Development plan
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Culture and sports
Who are we, where do we come from and where are we going?
The foundation for Estonia’s development is preserving the Estonian nation and culture. It is therefore important to build a society which protects and fosters our national identity; explores, stores and passes on cultural memory; creates favourable conditions for open and diverse cultural space; values creativity and sports. The world needs to know about our cultural richness and we need to know about the world’s.
The foundation for Estonia’s development is preserving the Estonian nation and culture. It is therefore important to build a society which protects and fosters our national identity; explores, stores and passes on cultural memory; creates favourable conditions for open and diverse cultural space; values creativity and sports. The world needs to know about our cultural richness and we need to know about the world’s.
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Architectural monuments
2023: 63.8%
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Participation in cultural activities
2023: 79%
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Performers in cultural activities
2023: 72%
Energy
Do energy independence and green energy production fit into a single picture?
The objective of the Estonian energy sector is to guarantee a continuous, sustainable and reasonably priced energy supply in Estonia. At the same time, there is a need to continuously seek ways to make energy production more environmentally friendly, to promote the use of renewable energy sources and contribute to balancing the impact of global climate change.
The objective of the Estonian energy sector is to guarantee a continuous, sustainable and reasonably priced energy supply in Estonia. At the same time, there is a need to continuously seek ways to make energy production more environmentally friendly, to promote the use of renewable energy sources and contribute to balancing the impact of global climate change.
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Energy productivity
2022: 4.2 euros per kilogram of oil equivalent
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Energy dependence
2022: 6.2%
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Energy expenditure in households
2023: 7.6%
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Renewable energy
2022: 38.5%
Education
What is the key to success?
The future of Estonia, the livelihoods and satisfaction of our people depend to a large extent on the education of each of us. Our knowledge, skills, creativity and shared values guarantee the continued existence of our society and nation. It is therefore at the heart of the Estonian state to offer young people a wide range of opportunities for development and personal fulfilment and to create lifelong learning opportunities for everyone.
The future of Estonia, the livelihoods and satisfaction of our people depend to a large extent on the education of each of us. Our knowledge, skills, creativity and shared values guarantee the continued existence of our society and nation. It is therefore at the heart of the Estonian state to offer young people a wide range of opportunities for development and personal fulfilment and to create lifelong learning opportunities for everyone.
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Participation in life-long learning by adults
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Tertiary education
2023: 43.5%
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Population with at least basic digital skills
2023: 63%
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Top performing students
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Hobby education
2023: 32.7%
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Early leavers from education and training
2023: 9.7%
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Youth not in employment, education or training
2023: 9.6%
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Adults with professional or vocational education
2023: 74.9%
Information society
Will e-Estonia be viable in the future or will it be forgotten like the Tiger Leap project?
E-Estonia makes us stand out from other countries. Our electronic ID is unique. Our information society will continue to develop if information and communication technologies gain more ground in governing as well as in the society at large. Then our increasingly smarter solutions could continue to boost the competitiveness of our economy, well-being and improve governance.
E-Estonia makes us stand out from other countries. Our electronic ID is unique. Our information society will continue to develop if information and communication technologies gain more ground in governing as well as in the society at large. Then our increasingly smarter solutions could continue to boost the competitiveness of our economy, well-being and improve governance.
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Share of fast internet connections
2022: 31.8%
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Internet use
2024: 92.3%
Health
How can people in Estonia live a healthy life for longer?
There are many influencing factors: the environment, accessible and high-quality healthcare, workplace safety, standard of living. But in many ways, health, well-being and quality of life depend on everyone’s own choices – how health-conscious we are, what we eat and drink, how much we exercise and care for ourselves.
There are many influencing factors: the environment, accessible and high-quality healthcare, workplace safety, standard of living. But in many ways, health, well-being and quality of life depend on everyone’s own choices – how health-conscious we are, what we eat and drink, how much we exercise and care for ourselves.
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Life expectancy
2023: 78.98 years
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Healthy life years
2023: 58 years
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Overweight or obese population
2022: 53%
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Avoidable mortality
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Deaths due to chronic diseases
2020: 147.6 deaths per 100,000 population
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Incidence of communicable diseases
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Suicides
2023: 13.72 deaths per 100,000 population
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Mental and behavioural disorders
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Consumption of alcohol
2023: 10.9 litres of absolute alcohol
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Consumption of tobacco
2022: 15.9%
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Persons with unmet needs for specialised medical care
2023: 12.1%
Environment
What is the future of Estonian natural resources?
