Estonia has recently shaken off 700 years of oppression. Starting with the Crusaders in the 12th century, successive empires battled for and conquered the land. Danes, Germans, Swedes, Poles and Russians all have ruled and left their mark.

The population of Estonia is c 1,5 millions. The capital of Estonia is Tallinn with more than 460 000 citizens. Estonians are essentially straightforward, honest and polite. They are Finno-Ugric people and their beautiful language is unrelated to Indo-European tongues. They have the world's best choirs. The official language is Estonian, but most of people can speak Russian, too. English and Finnish are also spoken by many people.

The area of Estonia is 45 200 sq.km, from West to East 350 km, from North to South 240 km. There are many islands off the coast area (about 1500), the biggest are Saaremaa -2670 sq.km , Hiiumaa -990 sq.km, Muhu -200 sq.km and Vormsi -93 sq.km.

Estonian local time is UTC + 2h, and during the summer season (April - September) UTC + 3h.

The length of the coast line is 3794 km. The country is flat, the average height is 50 m, the highest mountain is Suur-Munam gi - 318 m high. The coastline is irregular with lots of bays, headlands and islands. The coastal area is low and rocky. The average temperature of the water in summer is 16 -19 C.

Forests cover most of the country. Oak groves, hazel woods and forests of birch and pine are particularly aromatic. There are many medieval fortresses, churches and ruins, charming manor houses and estates, traditional Estonian wooden farmsteads, thriving cities and many contemporary buildings which are symbolic of a new nation casting off its chains.

The average temperature in Estonia is generally 6 - 7 C higher than in other countries on the same latitude. In coastal areas the average temperature is 16 to18 C. Summers tend to be warm and dry but autumn days are often rainy. Fog is not common in summer. The sailing season lasts from May, 15 to September, 15 depending on the weather.
The monetary unit of Estonia is the Estonian krone (EEK), which is divided into 100 cents. There are many currency exchange points in towns, and in most of harbours. Credit cards are used in some shops particularly in the principal towns.
Shops and public services are opened from 9 to 18 on workdays, from 9 to 19 Saturdays and shops and public services are usually closed on Sundays. Local business hours may vary.
Medical treatment is available in customs harbours and in all towns. There are chemist shops in most of municipalities and they carry a good range of medicines.

The patient has pay to the doctor.