Estonia

Welcome to Estonia!

Estonia is a beautiful country in Northern Europe. It lies between the Gulf of Finland and the Baltic Sea. To the south, you can find Latvia, and to the east, there is Russia. Estonia is not very big, but it is full of interesting places and people.

Land and Nature

Estonia has a lot of forests, lakes, and rivers. The land is mostly flat, making it great for walking and exploring. One of the highest points is Suur Munamägi, a hill that stands tall at 318 meters. Estonia is also home to many animals, including wolves and birds. The barn swallow is the national bird, and you might see it flying around during spring and summer.

Cities and Towns

The capital city, Tallinn, is very old and beautiful. It has many historic buildings and a lively culture. Another important city is Tartu, known for its universities and friendly people. Estonia has many smaller towns and villages, each with its own charm. Here are some of the largest cities:

Rank	Name	County	Pop.	Rank	Name	County	Pop.
1	[Tallinn](/wiki/Tallinn)	[Harju](/wiki/Harju_County)	456,518	11	[Võru](/wiki/Võru)	Võru	12,024
2	[Tartu](/wiki/Tartu)	Tartu	97,304	12	[Valga](/wiki/Valga,_Estonia)	Valga	11,999
3	[Narva](/wiki/Narva)	[Ida-Viru](/wiki/Ida-Viru_County)	52,495	13	[Keila](/wiki/Keila)	[Harju](/wiki/Harju_County)	11,024
4	[Pärnu](/wiki/Pärnu)	Pärnu	41,529	14	[Jõhvi](/wiki/Jõhvi)	[Ida-Viru](/wiki/Ida-Viru_County)	10,720
5	[Kohtla-Järve](/wiki/Kohtla-Järve)	[Ida-Viru](/wiki/Ida-Viru_County)	32,839	15	[Haapsalu](/wiki/Haapsalu)	[Lääne](/wiki/Lääne_County)	9,499
6	[Viljandi](/wiki/Viljandi)	Viljandi	17,157	16	[Paide](/wiki/Paide)	[Järva](/wiki/Järva_County)	7,936
7	[Maardu](/wiki/Maardu)	[Harju](/wiki/Harju_County)	16,857	17	[Saue](/wiki/Saue)	[Harju](/wiki/Harju_County)	6,217
8	[Rakvere](/wiki/Rakvere)	[Lääne-Viru](/wiki/Lääne-Viru_County)	15,668	18	[Elva](/wiki/Elva,_Estonia)	Tartu	5,622
9	[Kuressaare](/wiki/Kuressaare)	[Saare](/wiki/Saare_County)	12,989	19	[Tapa](/wiki/Tapa,_Estonia)	[Lääne-Viru](/wiki/Lääne-Viru_County)	5,481
10	[Sillamäe](/wiki/Sillamäe)	[Ida-Viru](/wiki/Ida-Viru_County)	12,153	20	[Põlva](/wiki/Põlva)	Põlva	5,392

Fun Traditions

Estonians love music and dancing. Every five years, they hold the Estonian Song Festival in Tallinn, where thousands of people sing together. They also enjoy many holidays, like National Day on February 24, which celebrates freedom. Another fun time is Midsummer Day on June 24, when families gather for bonfires and dancing.

Estonians also enjoy spending time in saunas. These special rooms are very hot and are used for relaxation. One unique type is the smoke sauna, found in Võru County, and it is recognized by UNESCO for its special traditions.

Tasty Food

Estonian food uses many local ingredients. You can try rye bread, which is a staple in meals. Fish like Baltic herring and sprat are popular, especially with bread and potatoes. Other common foods include pork, dairy products, and vegetables. Traditional drinks include beer, fruit wines, and vodka.

Estonia is a wonderful place with friendly people, beautiful landscapes, and rich traditions. Whether you are interested in history, nature, or food, there is always something exciting to discover!