Geographical position

State Republic of Estonia located in the northeastern part of Europe, on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland of the Baltic Sea. Estonia borders With Latvia on south and with Russia on east. On north territory of the country washed Gulf of Finland, on west - Gulf of Riga Baltic Sea.

The territory of Estonia contains more than 1500 islands, which is about 10% territory of the country. The largest islands are: Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, Muhu, Vormen, Naisaar, Aegna, Prangli, Kihnu, Ruhnu, Abruka And Vilsandi.

The country has a predominantly flat terrain. Only in the north and central part of Estonia are there highlands - Pandivere(up to 166 m. on Mount Emumägi). In the south-eastern part of Estonia there is a narrow strip of hilly hills (up to 318 meters per city Suur-Munamägi).

Total area of ​​the country is about 45.2 thousand sq. km. Estonia is the smallest and northernmost of the Baltic states. There are also many rivers in the country, but they are small. Rivers in the north and west flow into the Baltic Sea, rivers flowing in the southeast flow into lakes Vyrtsjärv, Chudskoye And Pskovskoe.

The longest river is Parnu, the length of which is 144 km. This river flows into the Gulf of Riga in the Baltic Sea. The most abundant rivers are Narva(on the border with Russia) and Emajõgi. navigable river is only Emajõgi from Tartu. There are more than 1 thousand moraine lakes.

The largest inland lake Estonia is Vyrtsjärv, whose area is 266 sq. km. The length of the coastline is 3794 km.

Capital of the country is a city Tallinn.

Estonia has moderate, transitional from maritime to continental climate. Along the Baltic coast climate is maritime, far from the sea - closer to temperate continental. Winters there are usually relatively soft, A summer - moderately warm.Average air temperature in January amounts to -4-7 C, in July +15-17 C. Every year in Estonia there is up to 700 mm. precipitation. Most of them occur in the autumn-winter period (the end of summer is also often rainy). The weather is quite changeable due to the influence of sea air masses. Therefore, it can change several times a day, especially in spring and autumn.

Shallow water allows the water in the sea and lakes to warm up quickly enough, it temperature in July reaches +20-24 C. Beach season continues in the country from the beginning of June to the end of August. Best time to visit the country you can call the period from early May to mid September.

Visas, entry rules, customs rules

Citizens of the Russian Federation To enter the country you must obtain Schengen visa.

Deadline for its registration is usually 6 working days.Urgent visa can be issued for 3 working days. But it is issued only when such a need is justified and at the discretion of the consul. For visa processing charged consular fee. Children under 6 years of age are exempt from paying it. In case of visa refusal, the fee is not refunded.

When entering the country at customs may require prove the availability of a sufficient amount of funds at the rate of 870 Estonian kroons (56 euros) per person per day.

No restrictions for the import and export of local or foreign currency. Amount exceeding 10,000 euros subject to mandatory declaration.

Persons over 17 years old duty free may import small quantities of tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, and personal goods into the country.

Without appropriate permission cannot be imported to Estonia medications, drugs and drug-containing drugs, firearms and ammunition, explosives, pornographic materials, plants, flowers, animals and birds. The same applies to haberdashery and souvenir products, which are made from endangered species of plants and animals.

To the territory of the European Union countries from May 1, 2009 prohibited to import products containing meat or milk. This prohibition does not apply for baby food and special medications that are needed by people suffering from certain chronic diseases. At the same time, they must be carefully packaged, and their weight should not exceed 2 kilograms.

Plants, animals and plant products must be presented quarantine officials. Pets must have a certificate of vaccinations, as well as a medical certificate, which was issued no earlier than 10 days before departure.

Export prohibited from Estonia objects and things that are of historical or artistic value. It is also prohibited to export precious metals, diamonds and other jewelry stones. The ban does not apply to personal jewelry. Duty-free export allowed goods worth up to Estonian kroons 5,000.

Population, political status

The country's population is about 1.5 million people. By ethnic composition The country's population is divided into: Estonians(62% , belong to the Finno-Ugric group), Russians (30% ), Ukrainians (3% ), Belarusians (1,5% ), Finns(1% ) and etc.

