note: counties have the administrative center name following in parentheses.
Population:
1,423,316 (July 2001 est.)
Currency:
Estonian kroon (EEK)
Languages:
Estonian (official), Russian, Ukrainian, English, Finnish, other
Elevation:
highest point: Suur Munamagi 318 m
lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m
Natural hazards:
flooding occurs frequently in the spring
Climate:
maritime, wet, moderate winters, cool summers
Agricultural:
potatoes, fruits, vegetables; livestock and dairy products; fish.
Economy:
In 2000, Estonia rebounded from the Russian financial crisis by scaling back its budget and reorienting trade away from Russian markets into EU member states. After GDP shrank 1.1% in 1999, the economy made a strong recovery in 2000, with growth estimated at 6.4% - the highest in Central and Eastern Europe. Estonia joined the World Trade Organization in November 1999 - the second Baltic state to join - and continues its EU accession talks. For 2001, Estonians predict GDP to grow around 6%, inflation of between 4.2%-5.3%, and a balanced budget. Substantial gains were made in completing privatization of Estonia's few remaining large, state-owned companies in 2000, and this momentum is expected to continue in 2001. Estonia hopes to join the EU during the next round of enlargement tentatively set for 2004.
