History of Estonia in Timeline

Estonia, officially the Republic of Estonia, is a Northern European country on the Baltic Sea. It shares borders with Finland (across the Gulf), Latvia, and Russia. Its territory includes the mainland and over 2,300 islands, with Tallinn as its capital. The official language is Estonian, spoken by the majority of its 1.4 million residents. Estonia is a member of the European Union and NATO.

1905: Neo-romantic literary movement Young Estonia

Around 1905, the neo-romantic literary movement Young Estonia (Noor-Eesti) emerged, led by poet Gustav Suits and including writers Friedebert Tuglas, Villem Grünthal-Ridala, and Johannes Aavik. The movement's aesthetic programme was influenced by Finnish, French, German, Scandinavian and Italian literature, incorporating Impressionism, Symbolism and Expressionism.

1905: Russian Revolution and Estonian unrest

During the 1905 Russian Revolution, the first Estonian political parties were founded and popular unrest resulted in demonstrations, riots and looting. The Tsarist government reacted brutally with executions, jailings, and deportations.

1906: Professionalisation of Estonian theatre

In 1906, the Vanemuine in Tartu and the Estonia Theatre in Tallinn formally became professional institutions.

1908: Estonia Theatre's pioneering work in opera and operetta

From 1908 onwards, Estonia Theatre became known for its star actors and for its pioneering work in opera and operetta.

1908: First cinematographic film production in Estonia

In 1908, the history of cinematographic film production in Estonia started with a newsreel documenting a visit to Tallinn by then King Gustav V of Sweden.

1913: Early narrative filmmaking

In 1913, narrative filmmaking soon followed, with early works such as Laenatud naene by Johannes Pääsuke.

1914: Early narrative filmmaking

In 1914, early narrative filmmaking soon followed, with works such as Karujaht Pärnumaal by Johannes Pääsuke.

November 1917: Bolsheviks seize power

In November 1917, Russian Bolsheviks seized power in Saint Petersburg and the Estonian mainland, disbanding the Provincial Assembly.

1917: Autonomous Governorate of Estonia

In 1917, following the collapse of the Russian Empire, the Russian Provisional Government merged the two main Estonian-speaking governorates into one Autonomous Governorate of Estonia.

February 1918: Estonian Declaration of Independence

On 24 February 1918, the Estonian Declaration of Independence was proclaimed in Tallinn, and the first national government was formed.

November 1918: German handover of power

In November 1918, after Germany's capitulation in World War I, German occupation authorities handed over the power to the Estonian government.

November 1918: Soviet Russia invades

On 28 November 1918, Soviet Russia invaded Estonia, marking the start of the Estonian War of Independence.

1918: Independent Estonia sought to express its identity

After 1918, the newly independent Estonia sought to express its identity through new buildings.

1918: Integration of contemporary European avant-garde influences

During the 1918–1940 period of independent Estonia, artists increasingly integrated contemporary European avant-garde influences.

1918: Estonian Declaration of Independence

In 1918, Estonia declared its independence from the Russian and German empires, marking a pivotal moment in its history.

January 1919: Estonian counter-offensive

In January 1919, an Estonian counter-offensive, led by Johan Laidoner, expelled the Bolshevik forces within weeks during the Estonian War of Independence.

April 1919: Estonian Constituent Assembly

In April 1919, the Estonian Constituent Assembly was elected and passed a sweeping land reform and adopted a highly liberal constitution, establishing Estonia as a parliamentary democracy.

1919: Estonian Courses at the University of Tartu

In 1919, courses were offered in Estonian for the first time at the University of Tartu.

1919: Founding of the Pallas Art School

In 1919, the Pallas Art School was founded in Tartu, marking a turning point in Estonian art and giving rise to a generation of artists.

February 1920: Peace Treaty with Russia

On 2 February 1920, Russia and Estonia signed the Peace Treaty, where both countries recognized each other's independence.

1920: End of the War of Independence

In 1920, Estonia had a victory in the War of Independence which is celebrated on 23 June as Võidupüha.

1920: Estonia participated at the Olympic Games

Since 1920, Estonia has participated at the Olympic Games.

1921: Estonia joined League of Nations

As a member of the former League of Nations from 1921.

