Estonia
Brianna Phelps
Task 1: Heading
You can expect to read about Estonia's culture, geography, government, and much more in this SMORE. There are many interesting things about Estonia that you might not have expected.
Task 2: Geograhy and Travel
Estonia is located in Eastern Europe between Latvia and Russia. Its 5 major cities include Tallinn, the capital, Tartu, Narva, Kohtla- Jarve, and Parnu. The climate tends to be moderate in the Winter and cool in the Summers. The average temperature is 18 degrees C. Throughout January and February, the temperatures are cool. They begin to increase in March all the way through August, (when they decrease.) The smartest transportation route would be by boat or plane. In the world map below, you will see that water separates Estonia and the U.S.
Task 3: Government/ Foreign Policy
Estonia's limited government is a Parliamentary Republic, lead by Prime Minister Taavi Roivas. The law-making body is the Legislative Branch including 101 members. Estonia is a member of the NATO as of 2004, and it's a member of the United Nations as of 1991. As far as human rights go, Estonian individuals are guaranteed basic human rights under the constitution. However, there are some rights issues including police using force and child abuse.
Task 4: Economy
Estonia's currency is the Euro. 1 Euro= $1.38 in the United States. Estonia's main imports include Telephones, Petroleum, Cars, Insulated Wire, and Scrap Iron, which are mainly imported from Sweden, Russia, Finland, United States, and Latvia. The main exports are machinery, electrical equipment, wood, metals, and furniture. Their GDP per Capita is 22,400 USD, which is ranked 66th in the would. Compared to the United States, I have concluded that Estonia is a wealthy country by analyzing the GDP per capita and conversation rate.
Task 5: Social and Ethnic Groups
The 3 main ethnic groups of Estonia include 69% Estonian, 26% Russian, and 2%Ukrainian. Estonia's education system is based off 4 levels; they are preschool, basic, secondary, and higher. Currently, there are 589 schools. Children begin their basic educational system in 1st grade at the age of 7. All children from ages 7- 17 must attend school. The literacy rate for both males and females is 99.8%, Estonia has a very productive educational system.
Task 6: Religion, Language, and Country Flag
Only 14% of Estonia's population is religious. Of that 14% the most common religions are Orthodox Christian and Lutheran Christian. The most spoken (and official) language is Estonian. The other minority languages include Russian, German, and Swedish. On the Estonian flag, blue represents ancient freedom, black symbolizes lost independence, and white represents a promise of a bright future.
Task 7: Taditional Holidays/Festivals, Clothing, and Food
One traditional holiday of Estonia is Epiphany which takes place on January 6th. Epiphany marks the end of the Christmas season. During this time, Estonians dress in formal clothes often having bright colors.
Traditional clothing in Estonia was made of wool or linen fabric. Married women wore wore aprons, but with men, clothing did not differ when married or not. Some traditional Estonian foods include Blood Sausage, sült, and Vanaema'd cook.
Traditional clothing in Estonia was made of wool or linen fabric. Married women wore wore aprons, but with men, clothing did not differ when married or not. Some traditional Estonian foods include Blood Sausage, sült, and Vanaema'd cook.
Christmas Tree
Tradititional Epiphany Clothing
Epiphany Feast
Modern Clothing
Modern Children Clothing
Traditional Estonian Clothing
Estonian Barley Skillet Bread
INGREDIENTS
4 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
1-1/2 cups barley flour
1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1/3 cup whole-wheat flour
2 tbsp. packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. caraway seeds (optional)
1 lg. egg, beaten
1 cup buttermilk
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Brush an 8 or 9 inch cast-iron skillet with 2 tablespoons of the butter.Sift the dry ingredients and caraway seeds (if using) together in a large bowl.
Whisk together the egg, buttermilk, and vegetable oil. Add the dry ingredients and mix until blended. Do not overmix. You will have something between batter and dough.
Spoon the mixture into the skillet and smooth top with a rubber spatula. Drizzle the remaining butter over the top.
Bake until golden brown and a cake tester comes out clean, 50 minutes. Serve slightly warm.