Estonia in numbers

31.6 people per km²

One of the least densely populated countries in the world, ranking 148th

221 nationalities

69.4% identify as Estonians

120,000+ e-residents globally

Home to the world's first e-residency program, empowering entrepreneurs globally

The smartest and most creative children in Europe

Ranking 1st in OECD PISA tests in Europe

Most startups and unicorns per capita

Leading Europe with 7.7 unicorns for every 1 million people

#1 in tech investments in Europe

1.17% of GDP invested in technology since 2015

100% of public services available online

100% digital, 0% bureaucrazy

First country with i-Voting

The only country offering secure internet voting since 2005

65th in the Soft Power Index

Estonia continues to punch above its weight in the Global Soft Power Index, earning a 65th place ranking in 2025.

The increase in soft power since 2022 proves Estonia's growing reputation as a leader in digital innovation, governance, and strong democratic values as well as increased familiarity during the past few years.

Global Soft Power Index

Those who know, think highly of Estonia

Estonia's global familiarity is increasing, and reputation remains strong.

Familiarity

Reputation

Leading with trust, innovation and sustainability

Sustainable future, education & science, and governance are more strongly associated with Estonia, while culture and heritage are less so.

Global Soft Power Index position by topics

Nation Brands Index

Estonia’s global perception has significantly improved, climbing from 42nd in 2009 to 35th in 2024 in the Nation Brands Index. Over the past 15 years, Estonia has strengthened its reputation across all key areas, with notable progress in investment, governance, and people.

NBI 2009 vs 2024

Estonia's nation brand value

A nation's brand, much like any other brand, has considerable value. It represents how a country is perceived and is tied to its economic performance and the investments made in that brand. Over the past year, the value of Estonia's brand has risen by 10%, totaling 47 billion euros, maintaining its position from 2023, following €1 billion improvement year on year.

Leading in business readiness

Hassle-free business and daily life in the world’s most advanced digital society.

International Tax Competitiveness Index

Estonia

100

2

Latvia

92.2

3

New Zealand

84.2

4

Switzerland

83.6

5

Lithuania

79.5

Freedom on the Net Report 2024

1

Iceland

94

Estonia

92

3

Canada

86

4

Chile

86

5

Costa Rica

85

UN E-Government Survey 2024

1

Denmark

Estonia

3

Singapore

4

South Korea

5

Iceland

World's first e-residency program

With over 120,000 people already on board, Estonia is making entrepreneurship accessible from anywhere in the world.

Number of e-residents

Top countries by number of e-residents

1

Ukraine

7550

2

Germany

7144

3

Spain

6724

4

Finland

6424

Leading the way in sustainability

Estonia sets global benchmarks for environmental responsibility and air quality, showcasing a commitment to a cleaner, greener future.

Environmental Performance Index 2024

Estonia

75

2

Luxembourg

75

3

Germany

74

4

Finland

73

5

United Kingdom

72

6

Sweden

70

7

Norway

69

The cleanest air in the world

1

Mauritius

3.5

2

Iceland

4

3

Grenada

4.1

4

New Zealand

4.3

5

Australia

4.5

Estonia

4.7

7

Finland

4.9

Among the best places to live in

Estonia ranks among the top countries for quality of life, with strong scores in well-being, safety, and living standards.

Top performer in Northern Europe

1

Iceland

194.9

2

Denmark

193.6

3

Finland

190.4

4

Norway

184.2

Estonia

180.1

Estonia's position in Europe

Stunning natural diversity

Estonia’s natural environment is one of the most diverse in Europe, characterized by vast forests, extensive bogs, and thousands of islands. These unique landscapes not only define the country’s geography but also play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and supporting sustainable ecosystems.

Forests cover more than half of the country

With 51% of the territory blanketed by forests, Estonia has Europe’s highest proportions of woodland.

Bogs make up 22% of the territory

Over 22% of Estonia is covered by pristine bogs and wetlands, creating a rare ecosystem where nature thrives undisturbed.

Estonia is home to 2222+ islands

Estonian islands feature wildlife and lively communities with strong traditions. They are a remarkable part of nature.

World-class Estonian culture

From globally acclaimed festivals to UNESCO-recognized traditions, Estonia’s culture resonates far beyond its borders.