1922: Completion of the Estonian parliament building

In 1922, the Estonian parliament building at Toompea, designed by Eugen Habermann and Herbert Johanson, was completed, combining a traditionalist exterior with a unique Expressionist interior.

1923: Mutual-defence Pact with Latvia

In 1923, Estonia signed a mutual-defence pact with Latvia, enhancing regional security.

1925: Cultural-autonomy Law

In 1925, Estonia's cultural-autonomy law for ethnic minorities, was adopted and was one of the most liberal of its time.

1932: Non-Aggression Pact with Soviet Union

In 1932, Estonia signed non-aggression pacts with the Soviet Union, seeking to maintain peaceful relations.

1933: Constitutional Reform

In 1933, the right-wing Vaps movement spearheaded a constitutional reform establishing a strong presidency in Estonia.

March 1934: State of Emergency Declared

On 12 March 1934, Konstantin Päts, acting head of state, extended a state of emergency over the entire country, under the pretext of a coup planned by the Vaps movement.

1934: Baltic Entente

In 1934, Estonia was followed by the Baltic Entente, strengthening cooperation among the Baltic states.

1936: Estonia's best Olympic rankings

Estonia's best Olympic rankings were 14th at the 1936 Summer Olympics.

1937: New Constitution Adopted

In 1937, a referendum adopted a new constitution in Estonia, as part of the political changes during the "era of silence".

1938: New Parliament Election

In 1938, an election including opposition candidates provided a new bicameral parliament in Estonia.

August 1939: Nazi-Soviet Pact

In August 1939, the Nazi-Soviet Pact secretly assigned Estonia to the Soviet Union's sphere of influence.

September 1939: "Mutual Assistance Treaty"

In September 1939, during the Soviet invasion of Poland, Joseph Stalin pressured the Estonian government into signing a "mutual assistance treaty", allowing the USSR to establish military bases in Estonia.

1939: Non-Aggression Pact with Germany

In 1939, Estonia signed non-aggression pacts with Germany, attempting to secure its neutrality.

1939: Departure of German-Speaking Population

In 1939, the German-speaking population mostly left Estonia.

June 1940: Soviet Blockade and Demands

On 14 June 1940, the Soviet Union instituted a full naval and air blockade on Estonia, shooting down the airliner Kaleva. On 16 June, the USSR demanded free passage of the Red Army into Estonia and the establishment of a pro-Soviet government.

August 1940: Annexation by Soviet Union

On 6 August 1940, Estonia was formally annexed by the Soviet Union as the Estonian SSR.

1940: Artistic development

During the 1918–1940 period of independent Estonia, artists increasingly integrated contemporary European avant-garde influences. The founding of the Pallas Art School (1919–1940) in Tartu marked a turning point, giving rise to a generation of artists including Konrad Mägi, Nikolai Triik, Kristjan Raud, and printmaker Eduard Wiiralt, whose works captured both the avant-garde spirit and uniquely Estonian sensibilities.

1940: First Soviet Occupation

In 1940, Estonia was first invaded and occupied by the Soviet Union (USSR), marking the beginning of a tumultuous period in its history.

1940: Citizens of Estonia

In 1940, the Estonian Citizens' Committees began registering citizens according to jus sanguinis (i.e. people who were citizens of Estonia in 1940, and their descendants).

1940: Lowest recorded temperature

In 1940, the lowest recorded temperature in Estonia was −43.5 °C (−46.3 °F).

June 1941: Deportations and Summer War

In June 1941, c. 11,000 Estonians were deported to Russia, and when Germany launched Operation Barbarossa against the Soviet Union on 22 June, the Summer War began in Estonia.

August 1941: Evacuation of Tallinn

In late August 1941, Soviet armed forces and officials evacuated Tallinn by sea, suffering massive losses in the process.

1941: Nazi Germany Occupation

In 1941, Nazi Germany invaded and occupied Estonia, interrupting the initial Soviet occupation during World War II.

1941: German Occupation and Murders

In 1941, about a thousand Estonian Jews were killed, numerous forced labour camps were established, and occupied Estonia was merged into Reichskommissariat Ostland.

