Estonia: The Land of Singing, Saunas and Secret KGB Agents

Welcome to Estonia, the teeny-tiny Northern European country that’s not quite Nordic, not quite Baltic, but definitely quirky.

Geography

Estonia’s like that shy kid in school who doesn’t really stand out in a crowd. It’s flat, wooded, and has a peaceful coastline. But don’t be fooled by its unassuming countryside, Estonia’s still got plenty of surprises up its sleeve.

History

First things first, Estonia isn’t Russian. So if you’re planning on having a heated argument with an Estonian about their country’s history, just don’t. Estonia has a rich and varied history that it’s proud of, but it also knows how to have some fun. Like that time a bunch of Estonians got together and formed a human chain across the country to protest against Soviet rule in 1989. Or when they kicked out the KGB and sent them packing back to Russia with their tails between their legs.

Culture

Estonians are a stoic bunch with a taste for the deliciously weird. If you ever find yourself at a dinner party with Estonians, don’t be surprised if they start singing songs about forests and fables, and then invite you to jump into a sauna with them, followed by a dip in an ice-cold lake. But, if you really want to understand Estonia’s quirky culture, you need to check out the Estonian Museum of Occupations. It’s a tongue-in-cheek museum that’ll take you on a journey through the various historical occupations that Estonia’s endured, including Nazi, Soviet and Swedish rule.

Economy

Estonia’s got a thriving start-up scene, and it’s been named as the most digitally advanced society in Europe. But, it’s also a country that’s got a thing for tinned fish. Seriously, you’ll find aisles and aisles of tinned fish in every Estonian grocery store. It’s like they can’t get enough of the stuff.

Conclusion

In summary, Estonia is a little country that could. It’s had a rocky past, but it’s found a way to turn it into something that’s uniquely Estonian. So if you’re ever in Estonia, be sure to join in on the singing, sauna-ing, and kooky conversations. You won’t regret it.