Politically, Estonia is parliamentary republic. Head of State is the president, who is elected by members of parliament for a 5-year term. He can be elected for no more than two consecutive terms. The President is elected by secret ballot. Each member of parliament has one vote. Legislature - State Assembly (Riigikogu) is a unicameral parliament consisting of 101 deputies elected by a proportional system. Parliament is elected for 4 years.

The powers of the country's president are significantly limited. The government is headed Prime Minister, it becomes the leader of the party that wins the parliamentary elections, or the leader of the parliamentary coalition. The Cabinet of Ministers is approved by the President.

Administratively, the country's territory is divided into 15 counties(Maakondov), headed by district elders. Status of cities in the country have 47 settlements.

State language is Estonian. Widely spread Also Russian language.

What to see

Tallinn, the capital of the country, is located in the region of Northern Estonia. He is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe. In written sources, this settlement of the ancient Estonians was first mentioned in 1154 year.

Old city consists of located on a hill Toompea ancient Vyshgorod and the Lower City located southeast of it. Vyshgorod Castle was founded by the crusaders in XIII century. After that it was rebuilt many times. Today it has several main attractions. Gothic Toomkirk Dome Cathedral was built during the period from XIII-XV centuries It has a massive baroque tower. Also interesting are the three corner towers of the fortress, which include the famous Pikk Hermann ("Long Herman", XIV-XV centuries).

Here you can see old houses with red tiled roofs and many weather vanes, which create a unique flavor of the old part of the city.

Lower city refers to the period XIV-XVI centuries During the Middle Ages it was also surrounded by city defenses. To this day, only numerous fragments of walls and 18 towers There used to be towers here 27 . In the most famous tower - Pax Margarete ("Fat Margarita") is open exposition of the Maritime Museum. In the tower Kiik in de Kek ("Look into the kitchen") you can visit museum of ancient weapons.The highest is Küster Tower. Adjacent to Pax Margaretha Arch of the Great Sea Gate. Street Pikk Yalg ("Long leg") is, the oldest street in the city. Famous houses are located on it" Three sisters", which pressed closely together. They were built in XV century.

One of the main attractions cities can be called Raekoja Square (Town Hall) with the City Hall. There is another one on it the symbol of the city- famous Vana Toomas weather vane (Old Thomas).

On Town Hall Square you can see metal circle, which symbolizes the center of Tallinn. Here is also the oldest pharmacy in Europe. Tourists are advised to visit complex of buildings of the Great Guild, related to XV century, Katarina Crafts Street, House of the Brotherhood of Blackheads, "street-stairs" Luhike Jalg ("Short Leg").

On the shore of the Gulf of Finland in 1902 it was installed monument to the sailors of the battleship "Mermaid". Worthy of attention and Viru Gate on the street of the same name with dozens of interesting shops.

There are a lot of churches in the capital of Estonia. Gothic Oleviste Church is the highest in the city and one of the highest in Europe. It is famous for its unique Gothic choirs.

Pühavaimu Church (Holy Spirit, XIV c.) is interesting for its magnificent for hours And " hanging pulpit"Also worthy of attention is the beautiful Alexander Nevsky Church And Church of the Kazan Mother of God.

Worth a visit and Kadriorg palace and park complex, which Peter I built for his wife. Here, not far from the famous Singing Field, there is also Peter the Great Museum. Nowadays, the residence of the President of Estonia is located here. Chamber concerts and fine art exhibitions are regularly held in the palace halls.

In Tallinn there are more than 20 museums: Work basement,Museum of Applied Arts, Kiik in de Kek, Museum of Nature, Maritime Museum, Tallinn City Museum, State Historical Museum, Estonian Art Museum etc.

The most famous theaters cities are: Russian Drama Theater, Estonian Drama Theater,Opera and Ballet Theatre"Estonia", Gorrhall, City Theater, Old Town Studio, Puppet show And Theater Von Krali.

Located next to the coastal highway venue for numerous exhibitions - "Floral" And " Blue"pavilions. Nearby are Olimpic village, first class yacht club of the Sailing Center and cozy beach in Pirita. In a green area on the outskirts of the city you can visit Tallinn Zoo, amusement parks V Kadriorge And Rocca al Mare Tivoli. You can go on a picturesque Lake Ülemiste.

