By Kevin Russell

By Kevin RussellEstoniaMap of Europe ShowingEstonia

ESTONIAESTONIA

Estonia has land borders with Latvia and Russia. It is separated from Finland by the narrow Gulf of Finland and from Sweden by the Baltic Sea. Estonia has been a member of the European Union since May 1, 2004 and of the NATO since March 29, 2004.Flag & National Anthem

THE FLAG OF ESTONIA REPRESENTS:

Blue: Blue sky above the native land.Black: The soil of the homeland as well as the fate of Estonians for centuries black with worries.White: Hard work, purity, commitment.

National Anthem:

Interesting FactsPopulation: 1,291,170Capital City: Tallinn (379,000)Currency: KroonPrime Minister: Toomas HendrikInternet Users: 760,000Size: 45,227 km2 (Ireland: 70,273 km2)

ESTONIAN KROONEthnicity (Race)Main Ethnic Groups:Estonian 69.7%Russian 25.6%Ukrainian 2.1%Main Religions:Evangelical Lutheran 14%Russian Orthodox 13%Main IndustriesMain Industries In Estonia Are:EngineeringElectronicsTelecommunicationsEstonia also Exports a lot of raw materials:WoodWood ProductsTextiles

Estonian ParliamentThe Estonian Parliament is called the Riigikogu. The Riigikogu has 101 seats. The sessions of the Riigikogu take place in Toompea Castle, Tallinn.

AgricultureThere are almost 250,000 Agriculture Based jobs in Estonia.They Produce Vegetables (Mainly Potatoes), Fish and Dairy Products.

Brief HistoryIn 1346, The Danes sold southern Estonia to the Teutonic Knights of Germany. The Knights used the natives as slaves.In 1526 the Swedes took over the land after a brutal war. This reign only lasted for 195 years until the Russians took over.This oppression lasted until the ending months of WW1, when finally, Estonia gained its Independence. However it was short lived, shortly after WW2 began, the Russian Army took control of Estonia.

A Teutonic KnightEstonia During World War 2At the start of the War, The Soviet paramilitary destruction battalions carried out operations, including looting and killing, based on the tactics of scorched earth proclaimed by Joseph Stalin.After Operation Barbarossa Estonian men were conscripted to the German Infantry. Many Estonian men didnt want to fight for the Nazis because they had destroyed their towns and villages. The Estonian men formed The Finnish 200th Regiment and they fought against the Red Army who had destroyed their country at the start of the war.

An Estonian Soldier in the German InfantryFamous EstoniansMichael Roos is an Estonian-American American football offensive tackle for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League.Markko Mrtin is a rally driver from Estonia, who competed in the World Rally Championship from 2000 until 2005.

Markko MrtinMichael Roos12Sport In EstoniaFootball is one of the most popular sports in Estonia. Estonia advanced to the 2012 UEFA European Football Championship qualifying play-offs against the Republic of Ireland.Jaan Kirsipuu has been the best Estonian road bicycle racer. He has won 4 Tour de France stages and 1 Vuelta a Espaa stage. Jaan Kirsipuu also wore the yellow jersey for six days in the 1999 Tour de France.

Tname(Thank You)