How reasonably and efficiently are we using them?
We use hundreds of products and services every day on which we have spent a lot of resources. Today’s environmental challenges require everyone to be responsible for nature, so that future generations can breathe clean air and live in a naturally diverse environment.
How reasonably and efficiently are we using them?
We use hundreds of products and services every day on which we have spent a lot of resources. Today’s environmental challenges require everyone to be responsible for nature, so that future generations can breathe clean air and live in a naturally diverse environment.
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Properly treated wastewater
2022: 104.85 million cubic metres
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Groundwater abstraction
2022: 236.54 million cubic metres
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Surface water bodies in at least good overall status
2023: 52%
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Emissions of fine particles
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Green areas in cities
2023: 90.5%
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Recycling of municipal waste
2022: 32.9%
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Waste generation
2022: 22,853.68 thousand tonnes
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Generation of hazardous waste
2022: 1,570.38 thousand tonnes
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Implementation of environmental management systems
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Oil shale mining
2022: 10,707.5 thousand tonnes
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Greenhouse gas emissions
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Net greenhouse gas emissions
2022: 14.29 million tonnes CO2 equivalent
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Greenhouse gases from the transport sector
2022: 2,644.59 thousand tonnes of CO2 equivalent
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Marine protected areas
2023: 19.3%
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Spawning stock biomass
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
State of Baltic Sea
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Protected areas
2023: 19.8%
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Strictly protected forests
2023: 18.4%
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Emissions of acidifying pollutants
2022: 1.6 thousand tonnes of acidifying equivalent
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Habitat types in favourable conservation status
2024: 57%
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Environmental taxes
2022: 7%
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Species in favourable conservation status
2024: 56%
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Circular material use rate
2022: 16%
Internal security
Do you feel safe in Estonia?
Everyone needs to feel that our country is a safe place to live and that the political regime and the borders of our country are in good hands. Every one of us can help make Estonia safer by preventing accidents and caring for themselves and people close to them. Smart and effective solutions can reduce risks to people’s lives, health, property and constitutional order and ensure swift and competent assistance.
Everyone needs to feel that our country is a safe place to live and that the political regime and the borders of our country are in good hands. Every one of us can help make Estonia safer by preventing accidents and caring for themselves and people close to them. Smart and effective solutions can reduce risks to people’s lives, health, property and constitutional order and ensure swift and competent assistance.
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Number of persons who have died due to accidents, poisoning or physical trauma
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Traffic accidents with casualties on roads
2023: 1,725 traffic accidents with casualties
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Neighbourhood safety
2024: 91%
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Violent deaths
2023: 1.5 deaths per 100,000 population
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Victims of violence
2023: 1.7%
Cohesive society
How friendly is Estonian society?
A cohesive society is based on supportive, free people acting democratically to achieve common goals. The society is cohesive if everyone, irrespective of their sex, age, race, ethnicity, marital status or place of residence, are treated without prejudice and equally. Everyone can participate fully in society, work, fulfil oneself and be economically active. Social groups respect each other, act friendly and feel safe as a result.
A cohesive society is based on supportive, free people acting democratically to achieve common goals. The society is cohesive if everyone, irrespective of their sex, age, race, ethnicity, marital status or place of residence, are treated without prejudice and equally. Everyone can participate fully in society, work, fulfil oneself and be economically active. Social groups respect each other, act friendly and feel safe as a result.
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Unspecified citizenship
2024: 4.5%
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Natural increase
2023: -5,053 people
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Cohort fertility rate
2024: 1.83 children
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Speakers of Estonian
2023: 651.5 thousand people
Welfare
What kind of a country would we like to live in?
A country where people are valued and invested in. A country where people feel confident about the future. A country where people are not excluded and where working life and income do not depend on a person’s sex, origin or age, but on skills and knowledge and who we are as people. A country that is family-friendly. A country where people want to raise children and where children feel safe and happy.
A country where people are valued and invested in. A country where people feel confident about the future. A country where people are not excluded and where working life and income do not depend on a person’s sex, origin or age, but on skills and knowledge and who we are as people. A country that is family-friendly. A country where people want to raise children and where children feel safe and happy.