1943: Limited conscription and Estonian Waffen-SS Division

In 1943, German occupation authorities instituted limited conscription, leading to the formation of the Estonian Waffen-SS division.

1944: Population Loss

In 1944, Estonia lost around one fourth of its population through war-related deaths, deportations and evacuations.

1944: Flight of Swedish Speakers

In 1944, during World War II, most Swedish speakers fled to Sweden ahead of the Soviet occupation, leaving only a small number of elderly Swedish speakers in Estonia.

1944: Estonian writers fled from Soviet rule

In 1944, many writers fled Estonia due to the Soviet rule.

1944: Soviet Offensive and Occupation

In 1944, the Soviet Army reached the Estonian borders again, leading to general conscription and fierce battles. Tallinn was captured on 22 September, and by November and December, the entire country was under Soviet occupation.

1944: Soviet army occupied Estonia

In 1944, when the Soviet army occupied Estonia, many Estonian artists fled westwards.

1945: Start of Russification

In 1945, the Soviet Union initiated Russification policies to reshape Estonia's demographics and dilute its cultural identity.

March 1949: Mass Deportations to Siberia

In March 1949, around 20,000 Estonians were mass deported to the Siberian gulag as part of the Soviet regime's collectivisation policy.

1966: Estonian modernist art works displayed in public

In 1966, the first Estonian modernist art works got the official permission from the Soviet authorities to be displayed in public exhibitions.

1968: Invasion of Czechoslovakia

Estonians faced additional hardships, as thousands were forcibly conscripted into Soviet military conflicts, including the 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia.

1979: Soviet–Afghan War

Estonians faced additional hardships, as thousands were forcibly conscripted into Soviet military conflicts, including the Soviet–Afghan War of 1979–1989.

1979: Baltic Appeal to the United Nations

In 1979, Estonian dissidents grew increasingly vocal, with notable protests such as the Baltic Appeal to the United Nations.

1980: Letter of 40 Intellectuals

In 1980, Estonian dissidents grew increasingly vocal, with notable protests such as the Letter of 40 intellectuals.

1980: Moscow Olympics sailing events in Tallinn and international boycotts

In 1980, Tallinn hosted the sailing events for the Moscow Olympics. This triggered international boycotts in protest of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and the continuing occupation of the Baltic countries. The Estonian exile community and Western nations condemned the events held on occupied soil.

August 1987: Hirvepark meeting calls for disclosure of Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact

On August 23, 1987, the Hirvepark meeting in Tallinn called for the public disclosure of the secret protocols of the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact that had led to Estonia's occupation. While not explicitly demanding independence, the organisers aimed to reinforce the continuity of the Estonian state as the foundation for a restoration based on legal principles.

1987: Breakfast on the Grass

In 1987, animator Priit Pärn gained international recognition with Breakfast on the Grass.

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November 1988: Sovereignty Declaration

In November 1988, the parliament of Soviet-controlled Estonia asserted the primacy of Estonian laws with the Sovereignty Declaration, inspiring similar declarations across other Soviet republics.

1988: Singing Revolution Begins

In 1988, the Singing Revolution began in Estonia, signaling a period of non-violent protests against Soviet rule.

August 1989: Baltic Way human chain

On August 23, 1989, two million people formed the Baltic Way, a human chain spanning Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, to demonstrate unity in pursuit of independence.

1989: Demographic Changes

Between 1945 and 1989, the proportion of ethnic Estonians in the country dropped from 97% to 62% due to Soviet Russification policies.

February 1990: Election of the Congress of Estonia

In February 1990, the Estonian Citizens' Committees' registration led to the election of the Congress of Estonia, a special parliament for the restoration of the nation's independence via legal continuity of its citizenry.

1990: Exiled writers published memoirs

Between 1944 and 1990, exiled writers published 267 novels, 181 poetry collections, and 155 memoirs, reflecting their determination to preserve national identity through art and literature.

1990: Launch of first private radio station in Estonia

In 1990, Estonia launched its first private radio station.

1990: Establishment of the Baltic News Service

In 1990, the Baltic News Service (BNS), a private news agency, was established to cover the Baltic states.

March 1991: Referendum supports full independence

In March 1991, a general referendum showed that 78.4% of voters supported full independence for Estonia.