Worth to visit the smallest castle in the Baltics - Kiyu Tower (1517 g.), and also Muga dacha district. 33 km. southeast of Tallinn is the only one in the Baltics 18 hole golf course.

City Narva located 210 km. east of Tallinn. It was heavily damaged during the Second World War, but managed to preserve its main attractions. Numerous tourists come here to see the medieval Narva Castle, Baroque Town Hall, urban fortifications, Orthodox Resurrection Cathedral. Also worthy of attention complex of buildings of the famous Krenholm manufactory, old streets and houses, Narva Museum in the fortress. Along the Narva road - Narva-Joesuu can see monument, which was created in memory of the soldiers who died in 1944 year during the liberation of the country.

North of Narva, in a pine forest on the shores of the Gulf of Finland, lies a small resort Narva-Joesuu. A special healing microclimate here is created by pine forests on dry sand dunes and fresh sea air. There is also source of healing mineral water "Auga". The wide sea beach with fine white sand stretches for 13 km.

Around, on the historical lands of the province of Virumaa, you can visit attractions such as: observation tower And memorial cross in Sinimäe, Fire Museum in Toila,Purtse fortress, Pühajõe Church, Nautical school And museum in Käsmu.

You can enjoy beautiful nature in Oru Landscape Park. The highest waterfall Estonia is Valaste (Isenheim). Its height is 25 meters.

Kirkkula Cross Was installed in honor of the Russian prince Roslandin, who died during the Russian-Swedish war ( XVI V.).

IN Padaorg you can see a picturesque valley and historical fortifications. Also worth the attention of tourists Toolse Castle, singing sands of the dunes of Smolnitsa. In an ancient town Rakvere worth to visit Wiesenberg Fortress.

IN fortified churches in Väike-Maarja are graves of the Kruzenshtern family And Museum. Pyukhtitsa Convent was built in 1891 year. He is the only operating Orthodox monastery in the country.

Resort towns are located on the northern coast of Lake Peipsi Remnik, Alaiye, Uuskula And Kauksi. Somewhat further west lie the famous resorts I'll call, Kohtla-Jarve, Rutya And Karepa.

West Coast It is a land of distinctive architecture and sandy beaches. Here you can see a large number of old fortifications, ruins of medieval castles, and fortified churches And monasteries. Resorts Parnu And Haapsalu attract many tourists with their healing mud. Numerous small islands included in UNESCO Biosphere Fund.

Saaremaa Island is the second largest island in the Baltic Sea and the largest island in the country. Preserved here wooden windmills, medieval stone churches And old farmsteads.

Kuressaare is the center of the island, it appeared in XIV V. like a castle-fortress, and in the middle XVI V. has already become a major port and trade center. Now this city is widely known for its Bishop's Castle. He is the only fully preserved and largest medieval castle in the Baltic countries. It was almost under construction 100 years and looks very impressive. You can visit the castle Saaremaa Museum And Art gallery.

The museum also deserves the attention of tourists." Mihkli Manor" in Viki village. Definitely worth a visit Viidumäe And Vilsandi nature reserves, limestone Panga cliff, geological Lake Kaali Nature Reserve and picturesque Lake Karujärv. There are many excellent diving spots off the coast of the island.

Hiiumaa Island is a quiet and very colorful place. Its main attraction is considered to be the third oldest lighthouse in the world - Kõpu. It is located 37 km. from the capital of the island - the city Kardla, its height is 104 meters, and it was built in 1500 year.

Nearby you can visit Memorial to the victims of the ferry disaster "Estonia" (1994 G.). This island is also interesting Hiiumaa Museum in Kärdla, one of the most beautiful manor houses in Estonia - Suuremoisa Palace. Ethnographical museum open air Söera to Pühalepa open only in summer.

Hiiumaa Island, Käina Bay, Matsalu Nature Reserve And southeastern islands are some of the best birdwatching sites in Europe.

Tiny Abruka Island with a small nature reserve located 6 km away. from the southern coast of Saaremaa. Fans of ecotourism come here.

