Sunday, September 28, 2008

Estonia Travel Guide - Overview

Estonia, bordered by the Baltic Sea, the Russian Federation and Latvia, and the most northerly of the three former Soviet Baltic republics, is a country of great scenic beauty with many forests, lakes and islands.

Estonia is an unspoilt, sparsely populated country, nearly half of which is covered with forests. Wetlands, together with primeval forests, represent preserved communities which have for the most part been destroyed in Europe. More than 1,000 lakes (5% of the Estonian territory) dot the countryside, which is relatively flat - almost two thirds of the territory lies less than 50m (164ft) above sea level. While 7,000 rivers and streams carry rainwater to the sea, bogs and wooded swamplands of different types cover over one fifth of the country - a world index topped only by the northern neighbour, Finland.

The history of Estonia (and indeed of the other Baltic States) has been one of constant struggle to maintain independence and national integrity against the predatory instincts of larger neighbours. The Russians who were determined to secure a ‘window onto the Baltic’ for economic as well as strategic reasons acquired Estonia from Sweden, at the Treaty of Nystadt, in 1721.

Following the German invasion of the Soviet Union during WWII, Estonia became one of the 15 Soviet Socialist Republics. Four decades passed before the advent of Mikhail Gorbachev who, as Communist Party General Secretary, offered the prospect of change for the Baltic States.

In 1990, the Estonian Communist Party voted in favour of full independence from the Soviet Union but allowed for a six-month transitional period before making the decision final. Rapid international recognition of Estonia as a sovereign state, followed by admission to the United Nations, completed the transition to full nationhood. Estonia joined the European Union in 2004.

Seja o primeiro a comentar

Imperial Mae Ping Hotel

Location: Riverside


94 Customer Reviews

This centrally located hotel near the Night Bazaar, Anusarn Market, and Wat Chai Mong Ko, has two business centers for the executive. Additional... More

Hotel Majestic Saigon

Location: District 1 - City center


87 Customer Reviews

Built in 1925, the 175-guestroom hotel is a historical landmark of stunning French Colonialist desig... More

Boulevard Hotel Mid Valley

Location: Lake Garden / Mid Valley City


41 Customer Reviews

This hotel is a dream come true for shoppers as it’s connected to the Mid Valley Megamall, one of Kuala Lumpur’s largest malls. Guests at the... More

Discount Camping Accessories - Backpacking - Hunting - Fishing - Hiking © 2008. Template by Dicas Blogger.

TOPO