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Estonia is a small country located in Northern Europe, bordered by the Baltic Sea to the west and Russia to the east. With a population of approximately 1.3 million people, it is one of the least populous countries in the European Union. Estonia has a rich cultural history, with influences from its neighboring countries as well as Germanic and Scandinavian cultures. Its language, Estonian, is part of the Finno-Ugric language family and is known for its complex grammar and unique vowel sounds. Since regaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Estonia has undergone significant political, economic, and social reforms, becoming a high-income country with a developed economy and advanced digital infrastructure. It has a thriving tech sector, with companies such as Skype, TransferWise, and Taxify all originating in Estonia. The country is also known for its natural beauty, with over half of its land covered in forests and a coastline dotted with picturesque seaside towns.
“The Man Who Spoke Snakish” is a 2007 novel by Estonian author Andrus Kivirähk. The story is set in rural Estonia in the 19th century and follows a boy named Leemet who can communicate with snakes. The book explores themes of tradition and identity and has gained international recognition for its mix of historical fiction, magical realism, and folklore.
“Rehepapp ehk November” is a 2000 novel by Estonian author Andrus Kivirähk. It follows the adventures of a village boy named Hans and his relationship with the mysterious Old Barny, set in a fictional 19th century Estonian village. The book blends historical fiction, fantasy, and magical realism, exploring themes such as tradition and modernity. The novel has become a cult classic in Estonia and is considered an important work of contemporary Estonian literature.
“Tõde ja õigus I” is a classic novel by Estonian author A.H. Tammsaare, first published in 1926. The book follows the life of an Estonian farmer named Andres and his family over several generations, exploring themes such as family, love, work, and traditional values in the face of modernization. It is considered an important work of Estonian literature and has been translated into multiple languages.
The Czar’s Madman is a novella by Jaan Kross first published in Estonian in 1978 and later translated into English in 1992. It tells the story of a young Estonian nobleman who becomes a political prisoner and meets Fyodor Dostoevsky in an asylum.
Kevade is a classic Estonian novel written by Oskar Luts and first published in 1912. The story takes place in a small Estonian town and follows the lives of several schoolchildren and their families, exploring themes of childhood, friendship, and growing up. It has since become a beloved cultural treasure in Estonia and has been adapted into numerous plays, films, and TV series.
Set during the 1992 War in Abkhazia, the film tells the story of an Estonian man named Ivo who stays behind in a village to harvest tangerines and takes care of two wounded soldiers from opposing sides.
Based on a true story, the film follows fencing master Endel Nelis, who teaches children the art of fencing in a small Estonian town while facing opposition from the school principal and Soviet officials.
1944 is a 2015 Estonian war drama film directed by Elmo Nüganen. The film portrays the events of 1944 in Estonia during World War II, told from the perspectives of soldiers from both the German and Estonian armies, as well as civilians caught in the middle.
The film is a dark fairy tale set in a pagan Estonian village where spirits, werewolves, and the devil roam. The story follows a young peasant girl named Liina, who is hopelessly in love with a village boy named Hans.
Truth and Justice is a 2019 Estonian drama film directed by Tanel Toom. Based on the classic Estonian novel of the same name, the film follows the story of a hardworking farmer named Andres, who strives to build a prosperous farm in the Estonian countryside. The film explores themes of ambition, sacrifice, and the search for truth and justice. Truth and Justice was Estonia’s official submission for the Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards.
Estonia has a rich and diverse music culture, influenced by both its own traditional folk music and Western classical music. The country has produced many prominent classical composers such as Arvo Pärt, Eduard Tubin, and Veljo Tormis. Estonian music also has a strong choral tradition, with numerous choirs and vocal ensembles performing both classical and contemporary music. One of the most famous choirs is the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, which has won multiple awards and performed all over the world. In addition to classical and choral music, Estonia has a thriving contemporary music scene that includes genres such as pop, rock, jazz, and electronic music. Many Estonian musicians have gained international recognition, such as the electronic music producer Kerli and the indie rock band Ewert and The Two Dragons. The country also hosts several music festivals throughout the year, including the Tallinn Music Week, which showcases local and international acts across various venues in the capital city.