South Estonia counts " green heart"countries. There are many forests, hills and lakes. In these places lives Seto people, which has its own original language and culture.

Tartu is the capital of the region and the most important cultural center of the country, as well as the oldest city in the Baltics.

City with 1030 was known as Yuriev, then it was called Dorpat. It was founded in 1632 year by order of the Swedish king Gustav Adolf. The city has preserved ruins of the Cathedral of Peter and Paul (XII-XV centuries), powder magazine. Toomemägi Hill is a popular holiday destination for city residents. Its spurs connect two original bridges - Angels And Damn.

Worthy of attention Town Hall building, Tartu Observatory, St. John's Church(middle XIV in and Botanical Garden. The city has a large number of museums: History Museum of the University of Tartu, Museum of Geology, Estonian Sports Museum, Museum of Art, Museum of Zoology, Art Museum and etc.

More 11% The city's territory is occupied by parks. Picturesque river valley Emyõgi and the adjacent hilly plain provide excellent opportunities for active recreation.

Other popular places in southern Estonia include: Otepää resort center. Otepää Church considered the birthplace of the national flag. Võru with him" Solovyov Valley", Valga With oval church of St. John And Mausoleum of Barclay de Tolly, Põlva With church of 1432 and interesting Peasant Museum.

The country has a large number of secluded palaces, manors and estates, which are historical attractions. Of these, the greatest interest for tourists is: Palmse Palace, Vihula manor, Sagadi Palace,Sangaste Castle,Yaieda Castle. Olustvere Manor interesting for its well-preserved park, which has about 100 types of trees.

Estonia is also famous for the beauty of its untouched nature. The banks of the river are very picturesque Ahya near Põlva, valley Kotiorg(Kutiorg), elevation Haanja, "sacred lake" Pyhajärv south of Otepää, Aegviidu near Tallinn.

Best areas for kayaking and canoeing are sandy cliffs of the banks of the Ahya River, Endla Nature Reserve, raised bogs in the Soma reserve.

Ancestors of modern Estonians were Finno-Ugric peoples And ests. They settled on these lands for 3 thousand years BC. Beginning with 10th century AD, they became allies of the Old Russian state.

IN 13th century Estonia captured by the knights of the Teutonic Order, the country came under his protection. Local residents forced to convert to Catholicism. Estonia has an advantageous geographical location at the intersection of major trade routes. Therefore, a large number of German merchants came to this country. At the end 16th century, after the collapse of the Teutonic Order, these lands captured by the Swedes.

IN 1721 year, after the Northern War, this land was annexed to Russia. Estonia became one of the provinces of Russia called Estonia Governorate. At the same time, it retained many of its trading rights and elements of self-government. Peter I restored the rights of the German aristocracy, lost during the reign of the Swedes. The Germans began to be held in high esteem again.

However, after some time, Germany became a powerful power, and Russia began to fear its possible attack. Therefore, the Germans had to be deprived of power, and Russians began to be appointed in their places.

Several parties were created in Estonia, most of which sought autonomy for Estonia.

After the October Revolution 1917 year and the Bolsheviks came to power, most of the Estonian population did not support their ideas. That's why February 24, 1918 of the year Estonia declared its independence.

Before the Second World War, Estonia managed to establish relations with Western countries, this helped strengthen its status. IN 1932 year between Estonia and the USSR was concluded nonaggression pact. IN 1939 In the same year, the USSR also signed a non-aggression pact with the Germans. According to this document, Estonia entered the sphere of interests of the Soviet Union. This cut Estonia off from major democratic countries.

That's why September 28, 1939 Estonia was forced to conclude mutual assistance agreement with the USSR. According to this document, on the territory of Estonia were located military bases of the Soviet Union. The local population supported the communist bloc, and already in 1940 Estonia was annexed to the USSR.

When World War II began, the USSR government mobilized the majority of Estonians of military age. July 7, 1941 German troops approached the Estonian border. August 28 The last units of the Red Army left Tallinn. Has begun period of German occupation, during which a large number of local residents were killed. Were once stationed on the territory of Estonia Nazi camps. At the end of August 1942 In 1999, the Commissioner General of Estonia, Litzmann, issued an order to create the Estonian SS Legion. Was later formed Estonian SS division. November 24, 1944 Soviet troops captured the southern point of the island of Saaremaa and thereby Estonia was liberated from fascist occupation and the Soviet occupation continued.

