Estonia? (best, life, country, place)

[jufrbo]

How is the quality of life in Estonia? I'm sure it is somewhat low considering its former Soviet status, but improving, right? How hard is it to move there? Has anyone moved to Estonia or somewhere like it?

I've read about it being the freest nation on Earth currently. I just want to know what this country is all about, I at least want to visit here soon, and maybe spend some years there after college.

[azoria]

Estonia is a gem of a little country.

It is EU. Immigration would be standard issue EU rules. You can visit for up to 90 days on a tourist passport.

[Mooseketeer]

Estonia is a wonderful little country and Tallinn an absolute world gem of a city.

I was there two years ago and was astonished how much the country had changed since Soviet days ( my last visit was in 86).

Urban areas are now very modern and I would not be surprised if Tallinn overtakes Helsinki soon in terms of wealth and financial success.

Rural areas are still quite "behind" and the Southern part of the country in the countryside was still very much a "forgotten" type of place but I was seriously impressed by how quickly Estonia has turned around from post soviet nation to self assured Western one.

We did a home exchange to Tallinn and the houses were just like everywhere else in Europe pretty much , everyone had cell phones, laptops, the shops were very fashionable , great restaurants and best indicator of economic success the entire city was buzzing with a real estate frenzy. Buying in Tallinn is now quite expensive and it is incredibly desirable for foreign investors.

The only downside was that the substantial Russian part of the population now seems rather excluded from a lot of public life and their living standards has significantly dropped. Though this understandable after throwing off the Soviet Yoke I am afraid there definitely was a lot of tension between the Russian and Estonian sides and it almost felt like 2 cities.

I suspect that unless they sort this out this might become a huge political problem. Also having Russia as a neighbour must still be pretty worrying considering certain recent Russian behaviour to some of its neighbours...

Estonia is truly a delight though and we are already planning our next visit. it is definitely the one of the 3 Baltic Nations with the brightest future in my opinion.

And their National Opera is by far the best in the world. Everybody sings. Literally. They won their independence with a "singing Revolution" and where most countries have National stadiums they have a National Singing Bowl !

[internat]

I say lower your expectations. It holds true for anywhere. Especially the Baltic countries though.

The economical situation in the Baltic countries is terrible right now and will only get worse. Much of their "wealth" was based on Swedish money pouring in. It's superficial. A few fancy malls does not make a western country.

"Recently the position of Swedish and Finnish enterprises in Estonia has slightly weakened but the majority of the investments still come from those countries. Sweden occupies the first place (54.5% of the direct investments) through the ownership of Estonia's largest banks (Hansapank and Ühispank), and Swedish investments can also be seen in the telecommunications sector and numerous other projects." Source: Estonica : Economy : Foreign investment (http://www.estonica.org/eng/lugu.html?menyy_id=1117&kateg=40&alam=81&leht=12 - broken link)

Most male tourists are attracted to the Baltic countries because of the women. It's the truth. Search for Pål Hollender's documentary "Buy Bye Beauty".

Estonians are a bit cooler and more Nordic-like than the Latvians and Lithuanians. In my experience Lithuania is worst in terms of how they cheat foreigners. Particularly taxi drivers. It doesn't matter even if you can pass for a local. They will soon understand you're foreign. Ukraine is the same. We're not talking about Austria or Norway here.

I believe there was another thread about Estonians.

[Neutre]

Originally Posted by Mooseketeer

The only downside was that the substantial Russian part of the population now seems rather excluded from a lot of public life and their living standards has significantly dropped.

And their National Opera is by far the best in the world. Everybody sings. Literally. They won their independence with a "singing Revolution" and where most countries have National stadiums they have a National Singing Bowl !

I don't know about Estonia, but I don't think that the living standards of the Russians in Latvia have significantly dropped. But I guess in Latvia there's much more interaction between Latvians and Russians, even their languages are quite closely related.
Btw, Latvians also sing (and dance) very well! I was really impressed.

Originally Posted by internat

Most male tourists are attracted to the Baltic countries because of the women. It's the truth. Search for Pål Hollender's documentary "Buy Bye Beauty".

I believe there was another thread about Estonians.

You're right. Usually I'm more attracted to guys physically, but in Latvia I had no time to look at guys because the gals were just amazing!!
Where's the other thread about Estonia btw?