Land
and Resources
Estonia is
a low-lying plain with numerous streams and lakes. The average elevation
is about 50 m (about 165 ft), with the highest point in the republic reaching
only 318 m (about 1043 ft). Wetlands cover more than 20 percent of the
country's territory. Lakes and reservoirs cover an additional 5 percent,
with the two largest lakes, Lake Peipus on the eastern border and Võrtsjärv
in the south central part of the country, accounting for nearly four fifths
of the total lake surface area. The climate is moderated by marine influences,
although more continental conditions exist in inland portions of the republic.
Precipitation is moderate, with mean annual rainfall ranging from 500 to
700 mm (19.5 to 27.3 in). Elongated hills arrayed from north to south are
evidence of former glaciation, as are the glacial boulders found in the
south and southeast. The mainland has a coastline about 1160 km (about
720 mi) long. About one fourth of the land is forested, mainly with pine,
birch, aspen, and fir. Elk, deer, and wild boar are common wildlife. Several
species have been protected by legislation because of their small numbers,
including the beaver, red deer, and willow grouse.
Population
The population
of Estonia, estimated at 1,571,000 in 1995, is the smallest of any republic
of the former USSR. About 62 percent of the people are Estonians. They
are ethnically and linguistically close to the Finns, speaking a Finno-Ugric
language. Russians are the largest minority with 30 percent of the total
population. Other minorities include Ukrainians, Belorussians, Finns, Jews,
and Latvians. Before Soviet annexation in 1940, Russians comprised only
8.5 percent of the total population. They arrived in Estonia during the
period of large-scale industrialization after World War II (1939-1945).
Russian employment is confined largely to the industrial sector in Estonia.
Lutheranism is the traditional Estonian religion. Other forms of Christianity
are also practiced in the country.
In 1992 laws
were passed that greatly restricted Estonian citizenship. According to
the laws, which are based on a 1939 law, all residents who lived in Estonia
before 1940 and their descendants are automatically granted citizenship,
regardless of ethnicity. Other inhabitants are required to meet a residency
requirement and pass a proficiency exam in Estonian, although language
restrictions may be waived for the aged and disabled. In 1995 the residency
requirement was extended from two years to five years.
Estonia is
highly urbanized. About 72 percent of the population lives in urban areas,
with nearly one third of the total population residing in Tallinn. Other
important cities include Tartu and Pärnu. Russians reside in urban
areas, especially in the east. Narva, a city in the northeastern corner
of the country, is inhabited almost exclusively by Russians.
Economy
In 1994 Estonia
had an estimated gross domestic product (GDP) of $4.6 billion. Industry
accounted for more than one third of both GDP and total employment in 1993.
Engineering and metalworking are the chief industries, followed in importance
by oil shale mining. The shale processing industry produces artificial
gas and chemicals; oil shale is also used to generate electricity. Other
manufactures include cement, textiles (cotton, linen, and wool), automobile
components, and leather goods. Forestry provides material for the paper,
lumber, plywood, and furniture industries.
Industrial
output is highly dependent on a small number of large-scale enterprises,
most of which are located in the north. One fifth of all factories accounted
for two thirds of total industrial production until 1992. That year the
disruption of trade ties with the former Soviet republics resulted in a
30 percent decline in Estonia's industrial production. Smuggling and reselling
underpriced raw materials from Russia has become widespread. Agriculture
and forestry together account for 10 percent of total GDP and about one
eighth of total employment. Livestock raising and dairy farming are the
chief agricultural activities. Oats, potatoes, and flax are the leading
crops. Estonia's service sector provides more than half of its GDP. Western
tourism and investment have prompted dramatic growth in services since
1992.
In the early
1990s Estonian economic independence was challenged by energy price demands
from Russia. Estonia relies on Russia to fill about half of its energy
needs, a smaller proportion than either of the two other Baltic states,
Latvia and Lithuania. Nevertheless, the Estonian economy suffered greatly
from Russian demands that fossil fuel shipments be paid for at world prices,
and several large factories in Estonia were forced to close because of
fuel shortages. Estonia followed Russia's example and required hard currency
payment on electricity deliveries to Latvia and Lithuania beginning in
1992.
In 1992 Estonia
became the first former Soviet republic to issue its own currency, the
kroon (EEK) (8 EEK equal 1 DEM). In 1992 Estonia became a member of the
International Monetary Fund (IMF), the International Bank for Reconstruction
and Development (World Bank), and the European Bank for Reconstruction
and Development (EBRD). Estonia became an associate member of the European
Union (EU) in mid 1995.
Government
The present
republic of Estonia is a legal successor to the independent republic of
the same name that existed from 1918 to 1940. A new constitution, approved
by referendum in 1992, allows for a unicameral national legislative body,
the Riigikogu. The 101 members of the Riigikogu
are elected by direct popular vote to four-year terms. The head of state,
the president, is elected by parliament and is granted limited executive
authority. The country is not a member of the Commonwealth of Independent
States (CIS), which is comprised of most of the other former Soviet republics.