In subsequent years, the Soviet government turned Estonia into a fairly developed industrial state with a socialist structure. Late 80s years began in Estonia" national awakening". August 20, 1991 years, after the collapse of the USSR, the country again gained its independence. Currently Estonia is a member of the UN and IMF.

International trade

Main foreign trade partners countries are: Finland, Sweden, Germany, Russia, Latvia, Lithuania. More than 1/3 of exports accounts for products electrical engineering And radio electronics industry, as well as on industrial equipment. Estonia also sells for export wood, chemicals, metal products, foodstuffs. Imports a country oil And petroleum products, cars And equipment, gas, Food, metals.

The shops

Country stores are usually open during weekdays With 9:00 before 18:00 (some- before 20:00 ). On Saturdays they are open from 9:00 before 15:00 (some- before 18.00 ). Supermarkets and shops located in resort areas, usually open from 10:00 before 20:00 .

In Estonia price level is lower than in other EU countries. This makes the country attractive in terms of shopping.

From Estonia, tourists usually bring with them: local chocolate, antiques, Lithuanian amber, handmade wood products, linen products, cotton and wool, modern works of art masters from ceramics and glass.

Demography

Average population density amounts to 29,4 people/sq.km.

Urban population share amounts to 69,4 %.

Age composition of the population: under 15 years old - 15,8 %; 15-65 years - 68,8 %; over 65 years old - 15,4 %

Natural increase (decrease) of population: - 5 %. Life expectancy of men amounts to 64,8 of the year; women - 76,4 of the year.

Estonia ranks first place in Europe in terms of adult HIV infection rates.

Industry

In major cities of the country available mechanical engineering enterprises, metalworking,chemical industry, instrumentation. Estonia produces electric motors, ships,mineral fertilizers, excavators, sulfuric acid, detergents. Available everywhere light enterprises And Food Industry. Also developed in Estonia production of building materials, cellulose, paper And woodworking.

Fuel industry And power generation based on the extraction and processing of oil shale.

Flora and fauna

About half of the territory The country is covered with forests. The most common types of trees they are: birch, pine, aspen, maple, oak, linden And spruce. Found in the undergrowth willow, rowan, bird cherry, less often - wild apple, blackthorn, hawthorn.

Near 3/4 of all types of flora countries account for only western coastal areas or islands.

In the northwest and north has become widespread in Estonia meadow vegetation. Coastal strip busy seaside meadows. Territory of Estonia very swampy.

Fauna Estonia is not very diverse. Predominant animal species are wild boars, elk, deer And hares. There are also: raccoon dog, brown bear, lynx, foxes, badger, squirrels, ferret, weasel, hedgehog, shrew And mole.

In coastal waters found in large quantities ringed seal And long-faced seal.

The Baltic (Baltic) as a historical and geographical region includes: Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia.

There is also an opinion that the countries of this region should be classified as either Central or Central Europe, since it would be more correct to call Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova and the European part of Russia Eastern Europe, but the name “Eastern Europe” was assigned to the countries of this region and is recognized throughout world.

Lithuania is located in northeastern Europe. It borders with Russia, Poland, Latvia, and Belarus. In the west it is washed by the Baltic Sea. The area of ​​the country is 65.2 thousand square meters. km.

The Republic of Latvia is located on the shores of the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga. The proximity of the Atlantic Ocean has a great influence on the climate of the republic. Latvia, in comparison with other Baltic republics, has a more advantageous position in relation to the sea; it is “the most maritime republic”. The length of its territory from east to west is 450 km, from north to south - 250 km. Area 63.7 thousand square meters. km. The length of the border is 1.8 thousand km.

Estonia is located in the northeastern part of Europe, on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland of the Baltic Sea. It borders with Latvia in the south and Russia in the east. In the north it is washed by the Gulf of Finland, in the west by the Gulf of Riga of the Baltic Sea. The country's territory includes more than 1,500 islands, which is 10 percent of Estonia's territory. The relief is predominantly flat. Most of the country is a flat plain, half covered with forests, swamps and a quarter with peat bogs. The lake network is also extensive - more than 1 thousand lakes. The total area of ​​the country is about 45.2 thousand square meters. km. is the northernmost and smallest of the Baltic states.

