Estonia signed its declaration of independence in 1991. Since then the country has emerged from the former Soviet Union to become a stable nation with the strongest economy in the Baltic region. This country has had the misfortune of being surrounded by powerful and bellicose neighbours.

The first people to conquer Estonia were the Danes at the beginning of the XIIIth century. Then came the Germans knights, Swedes and Russians. In the mid-XIXth century there was a cultural and linguistic resurgence known as the National Awakening, which together with the decline of Germany and Tsarist Russia allowed the Estonian gaining its independence in 1918. But in 1940 the Soviets abolished its independence and Estonia again disappear from the international scene. When the country emerged from the Soviet shadow in 1991 nearly 40% of the population was made up of Russians.

The capital, Tallinn, is a welcoming city with a magnificent medieval quarter and nightlife venues. Other interesting cities are Tartu, a historic university town, and Parnu, a huge tourist complex on the coast.

The field, consisting largely by forests and lakes, remains largely depopulated and retains its natural charm.

The Baltic islands of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa also remain fairly virgin. The capital of the first, Kuressaare, has one of the most remarkable castles in the Baltic region.