Overview: Estonia is a beguiling mix of the ultra-modern and firmly
traditional, a northern Baltic land of primeval forests, rivers,
and sea islands, with one of the smallest populations of any
country in the world. Most Estonians have opted for city life, leaving the countryside
rather wild and filled with rare birds, plants and roaming deer,
elk, wild boar, bears and wolves. The low, largely flat landscape
is also dotted with relics of Estonia's medieval glory, when the
Teutonic knights reigned supreme and built castles which are now
left as decaying hulks, testifying to the wealth of the traders who
made use of the country's ports. The main port, Tallinn, today
still the capital city, was part of the mighty Hanseatic League in
the 13th century. Its medieval prosperity has given the romantic
city a wealth of attractions for modern-day tourists to
explore. Historical and natural attractions are only one reason why
Estonia is experiencing an upsurge in tourism. The country is
sandwiched between east and west Europe, also easily accessible
from the south, offering fresh and unspoilt opportunities for those
who enjoy the Nordic experience. The country lies along the Baltic
Sea, just below Finland, with Russia to the east and Latvia to the
south. Estonia has only recently (in 1991) thrown off the shackles
of Soviet domination, and a vibrant spirit of freedom and rebirth
pervades the air not only in the capital but also the lively
university town of Tartu, the busy industrial centre of Narva and
the idyllic summer vacation capital of Pärnu on the south-western
coast.
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