In the Baltic states, farm settlements have historically developed and given the characteristic appearance of the countryside. The abundance of small towns and former towns, which are also very common, seems to be consistent with it.

The position by the sea and the role it plays in the economy, culture, traditions and customs of peoples oblige the Baltic countries to take great care of the fate of the Baltic Sea, the purity of its waters, and the protection of its wealth. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are active participants in the Baltic Days.

Along with their coastal location, the Baltic republics also have other common features. Their nature bears the imprint of the Ice Age: moraine hills, basins filled with lakes, sandy plains covered with pine forests, boulders dotted with glacial scars.

In each republic, the capital stands out sharply in comparison with the rest, mostly small cities. In rural areas, a system of large comfortable settlements is gradually being formed.

A common problem for all three countries in the future is improving living conditions in rural areas and transforming farm settlement. The key form will be well-maintained and large settlements, provided with service institutions.

All this convincingly testifies to the success of the economic and social development of the Baltic states.

General characteristics of Estonia

Estonia is a modern state in eastern Europe. This is the former Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic, a component of the Soviet Union. The area of ​​the country (including islands) is about $45.1 thousand $km²$. For a long time, Estonia was the national outskirts of other states. During the Soviet period, a highly productive industry was created in the republic based on labor resources and thanks to its favorable economic and geographical location. Today Estonia is an independent state, a parliamentary republic.

History of the formation of the state and territory

The first settlements on the territory of modern Estonia appeared somewhere around $10,000 years ago. And around the $1st millennium BC, the population switched to a sedentary lifestyle. The peoples who inhabited the lands of present-day Estonia were already mentioned by ancient Roman historians. And named "estami" , probably from Latin "aestii" . These peoples belong to the Finno-Ugric group. The lands of the ancient Estonians bordered on the Pskov and Novgorod lands. Mutual raids often occurred. There were also conflicts with the Vikings.

In the $1300 century, Estonian lands were captured by the Livonian Order. A large German population arrived in the region. The Germans occupied all the leading positions and captured the best lands. With the advent of the Livonian Order, Christianity was introduced into Estonian lands. As a result of the Livonian War, first the northern part of Estonia, and later the southern part, came into the possession of Sweden.

After Sweden's defeat in the Northern War, Estonia became part of the Russian Empire. The territory of Northern Estonia formed the Revel (later Estonian) Governorate, and Southern Estonia with the lands of modern northern Latvia formed the Livonia Governorate. The German nobility of these lands retained their wealth and administrative power.

At the end of the $19th century, a policy of Russification was carried out in the region. Representatives of the Russian nobility were appointed to leading administrative posts instead of the Baltic Germans.

During the civil war, the Estonian Socialist Republic was proclaimed on the territory of Estonia as an autonomy within the RSFSR. But in February-March 1918, all Estonian lands were occupied by German troops. According to the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, a German occupation regime was established on Estonian lands.

In February 1920, an agreement was signed between the RSFSR and the Republic of Estonia on mutual recognition of each other. As a result of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic was proclaimed within the USSR in 1940. And on August 20, 1991, the independence of the Estonian Republic, proclaimed in February 1918, was restored.

Economic and geographical position of Estonia

The Republic of Estonia occupies a favorable economic and geographical position. In the north and west it is washed by the waters of the Baltic Sea. In the east it borders with Russia, in the south with Latvia. Important transport routes from Russia to the ports of the Baltic Sea pass through the country. Cooperation with many European countries is carried out through seaports.

Located in the northeastern part of Europe. It is washed from the north by the waters of the Gulf of Finland, from the west by the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga, borders on Latvia in the south and Russia in the east. The Republic of Estonia has a land border with Latvia; The border with the Russian Federation runs along the Narva River, along the Peipus and Pskov lakes and along the land section from the Pskov region. The length of the coastline is 3,794 km. Estonia includes 1,521 islands in the Baltic Sea with a total area of ​​4.2 thousand km?. The largest of them are Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, as well as Muhu, Vormsi, Kihnu, etc. Despite their large area, less than 5% of the country's population lives on the islands. The rivers of Estonia are small, but quite deep. The area of ​​Estonia is 45,226 km?. The capital of Estonia is Tallinn.

