Short history about Estonia, Estonia

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Over the ages, foreign domination and repression have recurred with regularity in Estonia. The first settlers, tribes related to ancestors of the modern-day Finns, arrived in the area more than 6,000 years ago. In the 13th century, Teutonic knights invaded to convert the residents to Christianity - with fire, ax and the rod. Visitors from Sweden and Poland showed up next, dividing Estonia between them in the 1500s. Russia then gained Estonia in the Northern War, only to lose it two centuries later in World War I.

Estonia, along with the other Baltic states, was independent from 1918 until 1940. But then the three Baltic countries were annexed by the Soviet Union. More than 50 years of Soviet rule followed, characterized by deportations of thousands of dissidents (actual or potential), massive industrialization (and massive pollution) and the immigration of hundreds of thousands of ethnic Russians, Ukrainians and other Slavs.

Estonian patriotism always ran strong, however, and most native Estonians never considered their land to be part of the Soviet Union. (Many foreign governments also refused to recognize the annexation.) Nationalist feelings prompted an Estonian declaration of independence in 1991. Initially, independence was difficult, but the economy has rebounded at an impressive rate, and today the country maintains an enviable level of stability among eastern European countries. In November 2002, Estonia became a member of NATO, which should attract more foreign investment and facilitate additional economic development. As of 1 May 2004, Estonia was one of 10 countries that joined the European Union, a move that many hope will strengthen the country's economic and political standing.

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