In Estonia, there are nearly one million speakers of the Estonian language, which is part of the Fino-Ugric language family. Estonian is very close as sound to the Finish and the Hungarian. Only 65% of the country’s population is ethnic Estonians, 28% being Russian, the rest – Ukrainians and Byelorussians. The predominant religion is represented by the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church.
The Estonians put in the center of their social preoccupations the family. In the rural areas it is common for the extended family to live together, while in the cities the concept of family is limited to a few individuals with primary degree of kinship. Often newlyweds live with their parents for a couple of years, until they manage to take their life into their own hands.
The Estonian society respects the rules of hierarchy, appreciating those who are older, those with more experience or with a higher social status. Elders are treated with respect because they think they are wise and have life experience. The rule says that they are first presented in a group when they are introduced.
In general, people are calm and reserved, and if you want to integrate easily among them, it is preferable to behave peacefully and rationally, as they do, speaking on a gentle tone and without attracting too much attention to yourself. Estonians are very proud of their culture and traditions, folk music and their stories.
Tallinn is the capital of Estonia, and although a long time ago it was eclipsed by other towns in the area (Riga, Helsinki), lately it has become a very pleasant and easily accessible for all tourists in Northern Europe. Estonia, although a former Soviet republic, is now “the newest country in Scandinavia” and a visit to Tallinn gives you the opportunity to see the remarkable progress of Estonian culture and history and the wonderful world heritage protected by UNESCO.