Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Estonia
Eesti Vabariik
CapitalTallinn
Population1,366,475
GDP$47.0bn
Area45,335 km²
RegionEurope & Central Asia
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:10 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
After centuries of Danish, Swedish, German, and Russian rule, Estonia attained independence in 1918. Forcibly incorporated into the USSR in 1940 -- an action never recognized by the US and many other countries -- it regained its freedom in 1991 with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Since the last Russian troops left in 1994, Estonia has been free to promote economic and political ties with the West. It joined both NATO and the EU in 2004, formally joined the OECD in 2010, and adopted the euro as its official currency in 2011.
Reference: 2011, 2010, 2004, 1994Geography
Location
Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Finland, between Latvia and Russia
Map references
Europe
Area
total: 45,228 sq km
land: 42,388 sq km
water: 2,840 sq km
note: note: includes 1,520 islands in the Baltic Sea
land: 42,388 sq km
water: 2,840 sq km
note: note: includes 1,520 islands in the Baltic Sea
Area - comparative
about twice the size of New Jersey
Land boundaries
total: 657 km
border countries: Latvia 333 km; Russia 324 km
border countries: Latvia 333 km; Russia 324 km
Coastline
3,794 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: limits as agreed to by Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Sweden, and Russia
exclusive economic zone: limits as agreed to by Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Sweden, and Russia
Climate
maritime; wet, moderate winters, cool summers
Terrain
marshy, lowlands; flat in the north, hilly in the south
Elevation
highest point: Suur Munamagi 318 m
lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m
mean elevation: 61 m
lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m
mean elevation: 61 m
Natural resources
oil shale, peat, rare earth elements, phosphorite, clay, limestone, sand, dolomite, arable land, sea mud
Land use
agricultural land: 23.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 16.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 6.4% (2023 est.)
forest: 57.2% (2023 est.)
other: 19.6% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 16.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 6.4% (2023 est.)
forest: 57.2% (2023 est.)
other: 19.6% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
20 sq km (2016)
Reference: 2016Major lakes (area sq km)
fresh water lake(s): Lake Peipus - 4,300 sq km (shared with Russia); Lake Võrtsjärv - 270 sq km
Population distribution
a fairly even distribution throughout most of the country, with urban areas attracting larger and denser populations
Natural hazards
sometimes flooding occurs in the spring
Geography - note
the mainland terrain is flat, boggy, and partly wooded; over 1,500 islands lie offshore
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Estonian(s)
adjective: Estonian
adjective: Estonian
Ethnic groups
Estonian 69.1%, Russian 23.7%, Ukrainian 2.1%, other 4.6%, unspecified 0.5% (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Languages
Estonian (official) 67.2%, Russian 28.5%, other 3.7%, unspecified 0.6% (2021est.)
Religions
Orthodox 16.5%, Protestant 9.2% (Lutheran 7.7%, other Protestant 1.5%), other 3% (includes Roman Catholic, Muslim, Jehovah's Witness, Pentecostal, Buddhist, and Taara Believer), none 58.4%, unspecified 12.9% (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Age structure
0-14 years: 15.2% (male 92,980/female 88,753)
15-64 years: 62.2% (male 373,989/female 368,113)
65 years and over: 22.6% (2024 est.) (male 96,110/female 173,846)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 62.2% (male 373,989/female 368,113)
65 years and over: 22.6% (2024 est.) (male 96,110/female 173,846)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 57.6 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 25.4 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 32.2 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 3.1 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 25.4 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 32.2 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 3.1 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 45 years (2024 est.)
male: 41.9 years
female: 48.2 years
Reference: 2024male: 41.9 years
female: 48.2 years
Population growth rate
-0.76% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
8.2 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
13.2 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
a fairly even distribution throughout most of the country, with urban areas attracting larger and denser populations
Major urban areas - population
454,000 TALLINN (capital) (2023)
Reference: 2023Sex ratio
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.55 male(s)/female
total population: 0.89 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.55 male(s)/female
total population: 0.89 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
28.2 years (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Maternal mortality ratio
5 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
0.79 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 100% of population (2022 est.) NA
improved: total: total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0% of population (2022 est.) NA
unimproved: total: total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 100% of population (2022 est.) NA
improved: total: total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0% of population (2022 est.) NA
unimproved: total: total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 6.9% of GDP (2022)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 13.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 13.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
3.47 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Reference: 2022Hospital bed density
4.5 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 99.7% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 99.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0.2% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 99.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0.2% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
21.2% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 11.65 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 4 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 1.92 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 4.6 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 1.13 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 4 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 1.92 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 4.6 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 1.13 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 23.7% (2025 est.)
