Estonia Topic (1)

Estonia lies on the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea on the level northwestern part of the rising east European platform. Estonia is a flat country covering 46 226 square kilometers.Estonian’s neighbours are Finland , Sweden , Latvia and Russia . Estonia is rich in islands. The two largest are Saaremaa and Hiiumaa . Saaremaa is famous for its big meteorite crater called Kaali and Hiiumaa is famous for its nature and plants . The countries highest point Big –Egg hill ( Suur- Munamägi) reaches 318 meters above sea level. Estonia has many uplands too. The uplands are: Pandivere upland, Otepää upland, Vooremaa upland, Karula upland Haanja upland, Sakala upland. Estonia is covered by about 18 000 square kilometers of forest . Estonia is also rich in lakes and rivers The largest lake is Peipsi and the second-largest lake is Võrtsjärv. The largest river is Võhandu whinch is 162 meters long. Estonia has many national parks . A national park is a protected area. They are good to protect animals , birds, insects and other natural resources. The most famous national parks are: Lahemaa , Karula, Soomaa , Vilsandi, Matsalu .
On the 8th millenium BC first people began to settle here in Estonia. On the 13th century Germans and Danish tried to conquer our country. On the 16th century the first book in Estonian language was publicated. Then the Livonian War began. Northern part of Estonia was occupied by Sweden and the southern part of Estonia was occupied by Poland. On the 17th century Estonia was under Sweden occupation . In 1632 Tartu University was founded . On the 18th century there was a Norhern War and Estonia was occupied by Russia. On the 19th century poeple started to collect Estonian folklore . In 1869 was the first Estonian song festival in Tartu. 1884 blue - black -white flag of Estonia was consecrated in Otepää Church . In 1885-1890 Russian introduced as a official language. In 1918 on the 24th of February was the birth of the Republic of Estonia and then was the german occupation and afer that was a War of Independence. In 1919 Estonians won in the Battle of Võnnu. In 1920 the Peace treaty with Russia was signed in Tartu. Estonia was Independent in 1920-1940. One year later estonia was occupied by Soviet occupation. Then in the same year there was a World War 2 and there was a german Occupation. But in 1945 there was a Soviet occupation again . In 1991 on the 20th of August we got our independents back . In 1992 Estonian kroons were put in use. In 1994 last Russian troops leave Estonia in 2004 Estonia joined European Union.
Tallinn is the capital of Estonia. It is situated on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland. The territory of Tallinn is 182,4 square kilometers. 46 % of the Tallinns territory has been built up. Parks and forests cover 31% and water-bodies 8% of the land . In Russia Tallinn was called Koluvan. In Scandinavia it was known as Lindanise. The Germans called in Reval and that name was in use until 1917. Estonians themselves called it Tallinn. Tallinn is a very old town, and numerous of legends were connected with it. They spoke about Old Toomas keeping watch on the top of the tower of town hall. Toompea is the oldest part of the city. The toompea Palace was built as the seat of the local government. Today there is the residence of the Parliamnet of Estonia. The main tower is tall Herman with our national flag flying at the top . Toompea is especially rich in historical monuments. The oldest street is Pikk Jalg.
Modern industrial development which began in the second half of the 19th century was oriented toward the Russian market . Large textile mills were set up in Narva and electric motor productions, plants and shipyards in Tallinn. Today Narva provides the most Estonian’s electricity. Estonian porst, ice-free most of the winter , have always handled much of Russia’s trade with western Europe . Deep sea fihing fleets operate from Tallinn and Pärnu.
Estonian agriculture mus also find its place in the European aconomy. Agricultural researchers have also detarnimated the best breeds of pigs, sheep and horses suited to Estonian conditions . Pre-War was known in Europe as a potato exporting country. At the moment Estonians Farmers export daily products and timber .
Estonia have always had the greatest respect for education. There are 7 colleges and universities in Estonia. The oldest of them is Tartu University founded in 1632.
Topic
Tallinn, Estonia
Suzanne Kulbach
9B klass
Tallinn 2009