Estonia
By Rithika D
About Estonia
Geography
Estonia is a very flat low land close to sea level, so its highest peak Manumagi is only 50 meters high. Some of the lakes are called Peipus, and Pskov lakes. The major rivers are Parnu river which is in the western side. Plus the Emojogi river which is in the very East part of Estonia. The major cities are Tallinn, Narva, and Tartu. But Tallinn is the most populated. It is the capital of Estonia. It has many interest points including Kiek de in Kok, a defensive cannon tower. Plus medieval castles. Tallinn houses many cafes and shops. Tallinn is small yet beautiful city.
You can travel there by airplane, and there are many taxis and buses to take you within Estonia. Also since Estonia has access to a lot of water, there are many ports.
Major cities map: http://www.mapsofworld.com/estonia/cities-map.html
Regional Map:
Physical Map:www.bestcountryreports.com
Government
Economy
Estonia's currency is Euros. 1 Euro is equal 1.11 US $. It is the 77th largest economy. Some of the exports are refines petroleum, insulated wire, and large construction vehicle. Some of the imports are refines petroleum, cars, passenger and cargo ships, and telephones.
I would say that Estonia is not as wealthy as the United States, but it does have a good economy in Europe.
Culture
Freedoms between men and women are the same.
Literacy rate:
The literacy rate of Estonia is 99.9. This tells us that they are very serious in their education, and are highly educated.
Ethnic Groups:
The ethnic groups are Estonians with 69.75 %. Then there are Russians with 28.55 %, and then Ukrainians with 1.7 %.
Issues:
They do not have much fighting going on right now, but they do have tension to Soviet Union and Baltic German forces due to previous wars. Plus Russia due to other issues and abductions.
Religions:
54% are non religious, 9.9% Lutheran, unknown 16.55%, and eastern Orthodox is 16.15%.
Language:
The official language is Estonian.
Flag:
The flag was created November 21st, 1918. The blue represents loyalty, and the skies. Black represents the fertile soil, and the oppression. White represents the struggles for freedom, and virtue.
Holidays:
Estonia has a song festival every 5 years in Tallinn. The best choirs get together to sing and entertain over 25,000 people. It is an open-air concert. It is a very emotional time.
Clothing:
Every day wear includes t-shirts and things that we wear but also include things like what you see below this text. Beneath that is what people wear for festivals and holidays.
Cultural Food
Here is a recipe for Estonian soda bread.
200 g ricotta or curd cheese
200ml milk
1 egg
200 ml (115 g) barley flour
100 ml (70 g) plain/all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 Tbsp sugar
2 Tbsp rapeseed or olive oil
Mix the egg, cheese, sugar, and salt in one bowl. In another bowl combine baking soda and the flours,
Mix in the ricotta mixture. Add in the oil and combine. Grease a springform pan (23 x 23) or line with parchment paper.
Spread batter all around
Bake at 200 C for 25-30 mins.
Everyday clothing wear site: www.revaltours.com
Site for festival clothing: http://jaaknilson.photoshelter.com/
Site for recipe: http://www.healthy-life.narod.ru/wor_ek66.htm