August 1991: Estonia declares restoration of independence

During the 1991 Soviet coup d'état attempt in Moscow, Estonia declared the restoration of independence on August 20, 1991.

August 1991: Restoration of Independence

In August 1991, Estonia restored its full independence following the Singing Revolution and the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

September 1991: Estonia joins the United Nations

On September 6, 1991, the central government of the Soviet Union recognised the independence of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. On September 17, 1991, the three countries became members of the United Nations.

1991: Estonia joined United Nations

As a member of the United Nations since 1991.

1991: Restoration of Independence

In 1991, Estonia restored its independence, leading to major changes in the country's demographics, stratification, and distribution of family income.

1991: End of Soviet occupation

Since the end of the Soviet occupation in 1991, the Estonia–Russia relations have remained strained.

1992: Estonia issued its first private TV licences

In 1992, Estonia issued its first private TV licences.

1992: New constitution, currency, and elections

In 1992, a new Constitution of Estonia was approved by referendum, a new national currency (Estonian kroon) was introduced, and the 1992 Estonian parliamentary and presidential elections were held. Lennart Meri was elected president and Mart Laar became prime minister.

1992: Referendum of the current constitution

In 1992, current constitution adopted by a referendum.

1992: Highest recorded temperature

In 1992, the highest recorded temperature in Estonia was 35.6 °C (96.1 °F).

1993: Reinstatement of Law on Cultural Autonomy

In 1993, the Law on Cultural Autonomy for National Minorities was reinstated.

1993: Õnne 13 debut

Since its debut in 1993, Õnne 13 portrays everyday lives of Estonian families through changing societal landscapes, remaining the most popular TV show in Estonia.

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1994: Adoption of flat tax

In 1994, Estonia adopted a flat tax rate of 26%, applying the economic theories of Milton Friedman.

1994: Departure of Russian armed forces

In 1994, the last military units of the former Soviet, now Russian, armed forces left Estonia.

1994: Sinking of the cruiseferry Estonia

In 1994, the most significant disaster to affect the Estonian people in recent history was the sinking of the cruiseferry Estonia in the Baltic Sea.

1995: Participation in international missions

Since 1995, Estonia has participated in numerous international security and peacekeeping missions.

1998: Ottawa International Animation Festival

In 1998, Animator Priit Pärn won the Grand Prize at the Ottawa International Animation Festival.

2000: Population Estimate

Around 2000 BC, archaeological estimates place the population within Estonian territory at approximately 10,000 inhabitants.

2000: Ethnic Composition and Language Use

In 2000, 68.3% of Estonia's population was Estonian, and 80% of the population spoke Estonian. 12% of the population learned Estonian as a foreign language.

2001: Estonia Wins Eurovision Song Contest

In 2001, Estonia won the Eurovision Song Contest with the song "Everybody" performed by Tanel Padar and Dave Benton.

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2003: Estonian European Union membership referendum

In 2003, the Estonian European Union membership referendum was held.

March 2004: Estonia joined NATO

Estonia joined NATO on March 29, 2004.

2004: Estonia joins NATO and the EU

In 2004, Estonia joined NATO and the EU.

2004: EU Entry

In 2004, Estonia joined the EU and experienced rapid economic growth.

2004: Government Regulations for Populated Areas

In 2004, the Estonian government established regulations categorizing populated areas as küla (village), alevik (small town or small borough), alev (town), and linn (city).

2004: Cultural Council Election for Ingrian Finnish Minority

In 2004, the Ingrian Finnish minority in Estonia elected a cultural council and was granted cultural autonomy.

2005: First nationwide Internet voting

Estonia became the first country globally to enable nationwide binding Internet voting in 2005 local elections.

2005: Flat tax rate reduction

In 2005, Estonia's flat tax rate was reduced to 24%.

2005: First Internet Elections

Since 2005, Estonia became the first state to hold general elections over the Internet, showcasing its digital advancement.

2006: Estonia's best Olympic rankings

Estonia's best Olympic rankings were 12th at the 2006 Winter Olympics.

2006: Flat tax rate reduction

In 2006, Estonia's flat tax rate was reduced to 23%.

