| Estonia is able to meet its own need for electricity, and even to export a surplus. Oil shale is excavated in the northeast and used in local power stations. Alternative energy sources like wind, water and peat have been thoroughly investigated in recent years. Peat is one of the most important natural resources in Estonia, and, moreover, is renewable. |
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| The Estonian energy industry is founded on thermal power plants. Over 90 per cent of the entire electrical energy is produced on the basis of oil shale, a locally mined mineral, which is quite unique in the world. |
In 2002, the passenger terminals of the port of Tallinn serviced 6,2 million people. Most of Estonian export also goes through the ports. |
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| Since the country is not rich in mineral resources, its economy is primarily based on light industry and the service sector, i. e. tourism, trade and banking. Estonia is situated on a busy trading route between East and West and has always had excellent ports; foreign trade and transit are therefore ever increasingly important to the Estonian economy. After the restoration of independence, the share of the financial sector grew considerably and stablised. Today, foreign investors are involved in approximately 90 per cent of the Estonian Banking sector. In recent years, there has been a leap in information technology as well. |
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| From Estonian bogs to Dutch greenhouses: peat is extensively used in and exported for horticulture. |
Paper was first produced in Estonia in 1677. Based on abundant forest resources, paper production has retained its important role in Estonian industry. |
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| The most influential industrial areas are: the capital Tallinn, its surrounding areas, and Northeast Estonia. Major employers are the paper, timber and textile industries. One tenth of the population receives its income from agriculture, fishery or forestry. The changing world compels people to find other ways to earn a living besides traditional cattle breeding and grain growing. Cultivating oilseed rape, growing strawberries, or keeping a farmhouse for tourists are some of the alternative occupations. |
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| Costal fishing, nearly vanished during the Soviet period, looks quite brisk again. The fishing industry employs almost a quarter of Estonian islanders. |
The Tiger Leap (Tiigrihüpe) is the government programme for propagating computer skills. IT-basics acquired at school are valuable asset for the future. |
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| 1997 |
2000 |
2002 |
| Agriculture and hunting: |
4,9 |
3,4 |
3,1 |
| Construction: |
6,3 |
6,1 |
6,6 |
| Wholesale and retail trade: |
15,1 |
13,9 |
14,3 |
| Transport, storage and communication: |
12,8 |
16,2 |
15,5 |
| Real estate and business services: |
10,4 |
11,0 |
11,3 |
| Public administration: |
4,6 |
4,7 |
4,5 |
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| Composition of GDP (percentage at current prices). |
| When shopping for food, Estonians generally favour Estonian-made food items because of their good taste, affordable price, and the relatively small amount of preservatives they contain. |
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| Estonian furniture industry has a long tradition. In later years, many smaller enterprises have come to the market beside large-scale companies. |
The electronics industry is one of the most promising areas in advancing Estonian economy and export. |
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| Estonia exports various products: appliances of all kinds, electronic devices and components, and motor vehicle safety equipment. Small and medium-sized businesses predominate. |
| Estonia's biggest export partner is the EU with 63%, and Finland within the EU with 19%. |
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All exports
(billion kroons) |
Air freight
(Tallinn airport, tons) |
1997: 39,3
2001: 57,8 |
1997: 4 600
2001: 5 900 |
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Industrial production
(kroons) |
Construction
(million kroons) |
Tourism
(incoming tourists mln) |
1997: 40,4 mln
2001: 60 mln |
1997: 6 252
2001: 18 122 |
1997: 2,6
2001: 3,15 |
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