male: 29.9% (2025 est.)
female: 18.3% (2025 est.)
male: 29.9% (2025 est.)
female: 18.3% (2025 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
52.3% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 16 years (2023 est.)
male: 15 years (2023 est.)
female: 16 years (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023male: 15 years (2023 est.)
female: 16 years (2023 est.)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 42,439 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 63,944 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024stateless persons: 63,944 (2024 est.)
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of government | Kristen Michal | — | 2024-07-23 | Current | Reported |
| Head of state | Alar Karis | — | 2021-10-11 | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: Republic of Estonia
conventional short form: Estonia
local long form: Eesti Vabariik
local short form: Eesti
former: Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic (while occupied by the USSR)
etymology: derives from the name of the people who lived along the eastern Baltic Sea in the first centuries A.D., which came from the Baltic word aueist, meaning "waterside dwellers"
conventional short form: Estonia
local long form: Eesti Vabariik
local short form: Eesti
former: Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic (while occupied by the USSR)
etymology: derives from the name of the people who lived along the eastern Baltic Sea in the first centuries A.D., which came from the Baltic word aueist, meaning "waterside dwellers"
Capital
name: Tallinn
geographic coordinates: 59 26 N, 24 43 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
etymology: the name derives from the Old Estonian term tan-linn, meaning "Danish fort," a reference to Danish King VALDEMAR II founding the city in 1219
geographic coordinates: 59 26 N, 24 43 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
etymology: the name derives from the Old Estonian term tan-linn, meaning "Danish fort," a reference to Danish King VALDEMAR II founding the city in 1219
Administrative divisions
15 urban municipalities (linnad, singular - linn), 64 rural municipalities (vallad, singular - vald)
urban municipalities: Haapsalu, Keila, Kohtla-Jarve, Loksa, Maardu, Narva, Narva-Joesuu, Paide, Parnu, Rakvere, Sillamae, Tallinn, Tartu, Viljandi, Voru
rural municipalities: Alutaguse, Anija, Antsla, Elva, Haademeeste, Haljala, Harku, Hiiumaa, Jarva, Joelahtme, Jogeva, Johvi, Kadrina, Kambja, Kanepi, Kastre, Kehtna, Kihnu, Kiili, Kohila, Kose, Kuusalu, Laane-Harju, Laane-Nigula, Laaneranna, Luganuse, Luunja, Marjamaa, Muhu, Mulgi, Mustvee, Noo, Otepaa, Peipsiaare, Pohja-Parnumaa, Pohja-Sakala, Poltsamaa, Polva, Raasiku, Rae, Rakvere, Räpina, Rapla, Rouge, Ruhnu, Saarde, Saaremaa, Saku, Saue, Setomaa, Tapa, Tartu, Toila, Tori, Torva, Turi, Vaike-Maarja, Valga, Viimsi, Viljandi, Vinni, Viru-Nigula, Vormsi, Voru
urban municipalities: Haapsalu, Keila, Kohtla-Jarve, Loksa, Maardu, Narva, Narva-Joesuu, Paide, Parnu, Rakvere, Sillamae, Tallinn, Tartu, Viljandi, Voru
rural municipalities: Alutaguse, Anija, Antsla, Elva, Haademeeste, Haljala, Harku, Hiiumaa, Jarva, Joelahtme, Jogeva, Johvi, Kadrina, Kambja, Kanepi, Kastre, Kehtna, Kihnu, Kiili, Kohila, Kose, Kuusalu, Laane-Harju, Laane-Nigula, Laaneranna, Luganuse, Luunja, Marjamaa, Muhu, Mulgi, Mustvee, Noo, Otepaa, Peipsiaare, Pohja-Parnumaa, Pohja-Sakala, Poltsamaa, Polva, Raasiku, Rae, Rakvere, Räpina, Rapla, Rouge, Ruhnu, Saarde, Saaremaa, Saku, Saue, Setomaa, Tapa, Tartu, Toila, Tori, Torva, Turi, Vaike-Maarja, Valga, Viimsi, Viljandi, Vinni, Viru-Nigula, Vormsi, Voru
Legal system
civil law system
Constitution
history: several previous; latest adopted 28 June 1992, entered into force 3 July 1992
amendment process: proposed by at least one-fifth of Parliament members or by the president of the republic; passage requires three readings of the proposed amendment and a simple majority vote in two successive memberships of Parliament; passage of amendments to the "General Provisions" and "Amendment of the Constitution" chapters requires at least three-fifths majority vote by Parliament to conduct a referendum and majority vote in a referendum
Reference: 1992amendment process: proposed by at least one-fifth of Parliament members or by the president of the republic; passage requires three readings of the proposed amendment and a simple majority vote in two successive memberships of Parliament; passage of amendments to the "General Provisions" and "Amendment of the Constitution" chapters requires at least three-fifths majority vote by Parliament to conduct a referendum and majority vote in a referendum
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Estonia
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Estonia
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal; age 16 for local elections
