Estonia is a small, sparsely populated country of wild forests and teeming wetlands. The convenient national parks are perfect for wild exploration during the summer months, while cross-country skiing is a popular sport during the winter. The capital Tallinn captivates with its blend of medieval and modern; cobbled back-streets and dizzy spires besides trendy bars, modern art galleries and some of the finest restaurants in the Baltic region.
An independent nation since 1991, it became one of the world’s fastest growing economies in it’s post-Soviet years, until the financial collapse in 2008 saw GDP shrink 17 percent in 18 months. Like neighbouring Latvia, the government has maintained its currency peg against the euro with the express intention of deepening the recession, forcing down wages and prices and thereby restoring the economy’s competitiveness.
Such policies have kept the country on track to join the euro as early as 2011, but has pushed unemployment to 19.8 percent in the first quarter of 2010. Droves of Estonians have left to seek work elsewhere and because of the migration many companies have had problems finding skilled employees despite the relatively large pool of workers without jobs.
Estonians themselves are uncomplicated people; they mean what they say, keep promises they make and expect their business partners to do likewise. They are reserved to the point of coldness during initial contact but will become more friendly as a business relationship progresses. Despite economic problems, Estonia retains a good business infrastructure and deals can often progress relatively quickly.
Getting there
International flights land at Tallinn; budget flights are available within Europe. High speed ferry links go to Finland and overnight ferries go to Sweden. The European bus and train network provides connections throughout Europe.
Getting around
There is a limited train service linking urban centres. Buses are a better option, as they are faster and more frequent. An international driving license and compulsory accident insurance are necessary to drive.
Local information
Language: Estonian
Time: UTC+2
Climate: Cool temperature. Warm summers, cold winters, moderate rainfall throughout year. Temperature: Max 20°C (July), Min -11°C (January). Rainfall: Max 70mm (September), Min 20mm (March)
Currency: Estonian kroon (EEK)
Business etiquette: Greet with firm handshake and eye contact. Men initiate greetings with women, younger person initiate greetings with older. Estonians are reserved and early communications can be quite stiff. Strong emphasis is placed on verbal promises.
Tipping: 10 percent tip is optional.
Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1l alcohol above 22 percent or 2l alcohol below 22 percent; 2l wine; 1kg food products; 50g perfume; 250ml eau de toilette
Safety: General crime level is low. Petty crime is common during the summer months and after dark, particularly in Tallinn Old Town. Theft on and from vehicles is on the rise.
Laws: Zero tolerance for drink driving. Heavy fines and/or imprisonment for drug offences.
Healthcare: Vaccination for tetanus, diphtheria and hepatitis A required. Excellent medical facilities available, European citizens get free healthcare with an EHIC card. Non-EU may be charged and should have health insurance.
Socket type: Type C
