Estonia

Estonia sits in Northern Europe, bordered by Latvia to the south, Russia to the east, and the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Finland to the west and north. Tallinn serves as the capital and largest city. Estonian is the official language, closely related to Finnish, and the currency is the euro. The country joined the European Union in 2004 and has built a global reputation as one of the most digitally advanced societies on earth, with e-governance embedded into everyday public life.

Estonia is a member of the Schengen Area, so citizens of many countries — including EU member states, the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom — may enter visa-free for short stays. Travellers from countries requiring a visa can apply through the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board's online portal. Requirements vary by nationality, so checking the official government site before travel is advisable.

Tallinn's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserves a largely intact medieval streetscape centred on Town Hall Square. Lahemaa National Park, the largest in the Baltic states, covers a stretch of rugged coastline and old manor estates northeast of the capital. The open-air Saaremaa island holds the Kaali meteorite crater, formed roughly 7,500 years ago. Tartu, Estonia's second city, is home to one of Northern Europe's oldest universities, founded in 1632. The Song Festival Grounds in Tallinn, built for the national song celebration held every five years, seats tens of thousands.

Estonia has a humid continental climate with distinct seasons. Winters run from December through February with temperatures typically between −8 °C and 0 °C, and the country receives regular snowfall. Summers are mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 17 °C to 22 °C, occasionally reaching 28 °C. The best time to visit is June through August, when days are long — midsummer brings near-continuous daylight. Pack a waterproof layer regardless of season; rain is distributed fairly evenly across the year.

• One of the world's first countries to vote online.
• Skype was co-developed by Estonian engineers in Tallinn.
• Estonia restored independence in 1991 after Soviet occupation.
• Forests cover roughly half of Estonia's total land area.
• The national song festival dates back to 1869.

• visitestonia.com — official tourism board for Estonia
• eesti.ee — Estonian government e-services and public information portal
• politsei.ee — Police and Border Guard Board, visa and entry information
• ilmateenistus.ee — Estonian Weather Service, national meteorological forecasts
• elron.ee — national passenger rail operator timetables and ticketing