April 2007: Cyberattacks and pro-Russian riot in Tallinn

In April 2007, the Estonian authorities successfully stopped a multi-day pro-Russian riot in Tallinn and repelled a simultaneous wave of Russian cyberattacks targeting Estonian institutions. This incident further strained the relations with Russia.

2007: Establishment of Eesti Rahvusringhääling

In 2007, Eesti Rahvusringhääling was established, consolidating radio and television services previously provided by Eesti Raadio and Eesti Televisioon.

2007: Estonia joins the Schengen Area

In 2007, Estonia joined the Schengen Area.

2007: Cooperation treaty with ESA

In 2007, Estonia signed a cooperation treaty with the European Space Agency.

2007: Adoption of Estonian Sign Language

In 2007, Estonian Sign Language was officially adopted under the Estonian Language Act and is used by an estimated 4,500 people.

2007: Cultural Autonomy for Estonian Swedes

In 2007, the Estonian Swedes minority similarly received cultural autonomy.

2007: Employment in construction industry

In 2007, the construction industry in Estonia employed over 80,000 people, roughly 12% of the total workforce.

2008: Number of Swedish Residents

By 2008, the number of Swedish residents in Estonia had risen again, numbering almost 500 people, owing to property reforms enacted in the early 1990s.

2008: Economic growth stalls due to financial crisis

Due to the 2008 financial crisis, Estonia's economic growth stalled in 2008, prompting strict government budget cuts to meet the criteria for adopting the euro.

2008: Flat tax rate reduction

In 2008, Estonia's flat tax rate was reduced to 21%.

2008: NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence established

In 2008, the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence was established in Tallinn.

2008: UN Human Rights Council Report

In 2008, the United Nations Human Rights Council report called the citizenship policy of Estonia as "discriminatory".

2008: Financial crisis impact

In 2008, the financial crisis led to a contraction of Estonia's GDP, prompting governmental budget adjustments.

2009: Gini Coefficient

In 2009, Estonia's Gini coefficient, a measure of income inequality, was 31, which was higher than the EU average, although it showed a clear drop.

2009: Wind energy share

In 2009, wind energy comprised only 6% of Estonia's energy consumption, but its share has been rapidly growing in recent years.

2009: Logging increase

Since at least 2009, logging has increased significantly across both private and protected lands, including national parks.

2009: Peak strength of deployment in Afghanistan

The peak strength of Estonian deployment in Afghanistan was 289 soldiers in 2009.

July 2010: Citizenship Statistics

As of July 2010, 84.1% of Estonian residents were citizens of Estonia, 8.6% were citizens of other countries, and 7.3% were "citizens with undetermined citizenship".

2010: Economic recovery

By 2010, Estonia's economy began to recover, driven by exports, with annual industrial output increasing by over 20%.

2010: Proficiency in Estonian by Native Russian Speakers

By 2010, nearly two-thirds of the native Russian-speakers of Estonia had learnt to speak Estonian proficiently.

2010: Estonia joins the OECD

In 2010, Estonia joined the OECD.

2010: Arvo Pärt's Global Acclaim

Starting in 2010, Estonian composer Arvo Pärt became the world's most performed living composer.

January 2011: Euro adoption

On January 1, 2011, Estonia adopted the euro as its currency.

2011: Nordic Defence Cooperation invitation

In 2011 the Baltic states were invited to co-operate with Nordic Defence Cooperation in selected activities.

2011: Ethnic Composition and Language Use

In 2011, 69.8% of Estonia's population was Estonian, and 82% of the population spoke Estonian. 14% of the population learned Estonian as a foreign language.

2011: Christian Religious Identification

In 2011, 97% of those who identify with a religion considered themselves Christians.

2011: Estonia joins the Eurozone

In 2011, Estonia joined the Eurozone.

2011: Real GDP Growth

In 2011, Estonia's real GDP growth reached 8%.

2011: Eastern Orthodoxy Surpasses Lutheranism

Since the 2011 census, Eastern Orthodoxy has surpassed Lutheranism in terms of church membership in Estonia.

2012: Forest cover

As of 2012, forests covered 48% of Estonia's land area, supporting a wide range of plant species.