Executive branch
chief of state: President Alar KARIS (since 11 October 2021)
head of government: Prime Minister Kristen MICHAL (since 23 July 2024)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
election/appointment process: president indirectly elected by Parliament for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); if a candidate does not secure two thirds of the votes after 3 rounds of balloting, then an electoral college consisting of Parliament members and local council members elects the president, choosing between the 2 candidates with the most votes; if a president is still not elected, the process begins again; prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
most recent election date: 30-31 August 2021
election results: 2021: Alar KARIS (independent) elected president; won second round of voting in parliament with 72 of 101 votes
2016: Kersti KALJULAID elected president; won sixth round of voting in parliament with 81 of 98 votes (17 ballots blank); KALJULAID sworn in on 10 October 2016 - first female head of state of Estonia
expected date of next election: 2026
Reference: 2026, 2024, 2021, 2016head of government: Prime Minister Kristen MICHAL (since 23 July 2024)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
election/appointment process: president indirectly elected by Parliament for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); if a candidate does not secure two thirds of the votes after 3 rounds of balloting, then an electoral college consisting of Parliament members and local council members elects the president, choosing between the 2 candidates with the most votes; if a president is still not elected, the process begins again; prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
most recent election date: 30-31 August 2021
election results: 2021: Alar KARIS (independent) elected president; won second round of voting in parliament with 72 of 101 votes
2016: Kersti KALJULAID elected president; won sixth round of voting in parliament with 81 of 98 votes (17 ballots blank); KALJULAID sworn in on 10 October 2016 - first female head of state of Estonia
expected date of next election: 2026
Legislative branch
legislature name: The Estonian Parliament (Riigikogu)
legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 101 (all directly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 3/5/2023
parties elected and seats per party: Reform Party (37); Conservative People's Party (EKRE) (17); Centre Party (16); Estonia 200 (Eesti 200) (14); Social Democratic Party (9); Pro Patria (Isamaa) (8)
percentage of women in chamber: 28.7%
expected date of next election: March 2027
Reference: 2027, 2023legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 101 (all directly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 3/5/2023
parties elected and seats per party: Reform Party (37); Conservative People's Party (EKRE) (17); Centre Party (16); Estonia 200 (Eesti 200) (14); Social Democratic Party (9); Pro Patria (Isamaa) (8)
percentage of women in chamber: 28.7%
expected date of next election: March 2027
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of 19 justices, including the chief justice, and organized into civil, criminal, administrative, and constitutional review chambers)
judge selection and term of office: the chief justice is proposed by the president of the republic and appointed by the Riigikogu; other justices proposed by the chief justice and appointed by the Riigikogu; justices appointed for life
subordinate courts: circuit (appellate) courts; administrative, county, city, and specialized courts
judge selection and term of office: the chief justice is proposed by the president of the republic and appointed by the Riigikogu; other justices proposed by the chief justice and appointed by the Riigikogu; justices appointed for life
subordinate courts: circuit (appellate) courts; administrative, county, city, and specialized courts
Political parties
Conservative People's Party of Estonia (Konservatiivne Rahvaerakond) or EKRE
Estonia 200 or E200
Estonia Centre Party of (Keskerakond) or EK
Estonian Free Party or VAP
Estonian Freedom Party - Farmers' Assembly or V-PK
Estonian Greens or EER
Estonian Nationalists and Conservatives or ERK
Estonian Reform Party (Reformierakond) or RE
Fatherland or I
Left Alliance or VL
Social Democratic Party or SDE
The Right or PP
TOGETHER organization points to sovereignty or KOOS
Estonia 200 or E200
Estonia Centre Party of (Keskerakond) or EK
Estonian Free Party or VAP
Estonian Freedom Party - Farmers' Assembly or V-PK
Estonian Greens or EER
Estonian Nationalists and Conservatives or ERK
Estonian Reform Party (Reformierakond) or RE
Fatherland or I
Left Alliance or VL
Social Democratic Party or SDE
The Right or PP
TOGETHER organization points to sovereignty or KOOS