Relief features

In Estonia there are lowlands: West Estonian, Pärnu and North Estonian coastal lowlands, lake lowlands. Vyrtsjärv and Lake Peipus. Northern Estonia is a limestone plateau with a height of 30-60 m, only in its central part the Pandivere elevation reaches 166 m. The most significant elevations in Southern Estonia are Sakala (up to 145 m), Otepää (up to 217 m) and Haanja (318 m).

The relief in the northern and western parts of the country is mostly flat, in the southern it is hilly. Glacial and water-glacial plains dominate, moraine the hill. In coastal areas, which have long been flooded by the waters of the Baltic Sea, forms of marine origin predominate. There are also dunes and swamps.

Climatic conditions

The climate of Estonia is mild and humid. The alternation of sea and continental air, the constant influence of cyclones make the weather here very unstable. The weather is especially changeable in winter and autumn. There are great fluctuations in weather conditions from year to year. There are years when the summer is dry and hot, and the winter is frosty, or the summer is cool and rainy, and the winter is mild. Climatic conditions make it possible to grow all agricultural crops in the northern temperate zone in Estonia. Crop failures (2-3 times within 10 years) are mainly due to excessive rainfall. According to climatic conditions, the region directly influenced by the Baltic Sea and inland Estonia are distinguished. The coast has mild winters and moderately warm summers; inland areas have cooler winters and warmer summers than the coast. On the island of Vilsandi, for example, the average monthly air temperature in February is -3.40, in Tartu -6.60. In July the temperature is 16.3 and 17.30, respectively, and the average annual temperature is 6.0 and 4.80C. Precipitation averages 550-650 mm, on the coast in some places less than 500 mm. Snow cover lasts from 70 to 130 days a year. The growing season lasts 170-185 days, the period of active plant growth is from 120 to 130 days.

Rivers and lakes

There are many small rivers in Estonia, of which only nine are 100 km or more in length. The Narva River (Narova) is the deepest river in Estonia; The rivers Suur-Emajõgi and Pärnu are also relatively rich in water. Kazari and some others. The rivers of Northern Estonia, cutting through limestones and dolomites, form picturesque waterfalls (on the rivers of Narva). Many rivers in Southern Estonia also cut into bedrock. Floods on Estonian rivers occur during the spring snowmelt. Autumn rains rarely cause floods. Estonia is rich in lakes, there are more than 1150 of them (including reservoirs). The largest bodies of water are Lake Peipus (Estonian name Peipsi), Lake. Võrtsjärv (270 sq. km) and the Narva Reservoir (200 sq. km, within Estonia - 40 sq. km). Most of Estonia's lakes occupy basins of glacial origin. These include lakes of hilly-moraine landscapes (for example, Lake Pyhajärv, i.e. “holy lake”), as well as oblong lakes among drumlins (Lake Saadjärv) and valley lakes (Lake Viljandi, etc.). On the western and northern coasts there are many coastal (relict) lakes formed as a result of the retreat of the sea. There are many lakes and swamps. The small lake Kaali on the island of Saaremaa is unique due to the meteorite origin of its basin.

Natural areas

Estonia lies in the temperate mixed forest subzone. Currently, forests occupy about 40% of the republic's territory. The most widespread typical pine forests are on podzolic sandy soils, especially in South-East and South Estonia. Broad-leaved forests grow only in isolated patches on fertile carbonate soils, mainly in Western and Northern Estonia. On limestones, mainly on the island of Saaremaa and in Northwestern Estonia, there are low-growing, sparse alvar forests, mainly pine and spruce forests. Black alder forests are typical for wetlands with flowing groundwater. They are widely represented in Southwestern and Northeastern Estonia. Meadows and wooded meadows in Estonia, as well as almost everywhere in the forest zone, were formed mainly as a result of the destruction of forests and constant haymaking and grazing.