Tallinn (TDI): Estonia celebrated its 107th Independence Day on Monday, with the government and people proudly honoring the country’s rich history, economic growth, and cultural diversity.
The Independence Day started with the traditional flag-raising ceremonies at sunrise across Estonia.
In the capital city Tallinn, hundreds of people gathered to watch the flag-raising ceremony at Tall Herman Tower.
In Jõhvi too, people gathered for the flag-raising ceremony at Muusikaväljak, which was followed by a march towards the War of Independence Monument.
Singers and dancers from local schools and the folk dance group Gevi performed at the ceremony.
Greetings from World Leaders
On the Independence Day of Estonia, several global leaders congratulated Estonia.
The Government of Pakistan extended its heartiest congratulations to the Government and people of Estonia.
On the occasion of #IndependenceDay of Estonia, we extend heartiest felicitations to its Government and people.@MFAestonia@PakinPoland_
🇵🇰🤝 🇪🇪 pic.twitter.com/mmYXNWomv4— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) February 24, 2025
The Government of Türkiye also congratulated Estonia on its Independence Day.
Congratulations to our ally and friend Estonia on the occasion of its National Day. 🇹🇷🇪🇪 pic.twitter.com/WTmdjSTVrZ
— Turkish MFA (@MFATurkiye) February 24, 2025
The United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, also congratulated Estonia.
He also appreciated Estonia’s commitment to regional and global security and its contribution to the NATO budget.
He further said, “I am grateful also that your country is an excellent host for rotational U.S. forces. May the anniversary of your nation’s independence serve as a reaffirmation of the shared values that unite Americans and Estonians.”
Estonia’s Independence Day is a moment to learn about its geography, rich history, art and culture, and traditions.
Geography of Estonia
Estonia is located in the Baltic Sea in Northern Europe, bordering Russia and Latvia.
Around 1500 islands and islets are part of Estonia, Saaremaa, and Hiiumaa being the largest of them, apart from mainland Estonia.
It is surrounded by waterbodies in the North and West. The Gulf of Finland lies in the North of Estonia, and the Gulf of Riga and Baltic Sea in the West.
History of Estonia
The earliest records of civilization date back to 9000 BC. However, its modern history began during the 18th Century, when Estonia came under the control of the Russian Tsar.
By the end of the 19th Century, both nationalism and industrialization had begun in Estonia, which played a significant role in its independence.
In 1905, Jaan Tõnisson founded the National Liberal Party in Estonia and organized its first congress in Tallinn in the same year.
The party soon passed a resolution for the political autonomy of Estonia.
The Russian Revolution of 1917 resulted in autonomy of Estonia. On 23rd February 1918, a manifesto was read out loud from the balcony of Endla Theatre in Pärnu, which declared Estonia an independent state.
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However, this freedom was short-lived. From 1941-1944, Estonia remained under the occupation of Germany.
By the end of World War II, the Soviet Union gained control of Estonia, which lasted till the 1980s.
In 1987, a proposal for economic autonomy from the Soviet Union was published in a Tartu newspaper.
During the 1980s, the feelings of Nationalism re-emerged in Estonia and continued to gain momentum.
On 11th September 1999, around 300,000 Estonians came together in Tallinn for the National Song Festival. The event came to be known as “The Singing Revolution.”
The push for independence and complete autonomy from the Soviet Union continued to gain momentum.
It resulted in the August Coup in Moscow, after which the Supreme Council of Estonia declared independence of Estonia.
Economy
In the late 19th Century, industrialization began in Estonia. Both agriculture and industrialization continued to play an important part in the economy of Estonia, till its independence.
Commerce and service industry also continued to grow, despite facing global economic challenges.
To this day, the Estonian economy has been cited as one of the most liberal economies in the entire Europe.
It has a balanced national budget, very few customs tariffs, and flat-rate income tax.
Estonia is one of the biggest producers of shale oil in Europe. Large deposits of high-quality phosphorites, limestone, dolomites, marl, and clay are also found in the country.
Culture and Cuisine
The culture of Estonia is rich and diverse, mainly due to its geographical location.
Elements of Estonian folk culture remained alive despite urbanization and industrialization.
Folk songs continue to be essential components of Estonian identity.
Though traditional clothes that were formerly worn daily started to fade in the latter part of the 19th century due to growing urbanization, they are still worn for celebrations.
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Estonian traditional dishes include brawn, pickled gherkins, pearl barley, potato porridge, stews, berry jams, salt herring, and leavened rye bread.
Ale, black pudding, gingerbread, apples, nuts, and roast goose or pork are some examples of holiday fare.
Arts and Literature
Visual arts began to emerge during the 19th century in Estonia. Johann Köler was among the leading portrait painters.
Estonian art gained global recognition due to the works of digital media artist Mare Tralla, sculptor Juri Ojaver, and ceramicists Leo Rohlin and Kaido Kask.
Estonian literature developed a diversity of styles, ranging from Neoclassicism to bold experimentation, due to the cultural and literary influences of western Europe.
The beginning of professional theatrical art in Estonia is connected with the establishment of the Vanemuine Theatre in Tartu in 1870.
Tallinn also has several theatres, including the National Opera Theatre, a youth theatre, and a puppet theatre.
Sports
Estonians love boating, as evidenced by the abundance of yacht clubs along the mainland’s coastline and the islands of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa.
The 1980 Moscow Olympic sailing competitions were held in the waters off Tallinn.