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Kristjan PRIKK (since 7 July 2021)
chancery: 2131 Massachusetts Ave, NW
Washington, DC, 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 588-0101
FAX: [1] (202) 588-0108
email address and website: Embassy.Washington@mfa.ee
https://washington.mfa.ee/
consulate(s) general: New York, San Francisco
Reference: 2021chancery: 2131 Massachusetts Ave, NW
Washington, DC, 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 588-0101
FAX: [1] (202) 588-0108
email address and website: Embassy.Washington@mfa.ee
https://washington.mfa.ee/
consulate(s) general: New York, San Francisco
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Matthew E. WALL (since January 2025)
embassy: Kentmanni 20, 15099 Tallinn
mailing address: 4530 Tallinn Place, Washington DC 20521-4530
telephone: [372] 668-8100
FAX: [372] 668-8265
email address and website: acstallinn@state.gov
https://ee.usembassy.gov/
embassy: Kentmanni 20, 15099 Tallinn
mailing address: 4530 Tallinn Place, Washington DC 20521-4530
telephone: [372] 668-8100
FAX: [372] 668-8265
email address and website: acstallinn@state.gov
https://ee.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
Australia Group, BA, BIS, CBSS, CD, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EMU, ESA (cooperating state), EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNTSO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
24 February 1918 (from Soviet Russia); 20 August 1991 (declared from the Soviet Union); 6 September 1991 (recognized by the Soviet Union)
Reference: 1991, 1918National holiday
Independence Day, 24 February (1918)
note: note: 24 February 1918 was the date Estonia declared its independence from Soviet Russia and established its statehood; 20 August 1991 was the date it declared its independence from the Soviet Union and restored its statehood
Reference: 1991, 1918note: note: 24 February 1918 was the date Estonia declared its independence from Soviet Russia and established its statehood; 20 August 1991 was the date it declared its independence from the Soviet Union and restored its statehood
Flag
description: three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), black, and white
meaning: blue stands for faith, loyalty, and devotion, and also the sky, sea, and lakes; black for the country's soil and the Estonian people's past suffering; white for striving for enlightenment and virtue and also for birch bark, snow, and summer nights illuminated by the midnight sun
meaning: blue stands for faith, loyalty, and devotion, and also the sky, sea, and lakes; black for the country's soil and the Estonian people's past suffering; white for striving for enlightenment and virtue and also for birch bark, snow, and summer nights illuminated by the midnight sun
National symbol(s)
barn swallow, cornflower
National color(s)
blue, black, white
National anthem(s)
title: "Mu isamaa, mu onn ja room" (My Native Land, My Pride and Joy)
lyrics/music: Johann Voldemar JANNSEN/Fredrik PACIUS
history: adopted 1920, but banned between 1940 and 1990 under Soviet occupation; unofficially in use since 1869, it has the same melody as Finland's anthem, but with different lyrics
Reference: 1990, 1940, 1920lyrics/music: Johann Voldemar JANNSEN/Fredrik PACIUS
history: adopted 1920, but banned between 1940 and 1990 under Soviet occupation; unofficially in use since 1869, it has the same melody as Finland's anthem, but with different lyrics
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 2 (both cultural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Historic Center (Old Town) of Tallinn; Struve Geodetic Arc
selected World Heritage Site locales: Historic Center (Old Town) of Tallinn; Struve Geodetic Arc
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estonia official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riigikogu | — | 101 | — |
Economy
Economic overview
high-income, service-based EU and eurozone economy; rebound in exports playing a role in economic recovery; rising food prices contributing to inflation; decrease in labor force participation and rising unemployment rate; recovery depends on boosting private investment and productivity rates
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $57.001 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $57.15 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $58.931 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $57.15 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $58.931 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $41,500 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $41,700 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $43,700 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $41,700 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $43,700 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 1.9% (2024 est.)
