flag of Estonia Population: 1 370 500 Capital: Tallinn Distance from Tallinn to Helsinki: 85km; to Riga: 307km; to St.Petersburg: 395km; to Stockholm: 405km Head of State: President Arnold Rüütel (since 08.10.2001) Administrative regions: 15 counties Main cities: Tallinn, population 408 329 Tartu, population 101 744 Narva, population 73 295 Official language: estonian Since 2004 member of EU Currency: Eesti kroon; 1 euro is worth 15,6 crown  Ernest Hemingway has written that in every port in the world, at least one Estonian can be found; this speaks volumes about the nation's enterprising spirit. With an area of 45 000 sq. km, Estonia is larger for example than Slovenia, Holland, Denmark or Switzerland; a little smaller, in other words, than New Hampshire and Massachusetts combined. Tallinn, with its medieval city centre, is Estonia's capital. Approximately a third of the nation (398 434 people) live in Tallinn. NATURE Many plant and animal species live in Estonia which are rare or no longer found elsewhere in Europe. The elk, roe deer and wild boar are amongst Estonia's common large mammals. There are also wolves, brown bears, ringed seals and grey seals. At least 10 per cent of the Estonian territory is subject to the environment protection. The preservation of traditional cultural landscapes is important as well.  PEOPLE This is not only a nation with a touching, visible past; it's a nation that is as progressive and hip as it is history-filled and quaint. Its spectacular progress since restoring its independence in 1991 is epitomized by its impressive Internet infrastructure, considered one of the most advanced anywhere in the world. Even in the depths of the countryside, you're almost as likely to see a villager surfing the Internet as milking a cow. Estonians are reputed to be quite stubborn and Estonians' ironic jokes tend to be targeted primarily at themselves. An Estonian, deeply convinced that his own ideas are always the best, does not look kindly on anyone who wants to instruct or teach him. The typical Estonian willingly sings in a choir; choral music is considered by many to be a symbol of the country at large. Neighbouring peoples have some justification when they taunt: 'put four Estonians together, and you'll get five parties'. Estonia - a world superlative! In a world that can at times seem overly packaged, Estonia remains refreshingly genuine and uncontrived. Having cast off communist rule more than ten years ago, Estonia has thrown doors back open to the world. The country's beautiful castles, old cities, manor houses, forests, beaches and islands – as its people – speak for themselves. It takes no effort to grasp that rapid changes are taking place around you. Change means development, fulfilment, a process of improving. Estonia’s technological sector is thriving while the past - our history and nature - has been perfectly preserved. From untouched nature to post-modern city culture, you can experience solitude and the forces of masses. Big business and handicrafts passed from generation to generation stand hand by hand.  Youth work in Estonia The target group of youth work is young people aged between 7.-26. years. There are 1 351 069 inhabitants in Estonia, 373 994 of them are at age 7 to 26. Youth work is the creation of conditions for young people for activities. In Estonia our youngsters have many possibilities to participate in different youth actions and activities. Youth may participate in youth associations (approximately 150), youth centres (over 110) or hobby schools (about 200). All of these centres offer various free time activities like dancing, handicraft, study of various musical instruments, computer and technical studies etc. Organisations also arrange local, national and international camps, competitions, seminars a.s.o. to youngsters and youth leaders. We have also information and counselling centres (over 30) what provide young people with information and counselling. In 1997 the Youth programme started it's activities, and it has become popular among youngsters and youth workers. In conclusion Estonian youth work is well developed and offers good possibilities to be socially active in national and international level. Our experience as camp organisers The EYWC started co-operation with the Platform Network in 1993. From that time, Estonian youth have been able to take part in international camps. Also youth from foreign countries have been able to participate in international camps in Estonia. In 2005 Estonian youth took part in camps in Hungary, Finland, Luxembourg, Slovenia, Germany. One Platform Network youth exchange was held in Estonia between Finnish, Belgium, Estonian and Spanish youngsters. One good possibility where to make camps in Estonia, is Kloogaranna Camp. The camp belongs to theMinistry of Education and Research and its manager is our Estonian Youth Work Centre. (See Kloogaranna photoshere.) There are many sport facilities and an adventure trail in the camp so that young people could spend their holidays in a healthy and interesting way. In the year 2006 Platform Meeting will be arranged in Estonia!Links about Estonia http://www.estonica.info/ http://www.einst.ee/publications.html Link about capital Tallinn http://www.tourism.tallinn.ee/ Link about Estonian Youth Work Centre http://www.entk.ee |
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