Here are some intriguing trivia facts about Estonia
that showcase its unique charm and diverse identity:
One of Europe’s Greenest Countries
Over half of Estonia’s land area is forested, making it one of Europe’s greenest countries. Wildlife preserves comprise 23% of Estonia. There are national parks, nature reserves, and pristine bogs perfect for hiking and nature lovers. These lush landscapes are not just beautiful—they’re a part of Estonia’s national identity. What’s more, our air is the second-cleanest in Europe!
Land of the Singing Revolution
Estonia regained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 through the peaceful Singing Revolution. During this period, Estonians gathered to sing forbidden national songs and assert their independence, demonstrating the country’s powerful connection to its musical heritage. Estonians are dedicated to preserving their folklore and cultural heritage. Every five years, thousands of singers, dancers, and musicians participate in the National Song and Dance Festival, proudly showcasing centuries-old songs, dances, and colourful traditional clothing. The next festival, the XXVIII Song and XXI Dance Celebration “Iseoma” (“Kinship”), will take place from July 3–6, 2025.
A Nation of Startups
Estonia is sometimes called the “Silicon Valley of Europe” because it has the most startups per capita in Europe. Estonian startups are known for being creative and community-focused, with many companies like Bolt, Wise, and Pipedrive gaining global recognition. Skype was developed by Estonian engineers in 2003, marking Estonia’s role as a tech pioneer. Since then, the country has maintained its reputation as a hub for innovation, even offering e-Residency, a unique digital identity for entrepreneurs worldwide.
Estonian Language
The Estonian language is a member of the Finno-Ugric language family, making it quite unique in Europe. It shares many similarities with Finnish, but they are not mutually intelligible. Approximately 1.1 million people speak Estonian. The majority of speakers—about 900,000—live in Estonia itself, where it is the official language. The rest are part of the Estonian diaspora, with significant communities in Finland, Sweden, the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Estonia celebrates Mother Tongue Day on March 14th, a holiday dedicated to appreciating and promoting the Estonian language.
A Nation of Readers
Estonia has an impressively high literacy rate, and reading is a beloved activity for people of all ages. It has the highest numbers of books per capita in the world! On average, Estonian households own around 218 books, making bookshelves a common feature in most homes. This love for literature reflects the nation’s deep appreciation for reading and storytelling, passed down through generations. 2025 marks 500 years since the first Estonian-language book was published. The Year of the Estonian Book will therefore be celebrated from Estonian Literature Day on January 30th, 2025 through Mother Tongue Day on March 14th, 2026.