industry: 20.5% (2024 est.)
services: 65.1% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 20.5% (2024 est.)
services: 65.1% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 52.3% (2023 est.)
government consumption: 20.6% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 27.9% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: -0.2% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 77.9% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -77% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2023government consumption: 20.6% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 27.9% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: -0.2% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 77.9% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -77% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
milk, wheat, barley, rapeseed, peas, oats, potatoes, rye, pork, triticale (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
food, engineering, electronics, wood and wood products, textiles; information technology, telecommunications
Industrial production growth rate
-7% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
756,200 (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 20.9% (2024 est.)
male: 21.9% (2024 est.)
female: 20% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 21.9% (2024 est.)
female: 20% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
22.5% (2022 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2022note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2022: 32.3 (2022 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2022note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Average household expenditures
on food: 19.9% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 6.7% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023on alcohol and tobacco: 6.7% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 2.8% (2022 est.)
highest 10%: 24.4% (2022 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2022highest 10%: 24.4% (2022 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 1.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 1.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 1.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Remittances 2023: 1.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 1.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $15.784 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $16.721 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2023expenditures: $16.721 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2023: 28.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Reference: 2023note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
21.4% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2023note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$489.659 million (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$722.668 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$1.496 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$722.668 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$1.496 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $32.637 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $32.147 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $33.178 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $32.147 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $33.178 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Finland 14%, Latvia 10%, Lithuania 9%, Sweden 7%, Russia 6% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
cars, wood, broadcasting equipment, refined petroleum, prefabricated buildings (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $32.375 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $31.796 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $33.655 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $31.796 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $33.655 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Finland 11%, Germany 11%, China 10%, Lithuania 6%, Poland 6% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
cars, refined petroleum, broadcasting equipment, natural gas, packaged medicine (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $2.075 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $2.593 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $2.217 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $2.593 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $2.217 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: euros (EUR) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 0.924 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 0.925 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 0.95 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 0.845 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 0.876 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 0.924 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 0.925 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 0.95 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 0.845 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 0.876 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$489.659 million (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$722.668 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$1.496 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$722.668 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$1.496 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $32.637 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $32.147 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $33.178 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $32.147 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $33.178 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Finland 14%, Latvia 10%, Lithuania 9%, Sweden 7%, Russia 6% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
cars, wood, broadcasting equipment, refined petroleum, prefabricated buildings (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $32.375 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $31.796 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $33.655 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $31.796 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $33.655 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Finland 11%, Germany 11%, China 10%, Lithuania 6%, Poland 6% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
cars, refined petroleum, broadcasting equipment, natural gas, packaged medicine (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 3.225 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 8.636 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 4.355 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 7.66 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 1.164 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 8.636 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 4.355 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 7.66 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 1.164 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 52.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 9.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 10.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 27.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023solar: 9.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 10.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 27.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
consumption: 800 metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 7,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 800 metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023exports: 7,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 800 metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 24,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 27,000 bbl/day (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023refined petroleum consumption: 27,000 bbl/day (2024 est.)
Natural gas
consumption: 334.748 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
exports: 675.708 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 1.01 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023exports: 675.708 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 1.01 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 73.679 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 238,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 17 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 17 (2023 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
5 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 6.9% of GDP (2022)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 13.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 13.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
3.47 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Reference: 2022Hospital bed density
4.5 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Obesity - adult prevalence rate
21.2% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 23.7% (2025 est.)
male: 29.9% (2025 est.)
female: 18.3% (2025 est.)
male: 29.9% (2025 est.)
female: 18.3% (2025 est.)