2012: Contribution of oil shale industry

In 2012, the oil shale industry contributed about 4% to Estonia's GDP.

2012: eu-LISA systems operational

Tallinn hosts the eu-LISA systems, operational since 2012.

2013: Development of oil shale industry

As of 2013, the oil shale industry in Estonia was among the most developed globally, supplying approximately 70% of the country's total primary energy needs.

2013: Tangerines receiving nominations

In 2013, Tangerines received nominations for both the Academy Awards and Golden Globes.

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2013: Liberalisation of electricity market

In 2013, the Estonian electricity market was liberalised, integrating into the Nord Pool Spot network.

2013: Launch of ESTCube-1

In 2013, the research satellite ESTCube-1 was successfully launched.

2014: Baltic Air Policing deployment in Ämari Air Base

Also part of NATO, the Baltic Air Policing deployment has been based in Ämari Air Base since 2014.

2014: Launch of e-residency programme

In 2014, Estonia launched the e-residency programme, extending digital services to non-residents.

2014: Civil unions legalized

In 2014, Estonia legalised civil unions for same-sex couples with a law approved by the parliament.

2014: UNESCO Recognition of Smoke Sauna Tradition

In 2014, the smoke sauna tradition of Võru County was included in the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.

2015: R&D Spending

As of 2015, Estonia spends around 1.5% of its GDP on Research and Development.

2015: Acceptance of Quota Refugees

In 2015, Estonia accepted quota refugees under the migrant plan agreed upon by EU member states.

2015: Religious Unaffiliation Study

In 2015, a study by Pew Research found that among the 45% of respondents who declared themselves to be religiously unaffiliated, 9% were atheists, 1% were agnostics, and 35% believed in "nothing in particular".

2015: Defence budget over 2% of GDP

Since 2015, the Estonian defence budget has been over 2% of GDP, fulfilling its NATO defence spending obligation.

2016: Cohabitation agreements for same-sex couples

In 2016, same-sex couples gained the right to sign cohabitation agreements.

2017: Estonia holds Presidency of the Council of the European Union

Estonia held the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2017.

2017: NATO Enhanced Forward Presence in Tapa Army Base

In response to Russian war in Ukraine, since 2017 a NATO Enhanced Forward Presence battalion battle group has been based in Tapa Army Base.

2017: Rail Baltica project

Since 2017, the Rail Baltica project has been in progress to integrate Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania into the European standard gauge railway system.

2017: Administrative reform

Since the administrative reform in 2017, there are in total 79 local governments in Estonia, including 15 towns and 64 rural municipalities.

May 2018: Ease of Doing Business Index

As of May 2018, the Ease of Doing Business Index by the World Bank Group ranked Estonia 16th in the world.

2018: PISA Report Rankings

According to the 2018 PISA report, Estonian students placed 1st in Europe and globally ranked 5th in reading, 8th in mathematics, and 4th in sciences.

2018: Exported goods

In 2018, Estonia's exported goods amounted to €10.4 billion.

2018: Arvo Pärt's Global Acclaim

In 2018, Estonian composer Arvo Pärt was the world's most performed living composer.

2019: Land Use Statistics

By 2019, Estonia had approximately 1.05 million hectares of arable land and 0.24 million hectares of natural grasslands.

2019: Job creation in manufacturing

In 2019, significant job creation occurred in Estonia's manufacturing sector, particularly in the production of electrical equipment and the repair and installation of machinery and equipment.

2020: Profit margin for manufacturing companies

In 2020, the total profit margin for manufacturing companies in Estonia was 4.9%.

2021: Foreign Language Proficiency

According to 2021 census data 76% of the population can speak a foreign language. Also, 17% of the native speakers of standard Estonian reported that they can also speak a dialect of Estonian.

2021: Religious Identification

According to data collected from the 2021 census, approximately 29% of Estonia's population identified with a religion.

2021: Ethnic Composition and Language Use

In 2021, 69.4% of Estonia's population was Estonian, with 84% speaking Estonian, including 67% as their mother tongue and 17% as a foreign language. English became the most widely spoken foreign language.

2021: Previous Census

In 2021, Estonia conducted a census and continued to stand out among European countries for its highly educated population, with 43% of the population aged 25–64 having a university education.

