LOCATION: Estonia

POPULATION: 1,332,893

INFLATION: 5.5%

GDP: 6.7%

GOVERNMENT TYPE: Parliamentary republic

COUNTRY AREA: 45,226 sq km

COUNTRY BORDERS: Latvia, Russia

NATURAL RESOURCES: Timber, oil shale, peat, phosphorite, clay, limestone, sand, dolomite, arable land

COAST LINE: 3,794 km

MAJOR INDUSTRIES: Machinery and equipment, wood and paper, textiles, food products, furniture, metals, chemical products

MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS: Finland, Sweden, Russia, Germany, Latvia


Estonia is the northernmost and smallest of the Baltic states - it's about the size of Switzerland. It borders Russia on the east and Latvia on the south. To the west are the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga, and the Gulf of Finland lies to the north. Helsinki is just 80 km (50mi) away across the Gulf of Finland; St Petersburg is 320km (200mi) east of Tallinn, Estonia's capital, which is on the north-western coast.

Lake Peipsi, on the Estonia-Russia border, is the 4th largest in Europe at 3500 sq km (1400 sq mi). Islands make up nearly 10% of Estonia's territory; the biggest are Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, both off the western coast. Forests cover nearly half the country. Estonia's rich flora includes 1470 varieties of indigenous plants, while its fauna features thriving populations of large European mammals, among them roe deer and elk. Estonia also has 10 species of rare and protected amphibians. A number of large raptors, including golden eagle (250 pairs), white tailed eagle, spotted eagle and eagle owl are protected, as is the rare black stork. One of the unique sights of the Estonian forest is the European flying squirrel.

Money The national currency of Estonia is called the Kroon and was introduced on 20 June 1992. The Kroon is abbreviated as EEK. The smaller unit is called the Sent, 1 kroon = 100 cents. The kroon is pegged to the EURO at 1 EUR = appr. 15.65 EEK. Foreign currencies can be easily exchanged in banks and exchange offices. There are exchange offices in several hotels, in the port of Tallinn, at the airport, the railway station and many other places.

Credit cards Credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard/Eurocard, Diner's Club, American Express etc. are accepted in most of the major hotels, restaurants and shops, but ask first. Most banks will give cash advances on credit cards supported by a valid passport. Check with the credit card company for further details before traveling.

Medical Care No vaccinations or health certificates are required upon entering Estonia, though health insurance is advisable. Ordinary over the counter medicines are available in pharmacies (?Apteek?) in every town. However, for the convenience of the traveler we suggest you bring along your own supply.


ECONOMY:
The former Soviet Baltic state has seen a surge of foreign investors since it joined the European Union in May 2004. It enjoys one of the fastest growing and most stable economies in Eastern Europe, and large-scale, post-accession investment is rapidly improving infrastructure.

Estonian GDP growth in 2006 increased to 11.4% % compared to 10.5% in 2005, and in 2007 it is expected to grow by 9.9%. The national economy of Estonia is currently exceeding Eurozone average growth by approximately 6.9%. After accession to EU the interest of foreign investors towards Estonia has raised significantly and also the investments of local entrepreneurs have increased. An important factor influencing the economic growth are the grants from EU and favourable loan opportunities. Annual inflation in 2006 was 4.43% and in 2007 is currently estimated to be 4.8%.

Estonia Property

PropertyGem are able to offer an excellent selection of property for sale in Estonia, including properties for sale in Tallinn, the capital, as well as property for sale in Parnu, which is the summer capital of Estonia. PropertyGem are able to offer clients an in depth knowledge of the property market in Estonia, and can show clients how investing in property in Estonia can produce excellent capital and rental returns.

Estonia offers not only some of Northern Europe?s most breathtaking landscapes, but also some exceptional property investment opportunities. Wherever you decide to buy a property in Estonia, PropertyGem will be able to assist you in finding the best property for sale in Estonia. The PropertyGem.com website lists a wide range of properties for sale in Estonia, from secluded 19th Century schoolhouses through to ultra-modern apartments, and our experienced and professional staff are available to assist you in identifying the best property for sale in Estonia to suit your requirements.

For investors looking outside of Tallinn, there are excellent opportunities to purchase a property for sale in Parnu, which is the summer capital of Estonia, and is visited by tourists from over 50 countries each summer.

Wherever you decide to buy a property in Estonia, properygem.com can help you make the right choice for you. With -properties in sixteen counties to choose from, we will guarantee to find your dream investment. Our website lists a wide array of properties for sale in Estonia, to cope with the steady demand, as more people are looking to invest in Estonia Property and take advantage of an amazing financial opportunity that is already proving to be extremely profitable to many investors.