Source: Estonian Song and Dance Celebration

Source: FIAPF

#1 in startups and unicorns per capita in Europe

Since Skype, generations of Estonian founders have inspired new transformative solutions, creating a distinct culture of entrepreneurship and innovation.

With roughly the size of Milan, Estonia stands out on the European startup map with over 1,500 startups. Estonia has the highest number or startups per capita in all of Europe - 5.5x more than the European average.

Estonia’s unicorn-valued companies

With 7.7 unicorns companies per million people, Estonia leads Europe in creating innovative startups and world-changing companies.

1

Glia

2023

2

Gelato

2023

3

ID.me

2022

4

Veriff

2022

5

Zego

2021

6

Pipedrive

2020

7

Bolt

2018

8

Wise

2015

9

Playtech

2007

10

Skype

2005

Launchpad for innovation and new technologies

Estonia provides the perfect framework to build, launch, and grow faster. Estonia is an efficient growth accelerator to pilot solutions in real-world conditions.

Global Innovation Index

Estonia is the world leader in venture funding relative to GDP

Estonia leads the investments made in tech in Europe, between 2015 to 2024. The US invested 0.53% of its GDP in technology over the last decade. The graph illustrates top 10 European countries and share of tech investments made as part of their GDP.

Venture funding in tech as share (%) of GDP

The smart choice for AI startups

Estonia ranks among the world’s top AI startup hubs, offering a digitally advanced ecosystem, seamless business environment, and a strong deep-tech community ready to scale innovations globally.

StartupBlink's winners of the AI Startup Industry 2024

1

United States

2

Israel

3

United Kingdom

4

Canada

5

Singapore

Estonia

Estonia’s education is the best in Europe

The PISA 2022 educational survey shows that the knowledge and skills of Estonian 15-year-olds are at the absolute top in Europe and the top eight in the world, with the leading countries in Asia. Among European countries, Estonia ranks 1st-2nd in mathematics with Switzerland, 1st in science and 1st-2nd in reading with Ireland.

Mathematics

Estonia

510

2

Switzerland

508

3

Netherlands

493

4

Ireland

492

Reading

1

Ireland

516

Estonia

511

3

Great Britain

494

4

Finland

490

Science

Estonia

526

2

Finland

511

3

Ireland

504

4

Switzerland

503

The most creative thinkers in the world

In the PISA 2022 Creative Thinking test, conducted as part of the global PISA study, Estonian students secured 1st place in Europe and ranked among the top globally.

In Europe

#1 out of 36

Estonia

2

Finland

3

Denmark

4

Latvia

5

Belgium

6

Poland

Globally

#6 out of 193

1

Singapore

2

South Korea

3

Canada

4

Australia

5

New Zealand

Estonia

Committed to global security and unity

Estonia is the most advanced digital democracy in the world that works to be a leading nation of the future, sharing its learnings and supporting others.

Member of NATO

since 2004

Estonia is a full and active NATO member, contributing 3% of its GDP to defense. Estonia plays a key role in cyber security, hosting the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Tallinn and supporting international peacekeeping missions.

Member of the European Union

since 2004

Estonia has been a committed member of the European Union since 2004, demonstrating its dedication to the values of cooperation, democracy, and economic growth. As a leader in digital innovation, Estonia shares its expertise in e-governance and cybersecurity, while actively supporting EU initiatives aimed at promoting peace, stability, and sustainability.

Estonia is punching above its weight in terms of contributing to the global good

According to the newly published Good Country Index, Estonia (ranking 9th globally) contributes more to humanity and the planet relative to their size than almost any other country on Earth.

Good Country Index 2024

Estonia made a notable leap in the Good Country Index rankings, rising from 22nd to 9th in terms of its overall contribution to humanity’s collective well-being.

A global leader in democracy

Having built an economically thriving liberal democracy and the most advanced digital society, Estonia stands out as a beacon of transparent governance, strong institutions, and democratic values.

Rising liberal democracy

Estonia's position in the Liberal Democracy Index has climbed steadily, reaching 3rd globally out of 179 countries.

Global top 5 in liberal democracy

Estonia is standing alongside Denmark and Sweden as a leading example of transparent governance and democratic values.

1

Denmark

2

Sweden

Estonia

4

Switzerland

5

Norway