2021: Increased greenhouse gas emissions and waste production

In 2021, Estonia's net greenhouse gas emissions were 13.4 million CO₂-equivalent tons and waste production was 19.4 million tons. Oil shale extraction was 9.2 million tons and groundwater extraction was 236.5 million m³.

January 2022: Startup statistics

As of January 2022, Estonia had 1,291 startups, including seven unicorn companies.

February 2022: Deterioration of relations with Russia due to the invasion of Ukraine

Since February 24, 2022, the relations with Russia have further deteriorated due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Estonia has strongly supported Ukraine during the war.

2022: Increased greenhouse gas emissions and waste production

In 2022, Estonia's net greenhouse gas emissions increased to 14.3 million CO₂-equivalent tons and waste production rose to 22.9 million tons. Oil shale extraction increased to 10.7 million tons and groundwater extraction remained at 236.5 million m³.

2022: Influx of Ukrainian Refugees

In 2022, Ukrainian refugees arrived in Estonia, representing around 6% of the national population.

2022: Record profit for forestry agency

In 2022, the state forestry agency RMK reported a record profit of 1.4 billion euros.

2023: Press Freedom Index

According to Reporters Without Borders, in 2023, Estonia ranked 8th place on the Press Freedom Index globally.

2023: Museums in Estonia

As of 2023, Estonia boasted 170 museums, whose collections collectively hold over 10 million artefacts.

2023: Number of Educational Institutions

As of 2023, Estonia has a total of 514 schools.

2023: Prohibition of Russian gas imports

As of 2023, Estonia has prohibited the import of pipeline gas from Russia. In 2023, Estonia's gas consumption was recorded at 3.42 TWh.

2023: Parliamentary elections and government formation

In 2023 parliamentary elections, over half of the votes were cast online. Kaja Kallas of the Reform Party formed a coalition government with Estonia 200 and the Social Democratic Party.

2023: GDP per capita

In 2023, Estonia's GDP (PPP) per capita reached $46,385, ranking 40th globally according to the IMF.

2023: Agreement Giving Preferential Status to Lutheran Church Ends

In 2023, an agreement giving preferential status to the Lutheran church ended.

2023: Gay registered partners and married couples gained limited right to adopt

In 2023, gay registered partners and married couples gained limited right to adopt.

2023: Monitoring of coastal water bodies indicates suboptimal statuses

In 2023, monitoring of five coastal water bodies in Estonia indicated suboptimal ecological statuses. High mercury levels in biota were a major contributor to these classifications, and in Tallinn Bay, tributyl tin concentrations in sediments also exceeded safe limits.

2023: Launch of ESTCube-2

In 2023, the research satellite ESTCube-2 was successfully launched.

2024: Press Freedom Index

According to Reporters Without Borders, in 2024, Estonia ranked 6th place on the Press Freedom Index globally.

2024: Estonia's Global Peace Index ranking

According to the 2024 Global Peace Index, Estonia is the 24th most peaceful country in the world.

2024: Number of Cities, Towns, and Villages

As of 2024, Estonia has 47 cities, 13 towns, 186 small towns, and 4,457 villages. Tallinn is the capital and largest city.

2024: Right to marriage for gay couples

Gay couples gained the right to marriage in Estonia in 2024.

2024: Environmental Performance Index ranking

In 2024, Estonia achieved a first-place ranking in the Environmental Performance Index.

2024: Transition to Estonian-Only Instruction

In 2024, Estonia began transitioning all public schools to Estonian-only instruction.

2024: Kristen Michal became the prime minister

In 2024, after Kaja Kallas' resignation, Kristen Michal became the prime minister.

2024: Unemployment Rate

In 2024, the registered unemployment rate in Estonia was 7.6%.

January 2025: Population Statistics

On January 2025, Estonia's population was 1,369,285, about 3% higher than in the 2021 census. The country was represented by 211 different self-reported ethnic groups and 243 different mother tongues were spoken.

2025: Olympic medals

With the total number of all-time Olympic medals won (44) in relation to its population (1.4 million) as of 2025, Estonia is the 12th most successful country in the world in terms of accumulated Olympic medals per capita.