Education
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 16 years (2023 est.)
male: 15 years (2023 est.)
female: 16 years (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023male: 15 years (2023 est.)
female: 16 years (2023 est.)
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
civil law system
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of 19 justices, including the chief justice, and organized into civil, criminal, administrative, and constitutional review chambers)
judge selection and term of office: the chief justice is proposed by the president of the republic and appointed by the Riigikogu; other justices proposed by the chief justice and appointed by the Riigikogu; justices appointed for life
subordinate courts: circuit (appellate) courts; administrative, county, city, and specialized courts
judge selection and term of office: the chief justice is proposed by the president of the republic and appointed by the Riigikogu; other justices proposed by the chief justice and appointed by the Riigikogu; justices appointed for life
subordinate courts: circuit (appellate) courts; administrative, county, city, and specialized courts
Military & Security
Military and security forces
Estonian Defense Forces: Land Forces, Navy, Air Force; Estonian Defense League
Ministry of Interior: Police and Border Guard Board, Internal Security Service (2025)
note: note: the Estonian Defense League is a voluntary national defense organization that operates under the Estonian Ministry of Defense
Ministry of Interior: Police and Border Guard Board, Internal Security Service (2025)
note: note: the Estonian Defense League is a voluntary national defense organization that operates under the Estonian Ministry of Defense
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2025: 3.4% of GDP (2025 est.)
Military Expenditures 2024: 3.4% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 2.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 2% of GDP (2021 est.)
Reference: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022Military Expenditures 2024: 3.4% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 2.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 2% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 7,500 active-duty military personnel (2025)
note: note: the Estonian Defense Forces rely largely on reservists who have completed compulsory conscription in the previous 10 years to fill out its active duty and Territorial Defense units during a crisis; there are more than 40,000 trained reservists, and approximately 230,000 Estonians are enrolled in the mobilization registry
note: note: the Estonian Defense Forces rely largely on reservists who have completed compulsory conscription in the previous 10 years to fill out its active duty and Territorial Defense units during a crisis; there are more than 40,000 trained reservists, and approximately 230,000 Estonians are enrolled in the mobilization registry
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the Estonian military has a mix of weapons and equipment from western European suppliers, as well as Israel, South Korea, Turkey, and the US (2024)
Reference: 2024Military service age and obligation
18-27 for compulsory military or governmental service for men; conscript service requirement 8-11 months depending on education; non-commissioned officers, reserve officers, and specialists serve 11 months; women can volunteer, and as of 2018 could serve in any military branch (2025)
note: note 1: conscripts comprise approximately 3,000-3,300 of the Estonian military's active-duty personnel and serve in all branches, except for the Air Force; after conscript service, reservists are called up for training every 5 years; Estonia has had conscription since 1991
note 2: in 2021, women comprised about 10% of the full-time professional military force; the Defense League includes a Women's Voluntary Defense Organization
Reference: 2025, 2021, 2018, 1991note: note 1: conscripts comprise approximately 3,000-3,300 of the Estonian military's active-duty personnel and serve in all branches, except for the Air Force; after conscript service, reservists are called up for training every 5 years; Estonia has had conscription since 1991
note 2: in 2021, women comprised about 10% of the full-time professional military force; the Defense League includes a Women's Voluntary Defense Organization
Military - note
Estonia’s defense policy aims to guarantee the country’s independence and sovereignty, protect its territorial integrity, including waters and airspace, and preserve constitutional order; Estonia’s main defense goals are developing and maintaining a credible deterrent to outside aggression and ensuring the Estonian Defense Forces (EDF) can fulfill their commitments to NATO and interoperate with the armed forces of NATO and EU member states; the EDF’s primary external focus is Russia; since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Estonia has boosted defense spending, sent arms to Ukraine, and sought to boost the EDF’s capabilities in such areas as air defense, artillery, personnel readiness, and surveillance