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Absolute poverty rate
2022: 3.5%
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
At-risk-of-poverty or social exclusion rate
2022: 24.2%
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Household saving rate
2022: 0.2%
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Persistent at-risk-of-poverty rate
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Gender pay gap
2023: 13.1%
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Female managers
2023: 34.4%
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Gender Equality Index
2023: 60.2 points
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Water quality in public water supply
2023: 98.8%
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Long-term unemployment rate
2023: 1.3%
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Annual income per household member
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Income inequality
2022: 5.4%
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Satisfaction with the living environment
2022: 73.5
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Population with a high burden of care
2023: 2.4%
Foreign policy
How do we see the world and how does the world see us?
The aim of Estonia’s foreign policy is to ensure that our country remains independent, and represent, defend and promote Estonia’s national interests on the international stage by making Estonia better known and increasing our involvement in the world. Successful international relations contribute to the effective protection and growing well-being of Estonian citizens.
The aim of Estonia’s foreign policy is to ensure that our country remains independent, and represent, defend and promote Estonia’s national interests on the international stage by making Estonia better known and increasing our involvement in the world. Successful international relations contribute to the effective protection and growing well-being of Estonian citizens.
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Official development assistance
2023: 0.3%
Research and development and entrepreneurship
What conditions promote entrepreneurship and contribute to higher living standards?
Estonia wants to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation and be home to committed people and ambitious businesses. It can help companies to be internationally competitive, effectively produce valuable products, export and provide innovative services by creating conditions for higher productivity and living standards, good education and culture, Estonia’s continued existence and development.
Estonia wants to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation and be home to committed people and ambitious businesses. It can help companies to be internationally competitive, effectively produce valuable products, export and provide innovative services by creating conditions for higher productivity and living standards, good education and culture, Estonia’s continued existence and development.
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Real GDP growth
2023: -3%
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Resource productivity
2022: 0.7 euros per kilogram
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Labour productivity compared to the EU average
2023: 77.5%
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Labour force participation rate
2023: 73.9%
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Research and development expenditure
2022: 1.8%
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Private sector researchers and engineers
2022: 2.23 persons employed per 1000 population
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Eco-innovation index as a share of the EU average
2022: 95%
Agriculture and fishing
What are the developments in the Estonian countryside?
The main pillars of our rural life are traditional agricultural landscapes and biodiversity. It is necessary for their survival to encourage agricultural entrepreneurship and improve the living environment in rural areas. This is the only way to achieve viable and competitive rural areas with balanced agriculture and fisheries, while ensuring plant and animal health, safe and varied foodstuffs, and people’s satisfaction.
The main pillars of our rural life are traditional agricultural landscapes and biodiversity. It is necessary for their survival to encourage agricultural entrepreneurship and improve the living environment in rural areas. This is the only way to achieve viable and competitive rural areas with balanced agriculture and fisheries, while ensuring plant and animal health, safe and varied foodstuffs, and people’s satisfaction.
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Agricultural productivity
2022: 31,326 euros
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Organic agricultural area
2023: 22.8%
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Organic production
2022: 9%
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Sales of pesticides
2023: 713,530.63 kilograms
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Use of fertilisers
Transport
How to travel quickly and comfortably, while caring for the environment?
Cost-efficiency and environmental sustainability are important transport goals in Estonia. To attain them, our roads need to be in good condition, cars should not clog cities and places should be accessible on foot, by bike or public transport. Our transport system should enable us to travel quickly, conveniently and safely to desired destinations, and goods should reach their destination smoothly.
Cost-efficiency and environmental sustainability are important transport goals in Estonia. To attain them, our roads need to be in good condition, cars should not clog cities and places should be accessible on foot, by bike or public transport. Our transport system should enable us to travel quickly, conveniently and safely to desired destinations, and goods should reach their destination smoothly.
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Carriage of passengers and goods
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
People commuting by public transport, by bicycle or on foot
2023: 34.9%
Effective state and rule of law
How to govern the state effectively when resources are limited?
Effective governance requires the ability and skills to make optimal use of available resources. Only carefully selected development objectives and well-considered financing decisions can ensure the quality and accessibility of public services.
Effective governance requires the ability and skills to make optimal use of available resources. Only carefully selected development objectives and well-considered financing decisions can ensure the quality and accessibility of public services.
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
Perception of corruption
2023: 76
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
General government structural balance
2023: -0.5 % of GDP
The Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development
General government debt
2023: 20%