estonian culture is entrepreneurial. Here is a list of famous Estonian companies:

• Skype: Founded in Estonia, Skype revolutionized global communication by enabling free video calls and messaging over the internet. Most Estonians count Skype as one of theirs even though much of the founding team was Danish. But if you ask anyone in Tallinn, they’ll tell you Estonians invented Skype. Actually, you don’t even need to ask. They’ll just tell you.
• Bolt (formerly Taxify): Bolt began in Estonia and has grown into a major global ride-hailing and transport service.
• Wise (formerly TransferWise): Wise was created in Estonia to make international money transfers cheaper and more transparent.
• Playtech: Playtech, an Estonian company, is a leading developer of software for online gambling and gaming, powering platforms worldwide.

Not bad for a small country in northeastern Europe!

7. Estonia is a pioneer in embryology

Estonia’s contribution to science includes the groundbreaking work of Karl Ernst von Baer, an Estonian-born scientist who made a major discovery in 1826. Von Baer was the first to identify the mammalian ovum, a crucial breakthrough that laid the groundwork for modern developmental biology. His research revolutionized our understanding of reproduction and embryonic development. Thanks to von Baer’s pioneering work, Estonia holds a proud place in the history of scientific discovery.

8. Finnish TV offered Estonians a glimpse of freedom

During the Soviet occupation, Finnish TV served as a vital link to the outside world for many Estonians, offering a rare and valuable glimpse into life beyond the Iron Curtain. With broadcasts that showcased Western culture and freedoms, Finnish TV became a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for those living under the rule of the Soviet Union. The influence of Finnish media was so strong that nearly every Estonian has visited Finland, reflecting a deep cultural connection to their Nordic neighbor. This unique relationship underscores the significant impact that media and neighboring countries can have on shaping a nation’s sense of identity and freedom.

9. Singing helped Estonia regain independence

Estonians have one of the world’s largest collections of folk songs. During the Soviet occupation, they embraced this passion to maintain their cultural identity and used it as a powerful tool for independence.

Between 1986 and 1991, 300,000 people gathered to sing patriotic songs, creating an impressive display of unity and resistance. This inspiring movement became known as the “Singing Revolution” and played a key role in Estonia regaining its independence in 1991, alongside Latvia and Lithuania. This inspiring movement spanned five years and played a key role in Estonia regaining its independence in 1991. The Singing Revolution inspired films like the 2006 U.S. documentary about the courageous revolution.

10. From black bread to global bites — Estonia has an evolving cuisine

Traditional Estonian cuisine relied on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients like fresh berries, herbs, and seafood. While classic staples like black bread, pork, and potatoes remain popular, Estonian tables now feature a variety of global flavors.

Summer meals often include outdoor grilling, and for a sweet treat, try the cardamom-spiced vastlakukkel, a festive roll enjoyed from Christmas to Easter. In winter, Estonians traditionally savor jams, preserves, and pickles, a practice rooted in the old days of home preserving. While modern shopping has made home preserving less common, it’s still a cherished tradition in the countryside!

11. The word “normal” is a compliment for Estonians

When my Estonian friend described my face as normal, I was a bit put off, but it turns out that was a good thing. In the Estonian language, the word “normal” is often used in an unconventional way to describe something that is good or satisfactory. For Estonians, saying something is “normal” implies it meets or exceeds expectations. So, enjoy being normal in Estonia.

12. Marzipan was once used as a medicine and dispensed at pharmacies in Estonia

Marzipan was initially used for medicinal purposes in Estonia. While visiting Tallinn, you can stop by a marzipan workshop and try out the famous recipe from the 15th century. Additionally, you can decorate your own marzipan adding chocolate, nuts or almonds.

This experience has been made possible by Europe’s oldest continuously operating pharmacy, called Raeapteek. This pharmacy, dating back to around 1422, still functions as a pharmacy while also featuring a small museum that showcases the history of medicine and pharmacology, offering visitors a glimpse into Tallinn’s rich medical heritage.

13. The city of Tallinn, Estonia offers free public transport for locals

The city of Tallinn offers free access to the capital city’s public transport network. This benefit for residents was introduced in 2013 and aims to promote the use of public transportation, reduce traffic congestion, and lower emissions.

Unfortunately for you, visitors to Tallinn do not share this privilege, but the city’s extensive public transportation system is cheap and easy to navigate.

A cozy cobblestone street in Tallinn’s Old Town. Not only does the city have great transportation, but it is also highly walkable.

14. Wife-carrying is a big sport in Estonia

Wife-carrying is a sport where male participants race while carrying a female partner. Known as naisekandmine in Estonian, wife-carrying was first introduced in 1992 in Finland. The goal of wife-carrying is for the male to run through an obstacle course while carrying his partner in the shortest time possible.

There are different carrying styles to choose from:

1. The piggyback. You can picture this one.
2. The fireman’s carry: where the wife is draped over the shoulder
3. The Estonian style: where the partner is carried upside down on the back, with her legs draped over the neck and shoulders

Maybe I can convince my husband to train for the next world championship! Ok, to be clear though, wife carrying is still a niche sport. Estonia celebrated most of its Olympic medals in wrestling, weightlifting, and cross-country skiing.

Ready to learn more about travel programs to Estonia? Schedule a call with our team today to get started on a student or group travel program.