Estonia has been a member of NATO since 2004, is fully integrated within the NATO structure, and relies on its NATO partners for defense; since 2017, Estonia has hosted a UK-led multinational NATO ground force battlegroup as part of the Alliance’s Enhanced Forward Presence initiative; as the EDF Air Force does not have any combat aircraft, NATO has provided airspace protection for Estonia since 2004 through its Baltic Air Policing mission; NATO member countries that possess air combat capabilities voluntarily contribute to the mission on four-month rotations; NATO fighter aircraft have been hosted at Estonia’s Ämari Air Base since 2014; Estonia also hosts a NATO cyber security center; it cooperates closely with the EU on defense issues through the EU Common Security and Defense Policy and is a member of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force, a pool of high-readiness military forces from 10 Baltic and Scandinavian countries designed to respond to a wide range of contingencies in the North Atlantic, Baltic Sea, and High North regions; Estonia also has close defense ties with its Baltic neighbors and has bilateral military agreements with a number of European countries, as well as Canada and the US (2025)
Reference: 2025, 2022, 2017, 2014Estonia has been a member of NATO since 2004, is fully integrated within the NATO structure, and relies on its NATO partners for defense; since 2017, Estonia has hosted a UK-led multinational NATO ground force battlegroup as part of the Alliance’s Enhanced Forward Presence initiative; as the EDF Air Force does not have any combat aircraft, NATO has provided airspace protection for Estonia since 2004 through its Baltic Air Policing mission; NATO member countries that possess air combat capabilities voluntarily contribute to the mission on four-month rotations; NATO fighter aircraft have been hosted at Estonia’s Ämari Air Base since 2014; Estonia also hosts a NATO cyber security center; it cooperates closely with the EU on defense issues through the EU Common Security and Defense Policy and is a member of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force, a pool of high-readiness military forces from 10 Baltic and Scandinavian countries designed to respond to a wide range of contingencies in the North Atlantic, Baltic Sea, and High North regions; Estonia also has close defense ties with its Baltic neighbors and has bilateral military agreements with a number of European countries, as well as Canada and the US (2025)
International Relations
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Kristjan PRIKK (since 7 July 2021)
chancery: 2131 Massachusetts Ave, NW
Washington, DC, 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 588-0101
FAX: [1] (202) 588-0108
email address and website: Embassy.Washington@mfa.ee
https://washington.mfa.ee/
consulate(s) general: New York, San Francisco
Reference: 2021chancery: 2131 Massachusetts Ave, NW
Washington, DC, 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 588-0101
FAX: [1] (202) 588-0108
email address and website: Embassy.Washington@mfa.ee
https://washington.mfa.ee/
consulate(s) general: New York, San Francisco
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Matthew E. WALL (since January 2025)
embassy: Kentmanni 20, 15099 Tallinn
mailing address: 4530 Tallinn Place, Washington DC 20521-4530
telephone: [372] 668-8100
FAX: [372] 668-8265
email address and website: acstallinn@state.gov
https://ee.usembassy.gov/
embassy: Kentmanni 20, 15099 Tallinn
mailing address: 4530 Tallinn Place, Washington DC 20521-4530
telephone: [372] 668-8100
FAX: [372] 668-8265
email address and website: acstallinn@state.gov
https://ee.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
Australia Group, BA, BIS, CBSS, CD, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EMU, ESA (cooperating state), EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNTSO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) | member | 1991-09-10 |
| European Union (EU) | member | 2004-05-01 |
| NATO (NATO) | member | 2004-03-29 |
| OECD (OECD) | member | — |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1991-09-17 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | 1999-11-13 |
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
International organization participation
Australia Group, BA, BIS, CBSS, CD, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EMU, ESA (cooperating state), EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNTSO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 42,439 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 63,944 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024stateless persons: 63,944 (2024 est.)
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
ES
Airports
34 (2025)
Heliports
10 (2025)
Railways
total: 1,441 km (2020) 225 km electrified
Reference: 2020Merchant marine
total: 72 (2023)
by type: general cargo 3, oil tanker 3, other 66
Reference: 2023by type: general cargo 3, oil tanker 3, other 66
Ports
total ports: 20 (2024)
large: 4
medium: 1
small: 4
very small: 11
ports with oil terminals: 5
key ports: Muuga - Port of Tallin, Paldiski Lounasadam, Paljassaare, Sillamae, Vanasadam - Port of Tallinn
Reference: 2024large: 4
medium: 1
small: 4
very small: 11
ports with oil terminals: 5
key ports: Muuga - Port of Tallin, Paldiski Lounasadam, Paljassaare, Sillamae, Vanasadam - Port of Tallinn
Environment
Environmental issues
air pollution from sulfur dioxide from oil-shale-burning power plants; coastal seawater pollution
International environmental agreements
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Reference: 2006signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Climate
maritime; wet, moderate winters, cool summers
Land use
agricultural land: 23.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 16.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 6.4% (2023 est.)
forest: 57.2% (2023 est.)
other: 19.6% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 16.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 6.4% (2023 est.)
forest: 57.2% (2023 est.)
other: 19.6% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 69.8% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: -0.03% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: -0.03% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 4.607 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: -19,814 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 3.977 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 649,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: -19,814 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 3.977 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 649,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
6.6 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Methane emissions
energy: 11.9 kt (2022-2024 est.)
agriculture: 27.3 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 23.7 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 2.2 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022, 2021, 2019agriculture: 27.3 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 23.7 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 2.2 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 489,500 tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 39.1% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 39.1% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 64.998 million cubic meters (2022)
industrial: 1.135 billion cubic meters (2022)
agricultural: 5 million cubic meters (2022)
Reference: 2022industrial: 1.135 billion cubic meters (2022)
agricultural: 5 million cubic meters (2022)
Total renewable water resources
12.806 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 238,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 17 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 17 (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
the publicly owned broadcaster, Eesti Rahvusringhaaling (ERR), operates 3 TV channels and 5 radio networks; growing number of private commercial radio stations broadcasting nationally, regionally, and locally; fully transitioned to digital television in 2010; national private TV channels expanding service, with a range of channels aimed at Russian-speaking viewers; in 2016, there were 42 on-demand services available in Estonia, including 19 pay TVOD and SVOD services; roughly 85% of households accessed digital television services
Reference: 2016, 2010Internet country code
.ee
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1,315,790 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 1,317,384 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 1,321,977 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 1,326,898 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 1,329,522 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 1,330,932 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 1,348,840 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 1,370,286 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 1,372,341 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 1,366,475 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $24,561,027,788 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $27,469,461,919 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $31,222,632,741 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $31,873,748,770 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $31,820,771,494 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $37,201,101,171 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $38,226,641,740 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $41,470,344,395 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $43,130,419,829 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $47,030,833,799 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 199,277 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 203,046 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 106,726 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 108,115 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 111,603 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 115,845 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 116,903 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 128,194 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 123,628 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 124,216 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1,081 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 5,202 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 7,089 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 5,386 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 3,694 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 7,043 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 39,754 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 5,717 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | -7,742 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | -13,350 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,366,475 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 1,331,062 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 1,369,995 | 2025 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 203,046 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 14.9% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 124,216 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | -13,350 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees hosted | 331 | 2019 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Asylum seekers hosted | 33 | 2019 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 86 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 52 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.969 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | 3.201 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | 3.028 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 2.898 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 2.563 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 2.479 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | 2.569 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | Yes Legal since 1992, legal 1935-1940, never criminalised between women; equal age of consent since 2002; + UN decl. sign. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | Yes Cohabitation agreement since 2016 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | Yes Legal since 2024 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | Yes Stepchild adoption since 2016; joint adoption since 2024 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | Yes Includes transgender people | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | Yes Gender reassignment legal; surgery not required | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $47,030,833,799 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $34,418 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 0.6% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 4.8% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 8.3% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | High income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 79.3 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 1.2 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 70.7% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 92.2% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 78.4% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 77.4% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 155.8% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 99.9% | 2011 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 108.5% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 5.2% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 100.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 5,298 kWh/person | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 38.0% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 7.8% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 1.5 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 57.1% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 151.1 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 35.4 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 139,022 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 59.4392° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | 24.7586° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 59.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | 26.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC+02:00 | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | parliamentary republic | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- Source: Eurostat (dataset/datacode: demo_pjan) Accessed September 19, 2026. Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics Database. Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 4.0 except where a dataset identifies a different source or licence. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:05:15